Contact lenses have come a long way since their invention in the late 1800s. Today, technological advancements have made contact lenses more comfortable, convenient, and safe to wear than ever before. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the latest advancements in contact lens technology and how they can benefit you.

1. Daily Disposable Lenses: Daily disposable contact lenses are single-use lenses that are thrown away after each use. These lenses are a convenient option for those who want the convenience of contact lenses without the hassle of cleaning and disinfecting them. They also reduce the risk of eye infections and provide a fresh, clean lens every day.

2. Silicone Hydrogel Lenses: Silicone hydrogel contact lenses are a newer type of lens material that allows more oxygen to reach the eye than traditional hydrogel lenses. This makes them more comfortable to wear and reduces the risk of eye irritation. They are also more durable and can be worn for longer periods of time. Most daily and monthly contact lenses today are silicone hydrogel lenses. 

3. Multifocal Lenses: Multifocal contact lenses are designed to provide clear vision at all distances, eliminating the need for bifocals or reading glasses. They work by having multiple prescriptions in the same lens, allowing the eye to seamlessly transition between distance and near vision. Typically they will have concentric rings of distance and near power, and they work by splitting light entering the eye into a distance focused image superimposed on top of a near focused image. Then the brain gets to decide which image to focus on. Typically good vision is experienced at all distances, though some shadow / haze is associated at certain times and in certain lighting conditions. 

4. Extended Wear Lenses: Extended wear contact lenses can be worn for a week or longer, even while you sleep, providing you with the freedom of not having to take your lenses out every day. These lenses are made of silicone hydrogel, which allows more oxygen to reach the eye and reduces the risk of eye infections. They still are not typically recommended as a first line option by most Optometrists as the risk of infection is higher than a lens that is removed every day – but we are happy to discuss risks vs benefits of all contact lens modalities during your exam. 

5. Smart Lenses: Smart contact lenses are a new type of contact lens that incorporates technology to enhance vision or monitor health. Some smart contact lenses can change focus to correct vision, and others can measure glucose levels in the tear film to monitor diabetes. Almost all of these are still in the prototype stage at this time. 

These are just a few examples of the latest advancements in contact lens technology. If you’re interested in trying contact lenses, talk to our team at Louie Eyecare Centre about which lens type and material may be best for you. With the latest technology, contact lens wearers can enjoy more comfort, convenience, and better vision than ever before.