Understanding the Different Types of Contact Lenses

Toric lenses have a special shape to correct astigmatism, a condition where an irregular curve in the eye causes blurry vision at all distances. They are designed with weighted areas to keep them from rotating on the eye, ensuring your vision remains stable and clear. A precise fitting is essential to get the best results.

Multifocal lenses help people with presbyopia, the common age-related loss of near vision. They contain multiple prescription zones, much like progressive eyeglass lenses, to provide clear sight at all distances, from near to far. This allows you to reduce or eliminate your dependency on reading glasses.

Colored lenses can enhance or completely change your natural eye color, and are available with or without vision correction. Even if you don't need vision correction, colored lenses are considered medical devices and require a proper fitting and prescription from an eye doctor. Never buy lenses from an unlicensed source, as poorly fitting lenses can cause serious eye damage.

Also known as corneal reshaping lenses, Ortho-K lenses are rigid, gas permeable lenses worn overnight. While you sleep, they gently and temporarily reshape your cornea to correct nearsightedness. The lenses are removed in the morning, providing clear vision throughout the day without the need for glasses or contacts. They are also a leading option for controlling myopia, or nearsightedness, progression in children.

Yes, contact lenses are very safe for motivated new wearers, including teenagers and even some pre-teens. Success depends on the ability to handle and care for the lenses responsibly. Daily disposables are often an excellent starting point because they are easy to use and require no cleaning, minimizing the risk of infection.

Your eye doctor is the only one who can determine this. They will perform a comprehensive evaluation of your prescription, eye health, corneal shape, and lifestyle needs. Factors like dry eyes, allergies, and your work environment will all be considered to find your perfect match.

Yes, many people with dry eyes can successfully wear contact lenses. Your doctor may recommend specific lens materials like silicone hydrogel, daily disposables to avoid deposit buildup, or specialty scleral lenses that bathe the eye in moisture. Treating the underlying cause of your dryness is also key.

Yes, every contact lens wearer should have an up-to-date pair of backup glasses. You will need them for times when you shouldn't wear your lenses, such as when your eyes are irritated, when you are sick, or simply to give your eyes a break in the morning and at night.

No. You should never expose your contact lenses to any type of water, including tap water, pools, lakes, or oceans. Water contains bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause severe, sight-threatening infections. Always remove your lenses before these activities.

There are excellent specialty lens options available. Custom soft toric lenses, rigid gas permeable lenses, hybrid lenses, and scleral lenses can all provide sharp, stable vision for prescriptions that are outside the range of standard contacts. Your doctor will determine which option is best for your unique eyes.

Both are options for correcting presbyopia, but they work differently.

• Multifocal lenses have multiple prescription zones built into each lens to provide clear vision at all distances.
• Monovision corrects one eye for distance vision and the other eye for near vision. Your brain learns to favor the appropriate eye for the task at hand.

Your eye doctor can help you decide which option is a better fit for your visual needs and lifestyle through a trial fitting.

Contact lens prescriptions are valid for one year. You should have a comprehensive eye exam and a contact lens evaluation annually to monitor the health of your eyes, ensure your lenses still fit properly, and keep your prescription up to date.

Yes, but follow these tips for safety:

• Always insert your lenses before applying makeup.
• Use oil-free, hypoallergenic products.
• Avoid applying eyeliner to your inner eyelid margin, also called the waterline.
• Remove your lenses before removing your makeup.
• Replace mascara and liquid eyeliners every three months to prevent bacterial growth.

Never flush contact lenses down the toilet or wash them down the sink. They are not biodegradable and contribute to microplastic pollution in our waterways. The proper way to dispose of used lenses is to throw them in the solid waste trash.