Disadvantges of Wearing Gas-Permeable Contact Lenses
Though the eventual comfort level is somewhere between that of a hard lens and a soft lens, a few wearers may complain of an initial scratchy sensation. Because of the nature of the materials, the lenses are often made slightly larger than conventional hard lenses. There are also difficulties in modifying and adjusting the fit of some of the lenses, and these lenses cannot be fenestrated successfully to relieve any dry-eye problem.
Astigmatism is not corrected quite as well as it is with conventional hard lenses. However, vision is appreciably sharper than with soft lenses, even the toric soft contacts.
Gas-permeable lenses are more expensive than hard lenses; they cost even more than conventional soft lenses. But since they are nearly as durable as hard lenses, replacement is less frequent. The lenses can, however, be chipped and scratched. Warping may occur with time, though damage is minimized with proper handling. CAB lenses can be stained by eye makeup and hairspray. The surface deposits that form easily on the silicone lenses can’t always be removed completely with the usual cleaning and soaking solutions. This is less prevalent with the CAB lenses.
The lenses are difficult to make and delivery time may take a few weeks. The right lens cannot be dotted to avoid confusing the right and left lenses.
