Contact Lenses FAQ
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Are you considering wearing contact lenses?
These answers to frequently asked questions about contacts will help make your shopping experience more enjoyable and less confusing:
Q. I have astigmatism. Can I wear contact lenses?
A. Absolutely. Options for the correction of astigmatism include special soft lenses called toric contact lenses, gas permeable (GP) contacts and hybrid contact lenses.
Q. What are hybrid contact lenses?
A. Hybrid contacts are two-material lenses: They have a rigid GP central optical zone and a peripheral zone made of a soft contact lens material. Hybrid lenses are designed to provide the superior optical performance of GP lenses and wearing comfort comparable to soft lenses.
Q. I have dry eyes. Can I wear contacts?
A. Usually, yes. New contact lens materials and treatments are making contacts more comfortable for people with dry eyes. Depending how long you wear your contacts during the day, you occasionally may need lubricating eye drops to keep them comfortable.
Q. What contacts are best for people with allergies?
A. If you suffer from allergies, your best choice may be daily disposable contacts. Because you discard these lenses after just one day of wear, there is less risk of accumulation of lens deposits that can cause eye discomfort during allergy season. Daily disposable lenses also eliminate the need for contact lens solutions and daily lens care.
Q. I wear bifocals. Are there any contacts for me?
A. Sure. There are many brands of bifocal contacts that can provide a full range of vision. Another option is monovision — where one eye is fit with a lens for clear distance vision and the other is fit with a lens for clear near vision. Both options reduce or eliminate the need for reading glasses for most wearers.
Q. Are there any contact lenses that can change the color of my eyes?
A. Yes, there are many brands of colored contacts that can enhance or change your natural eye color. Some of these soft lenses contain cosmetic tints that can make light eye colors more vibrant; others have opaque tints that can lighten dark eye colors.
Q. I have perfect vision, but I want to buy special effect contact lenses to make me look like a vampire. Do I still need a prescription?
A. Yes, special effect contact lenses — even those with no corrective power — require a contact lens prescription. All contact lenses, including theatrical contact lenses, costume contacts and gothic contact lenses, can potentially cause eye problems if they are not fit properly or a person's eyes do not respond well to contact lens wear.
Q. What are the best sunglasses to wear with contact lenses?
A. The most important consideration when purchasing sunglasses is to make sure the lenses block 100 percent of the sun's ultraviolet radiation. Though some contact lenses block ultraviolet (UV) rays, sunglasses are still needed to protect the parts of the eye not covered by the contacts, the eyelids and the delicate skin around the eyes.
UV radiation has been associated with serious eye problems, including cataracts and macular degeneration. So whether you prefer stylish designer sunglasses or streamlined sports sunglasses, make sure they provide 100 percent UV protection.
Another benefit of wearing sunglasses is that they reduce your eyes' exposure to wind and dust, which can affect contact lens comfort.
For more information about contacts and to find out if you are eligible for free contact lenses, visit AllAboutVision.com.