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Contact lens are lens to be placed on eyes for corrective, cosmetic or therapeutic reasons. Many people nowadays are wearing contact lenses for many reasons but the major reason is the change in the appearance. Wearing glasses may make you look different, contact lens helps to maintain the natural look of the eyes. People are using contact lenses widely for correcting their vision as these lenses have some additional benefits over eye glasses such as, they are less affected by moisture, etc. Aesthetics and cosmetic is one of the greatest factors contributing to the increased use of contact lens.      
If you`re thinking of replacing your eye glasses with contact lens, first consult your ophthalmologist for that as these medical care devices should not be used without an expert advice. Depending on your requirement, like if you want to use the lens for corrective purpose or just to change your eye color, your optician or ophthalmologist will suggest you the best for your eyes. He will check your eyes for any problems that one could incur while using the lens.

Types of Contact Lens:

Based on material, there are two major types of lens: soft lens and rigid gas permeable.

Rigid Gas Permeable Lens: These lenses were developed to overcome the clinical events faced by using the hard lens as there was no oxygen supply through the lens to the cornea. The material used to make these lens is quite rigid and oxygen-permeable. These lenses are less affected by vapours or liquids thus making them suitable for industrial purposes. Rigid lens provides a good level of vision to people who need strong correction.

Soft Lens: Soft lens, a recent development, does not take time in adapting due to increased comfort level unlike rigid gas permeable lens.      

Based on functions, there are three types of lens: corrective, cosmetic, and therapeutic.

Corrective Lens: Corrective lens are meant to improve the vision. People with myopia, hypermetropia, astigmatism, and presbyopia can wear these lenses. 

Cosmetic Lens: They are designed to change the color or appearance of the eyes. Cosmetic lens can be used for vision purpose, but the design variations may interfere with its true use and thus they are recommended for decorative purposes.

Therapeutic Lens: Therapeutic lens are actually soft lens that are used to treat and manage the non-refractive disorders of the eyes.   

The lens can be classified based on other criterion as well such as the design, replacement period, wear indicator, etc.

Wearing contact lens may introduce some complications due to mishandling, excessive wearing, etc. Generally contact lens affects the eyelid, conjuctiva, and various layers of the cornea. So before using contact lens you must be clear about all how`s and why`s.