Are you new to wearing contact lenses? Looking to try different contact lens options? Whether you are making the switch from glasses or have just recently found out you require them to improve your vision, it can feel overwhelming trying to choose the best contact lens option to fit your lifestyle. Contacts are easy and safe to use and are highly effective replacements if you do not want to or cannot wear glasses all of the time. They can come in exciting color options for aesthetic purposes but are mainly used for their effectiveness in correcting vision problems like nearsightedness, astigmatism, and farsightedness.
Before choosing a contact lens option, speak to your eye doctor to get their professional advice, and remember to get regular eye exams done to ensure your prescription stays up to date and to keep your peepers healthy.
Advances in contact lens technology allow most people to wear contacts successfully without any disruption to their lifestyle. A contact lens fitting with your eye doctor will ensure that appropriate lenses are chosen for your eyes' unique shape and prescription. Some benefits of contact lenses include:
If you are choosing contact lenses for cosmetic purposes, it is important that you consult with your eye doctor first and avoid purchasing from Halloween or beauty stores as they will not be properly fitted to your eye shape and can cause infections and other vision problems. Cosmetic lenses and vision correcting lenses must be fitted and monitored by a trained professional to avoid these possible side effects.
Soft Vs. Hard Lenses
The two basic contact lens options for you to choose from are soft or hard lenses. Soft contacts are most common; only 10% of Canadians wear hard contact lenses. Hard or rigid contact lenses are commonly worn by individuals with astigmatism or for those with a medical condition in which protein deposits form on the contact lens. Soft contact lenses allow for better oxygen flow through the lens and into the cornea to keep it healthy and prevent swelling and cloudiness which can lead to more serious vision problems down the road.
Daily Wear Contact Lenses
Daily contacts must be taken out and disinfected at the end of each day. These lenses are replaced on a set schedule depending on the brand and can range from requiring replacements every two weeks to every three months. They are the least expensive contact lens option but require more daily maintenance involved when compared to other contact types.
Extended Wear Contact Lenses
This type of contact lens is designed to be worn overnight and only requires cleaning and disinfection once a week. However, it is not recommended by eye doctors to wear contact lenses overnight even if they are extended wear lenses because they may reduce the amount of oxygen getting to the eyes and increase the chances of getting a cornea infection.
Daily Disposable Lenses
These lenses can be thrown out at the end of each day and do not require any maintenance. This lens option is popular among individuals suffering from allergies.
Multifocal Contact Lenses
Individuals with presbyopia- a condition that prevents people from being able to bring close-up objects into focus can sometimes have their vision corrected with bifocal or multifocal lenses.
Toric Lenses
Toric lenses are hard lenses used to correct astigmatism, a condition that causes blurred vision due to an irregular shaped cornea or lens inside of the eye.
Are you looking for guidance and advice on how to choose contact lenses that will not irritate your eyes and match your lifestyle? My Optometrist Calgary has a team of eye care specialists that have the expertise to help you find a proper prescription and contact lens fitting so you can enjoy daily activities without being disrupted by glasses or unfit contact lenses.
Contact one of our My Optometrist Calgary eye clinics at either 403-256-0606 (Health First Optometry), 403-291-0923 (Sunridge Vision Centre), or 403-443-2040 (Three Hills Optometry) and book your appointment today. Our eye specialists are looking forward to helping you in a COVID-19 safe way!
Q: Do contact lenses hurt?
A: Contact lenses may feel uncomfortable as your eyes adjust, but they should never hurt. When you use contact lenses for the first few times your eyes may be irritated and watery, just remember to keep disinfecting them until your eyes can fully adjust to wearing them.
Q: Can contact lenses scratch my eyes?
A: Contact lenses can scratch your eye if not taken care of correctly or if they are not replaced regularly. Scratches from contact lenses are rare and can be avoided with proper lens care and by following the instructions given by your eye doctor.
Q: Can a contact lens get lost behind my eye?
A: No, it is physically impossible for a contact lens to merge or disappear behind your eye. Contacts are specifically designed to stay on the surface of the eye and can be easily removed and put back into place.
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