Contact lenses are one of those things that many people have but you would never know because no one else can see them. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 45 million Americans wear contact lenses.
Given the prevalence of contact lenses, it's important to understand how to choose the right one for you, as not all lenses are created equal. There are different types of lenses, different colors and even different uses. Some contact lenses are thrown away after a day, others can be worn for a week without having to be removed.
Find out all about which contact lenses to buy and how to care for them below.
Contact your optician
If you suspect you may need some form of vision support , your first step should always be to see your optician. Your doctor can perform an eye exam to assess exactly what you need and to help you decide what type of contact lenses is right for you, your vision, and your lifestyle. Contact lenses aren't for everyone, and an optometrist can tell you if you shouldn't try them.
Consider the different types of contact lenses
Not all contact lenses are the same. There are a handful of different styles to choose from for different needs and purposes.
- Soft contact lenses: These are flexible and often disposable. They are great for people with dry eyes as they help keep the eyeball hydrated. However, these tend to be thin and can tear easily, which can irritate your eyes.
- Disposable lenses – Exactly what they sound like: Disposable lenses are designed to be worn for short periods of time, often just for a day or maybe a week. These jars are rotated frequently and are ideal for people who have trouble keeping track - you don't have to worry about losing them at the end of the day by throwing them away.
- Gas Permeable Lenses - These are stiffer than soft lenses and tend to be much more durable. Being a little thicker makes them a better option for people with astigmatism as they have a slightly greater potential for improving their vision.
- Bifocals: Just like you can get bifocal glasses, you can get bifocal contact lenses. These are intended for people who are both nearsighted and farsighted.
- Extended Wear Contact Lenses – Unlike disposable lenses, extended wear contacts are designed to last. The biggest difference, however, is that you can also sleep in it ( which is usually an absolute taboo ). With most contact lenses, you would remove them at night, but with longer wear, you can wear the lenses 24/7, typically for up to a week. They're perfect for anyone who doesn't want to worry about their contacts any more than necessary.
Get your prescription and the right fit
The first thing you should do is have your eyesight checked by a doctor. Do an eye exam to find out what prescription you need before you start shopping for contact lenses. Although you can order lenses online, you should not do so until you have consulted your eye doctor to find out what your prescription is and which lenses are right for you. This includes examining your actual eyeball to understand the curvature of your cornea and the size of the pupil.
All of these factors determine which contact lenses are most comfortable and best suited to your lifestyle. And while it may be tempting to proceed with the lens purchase without a trip to the optometrist, remember that your eyes are very sensitive and putting on the wrong lenses (that don't fit well or aren't right for your vision) is yours Eyes can cause permanent damage.
Look for different brands
Your eye doctor will most likely suggest different brands of contact lenses for you to choose from. While it's best to follow your eye doctor's recommendations (they're professionals, after all), you can also do your own independent research to decide which brand you're most comfortable with. It is advisable to choose high quality lenses from trusted companies as they are more likely to offer safe lenses that fit your eyes comfortably. If in doubt, ask your ophthalmologist for their recommendations.
Check your insurance coverage
For many people, insurance coverage will be an important factor in eye care. Check your insurance coverage to see what you can get for eye exams and contact lenses. If your health insurance covers vision care, you may be eligible for an annual eye exam, which is included in your plan. Then your eye doctor can help you find out which contact lens protection you are entitled to. This can vary from brand to brand. If you have a health savings account, you can use it to save money on eye care, too, since you'll be paying more than you would for glasses. You will also need contact lens solution and an extra container or two. Many people who wear contact lenses also wearglasses for emergencies or days off when wearing contact lenses is too difficult. So this is another cost factor to consider.
Tips on finding affordable but quality contact lenses
Even if you don't have health insurance, it's important to get a prescription from an optometrist before purchasing contact lenses. Once you have the prescription handy (along with a contact lens recommendation), you can search online for contact lens retailers , which may be less expensive than buying direct from your optometrist. Many online retailers offer contact lenses without insurance at affordable prices, especially for people who lead budget-conscious lifestyles. You will need a prescription from your optician, so this should always be the first step in the process.
Consider the maintenance and care your contact lenses require
Your eyes are sensitive, so it's important that you do everything you can to keep them clean and healthy. This means you need to take care of your contact lenses . Even if you wear disposable lenses every day, you should always have contact lens solution on hand if you need to rinse or remove lenses during the day.
There are three types of contact lens solutions on the market and you should use the one that works best for you and your lenses.
- Versatile Solution: This is the most common and mixed solution for most purposes. It is suitable for all soft contact lenses.
- Hydrogen Peroxide Solution: For anyone sensitive to general purpose solutions, a hydrogen peroxide solution is the best solution. These solutions are used with a special kit that turns them into a saline solution (so as not to damage the eyes).
- Rigid, Gas-Permeable Solution: This is intended for use with rigid, gas-permeable lenses only. Because these lenses are made differently than soft lenses, they require different care.
Tips for cleaning, storing and handling contact lenses
Here are a few things to keep in mind when handling your contact lenses:
- Always make sure your hands are clean.
- After removing a lens, clean it in your hand with contact lens solution before placing it back in the case with more solution to soak.
- Do not clean your lenses or housing with tap water, just use a solution.
- Replace your cases every three months.
- Do not transfer travel contact lens solution to smaller bottles as this may compromise its sterility.
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