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The many varieties of the contact lens

If you’ve been thinking about changing your frames into contacts, or if you’re looking into getting a different kind, it’s important to be aware of your options. Contacts come in a variety of lens types, and each has its own distinct advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a brief list of the most popular kinds to get you started:

• Rigid gas-permeable: This is the basic kind of contact lens. It is made out of slightly flexible plastic and provides wearers with the highest quality of vision possible. It is also generally durable. However, in order for the lens to adapt to a person’s eye, he must wear it very frequently and make sure it is not slipping off-center.

• Daily wear soft lenses: These lenses are made out of soft, flexible plastic. According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), daily wear soft lenses are great for active lifestyles because they are comfortable and do not come out easily. They’re also available as tints and bifocals. However, the lenses do need to be replaced more often, as they get dirty easily.

• Extended wear lenses: This type of lens, as indicated by the name, can be worn for longer periods of time than the typical contact lens – including overnight and for up to seven days. The downside is that eyes are more prone to complications when wearing the same lens for such a long period of time. There is also a disposable version of the extended wear lens, which offers many of the same benefits as the daily wear lenses. The AOA suggests patients wear the disposable version for one to six days before discarding them and starting fresh.

To get more information about any of these types of contact lenses, schedule an appointment with your True Care plan-accepting eye doctor and ask how True Care can make your next pair of contacts even more affordable.

THIS PLAN IS NOT INSURANCE. THIS IS NOT A MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG PLAN.*
This plan does not meet the minimum creditable coverage requirements under M.G.L. c. 111M and 956 CMR 5.00. The plan provides discounts at certain health care providers for medical services. The range of discounts will vary depending on the type of provider and service. The plan does not make payments directly to the providers of medical services. Plan members are obligated to pay for all health care services but will receive a discount from those health care providers who have contracted with the discount medical plan organization. You may access a list of participating health care providers at this website. Upon request the plan will make available a written list of participating health care providers. You have the right to cancel within the first 30 days after receipt of membership materials and receive a full refund, less a nominal processing fee (nominal fee for MD residents is $5). Discount Medical Plan Organization and administrator: Careington International Corporation, 7400 Gaylord Parkway, Frisco, TX 75034; phone 800-441-0380.

The program and its administrators have no liability for providing or guaranteeing service by providers or the quality of service rendered by providers. This program is not available in Montana and Vermont. *Medicare statement applies to MD residents when pharmacy discounts are part of program.