Contact Lenses
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When it comes to contact lenses, there are a plethora of options. Many different shapes, sizes and colors are available depending on your needs, lifestyle and type of correction, whether it is hyperopia, myopia or astigmatism.
Contact lenses come in a variety of materials and designs including:
- Colored contacts and special effect contact lenses can change your eye color, but must still be ordered with a prescription from an eye doctor.
- Bifocal contact lenses contain different sections for near and far vision to correct presbyopia, which is related to age and causes a decreased ability to have a full range of vision.
- Orthokeratology, or ortho-k, lenses are designed specifically to reshape the cornea during sleep, so there is no lens wear during the daytime.
- With monovision lenses, one contact lens is worn with one power to correct distance vision and the other lens has a different power to correct near vision, with the distance vision lens usually worn in the dominant eye.
- Daily disposable contact lenses are only worn for one day and discarded before you go to sleep. They are convenient for people who have difficulty remembering to clean their lenses.
- Toric contacts correct mainly for astigmatism, as well as for myopia and hyperopia.
- Silicone hydrogel contact lenses allow more oxygen to pass through the lens to the eye, and they are less prone to dehydration. Extended wear contacts, contacts that can be worn for up to seven consecutive days, are typically made out of this material.
In order to buy contact lenses, your eye doctor must write you a contact lens prescription.
Learn about contact lens discounts and how you may be eligible for free contacts.
Contact lenses can be difficult for some to wear, and complications can arise from usage. You should consult your eye doctor if you experience eye irritation, blurry vision, if your eyes begin to tear exessively or if your eyes feel more dry than usual. Serious eye conditions tied to contact lens usage include:
Contact lenses are medical devices and proper care should be taken at all times to minimize eye health risks.
Do you still have lingering questions about contacts, like the cost of contacts or how to care for them? AllAboutVision.com added over 25 pages of information answering general contact lens questions. Examples include: