Contact Lens Quick Guide
Ready to go frameless? Get the scoop on all things contacts.
When it comes to everyday eye wear convenience, contacts are clearly a fantastic option. Contact lenses don’t have to be intimidating. Check out these contact lens basics to help you understand the world of contact lenses.
Daily Contacts
Daily contact lenses are disposable and come pre-packaged in blister packs. Simply pop them open, put them in, and go! The good news is that daily contacts require very little maintenance. On the downside, you’ll need to make sure to purchase high-quality lenses from a reputable company, and keep in mind that daily contacts cannot be taken out and put back in. If you remove them for any reason, you must replace them with a new pair.
Bi-Weekly Contacts
Bi-weekly contacts are meant to be replaced every other week, so they last longer than daily contacts but not quite as long as monthly contacts. These convenient lenses are more environmentally friendly than daily disposable lenses. But, beware: Bi-weekly lenses still need to be taken out every night before bed.
More Contacts Terminology
Sphere
Spherical contact lenses correct myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness). They have the same lens power throughout the entire optical part of the lens.
Toric
Toric contact lenses correct astigmatism. Because Toric lenses must stay in place, they are slightly weighted at the bottom. Toric lenses come in a variety of options including soft disposable contact lenses, daily disposable lenses, and frequent replacement lenses.
Multifocal
Multifocal contact lenses have different power zones for near and far vision to correct presbyopia, and nearsightedness or farsightedness. Multifocals are equivalent to progressive eyeglasses in that they have multiple prescriptions in one lens.
Colors
Colored contact lenses are contacts that alter the color of your iris with or without vision correction. They come in a wide variety of colors – even seasonal options for Halloween or Christmas.
Soft and Hard Contacts
Soft contacts are disposable and come in daily, weekly, and monthly varieties. Hard or rigid gas permeable (RGP) contacts are custom made for your specific needs and last longer than their soft contact counterparts. If you lose one or both, they cost more to replace than soft contacts since they are custom made.
Cleaning and Care
Proper maintenance of your contacts helps extend the life of the lenses and keeps infection at bay. Follow these steps to keep your lenses and case fresh and clean:
General tips
How to Clean Your Contact Lens Case
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Remove old contact solution.
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Rinse your case with fresh contact lens solution.
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Allow the case to air-dry on a clean tissue.
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Replace your contact lens case every few months.
Dr. C. Brad Brocwell, O.D.
Dr. B
I have dry eyes from seasonal allergies. Which contacts are best for dry eyes?
“Soft disposable contact lenses are the best choice for patients suffering from Dry Eye. Daily disposable contacts provide a fresh lens every day without the buildup of bacteria, allergens, or deposits which increases the health and comfort of the lens.”
