Choosing the right contact lenses is important, as wearing lenses that are unsuitable can put someone’s eye health at risk. An optician can make selecting the right contact lenses easier. The right lenses will be based on the individual’s unique needs which includes lifestyle, budget and the refractive error that needs to be corrected. Choosing the right lenses can be the difference between a comfortable lens wearing experience and contracting an eye infection.
What type of contact lenses are there?
Soft lenses are the most common type of contact lenses. Rigid gas permeable lenses are stiffer than soft lenses and they aren’t always suitable for everyone. There are pros and cons to wearing both, however the decision should always be made with a qualified contact lens optician.
As well as soft and hard lenses, there are also different wearing types. The wearing type refers to how long the lenses can be worn for before they either need to be cleaned or thrown away.
Daily disposable
Daily disposables are one of the most popular types because it is the most convenient. Dailies can be worn all day then simply thrown away before going to sleep. Those that don’t want a lens-cleaning routine may prefer to wear daily disposables.
Two weekly
Two weekly lenses can be worn every day if they are removed, cleaned and stored in contact lens solution before going to sleep. Two weeklies are more cost-effective than dailies and can provide a fresher feeling compared to monthlies because a new pair of lenses is worn every two weeks.
Monthly
Monthly lenses can be worn every day for 30 days provided they are removed, cleaned and stored in contact lens solution before going to sleep. Monthly disposables are the most cost-effective type of lens because one pair of lenses is used for the entire month before it is replaced.
Extended wear
Some contact lenses can be worn continuously without them needing to be removed. Extended wear lenses can only be worn if approved by an optician. It’s important to only wear continuous lenses if they are recommended by an optician because wearing contact lenses whilst sleeping can limit the amount of oxygen that can reach the eyes. This can cause dryness and irritation, however there are some benefits to wearing lenses overnight. For those that have extremely high refractive errors and cannot see well at all without correction, this type of lens can be useful.
Comfort and fit
How comfortable contact lenses are can be down to the material as well as the fit. If lenses are too big or too small for someone, the lens can be unstable and move around the eyes, causing discomfort. This is why a contact lens fitting is important before purchasing contact lenses. An optician will ensure a prescription reflects the proper sizes and refractive errors that should be corrected, ensuring the individual has clear vision and a comfortable experience whilst wearing lenses.
Visit an optician every two years
Most people should visit an optician at least every two years to ensure their eye health isn’t at risk and to see if they require an updated prescription. Some people may need to have their eyes checked more frequently, for example, those with diabetes will have more regular checks as their eyes are more prone to damage. Seeing an optician regularly is essential for diagnosing eye conditions early, which can be vital for stopping or slowing the progression of certain diseases.
Online is often cheaper
Buying contact lenses online is often cheaper than buying them on the high street. Online retailers like Feel Good Contacts offer up to 50% off contact lenses compared to high street opticians and next day delivery on orders placed before 11:59pm. With a broad selection of lenses from renowned brands such as Acuvue and Dailies, buying lenses online is an affordable and convenient choice for many.
