How to Make a Decision When Purchasing Contact Lenses

Overview

Contact lenses are small, curved pieces of thin plastic that cover the corneas of the eyes. They are prescribed by eye care professionals to correct vision problems. These lenses adhere to the eye by surface tension in which they "stick" to the film of tears on the eye. These popular devices come in a variety of types with the two largest categories being soft contact lenses and gas permeable lenses. It is essential to know about each kind of lens before you make a purchasing decision.

Step 1

Compare comfort level among the types of lenses as one consideration. Soft contacts are (as the name implies) softer than gas permeable lenses and therefore you may find them easier to wear. This is especially true with initial use and for first-time wearers.

Step 2

Assess which lenses are most appropriate for the type of vision problem you have. Gas permeable lenses are best for correcting refractive vision errors that necessitate high cylindrical or spherical powers.

Step 3

Decide how much time you can devote to the cleaning and maintenance of your lenses. Select single-use daily soft contact lenses if your lifestyle demands minimal of maintenance. If you have a little more time and want more durability, try seven-day soft lenses.

Step 4

Compare durability among contact lens. In general, gas permeable lenses last the longest, as they can remain function for two to three years, with proper care. Hybrid lenses that are essentially gas permeable lens with a surrounding soft ring also have better durability than soft lenses.

Step 5

Reflect on your lifestyle when deciding the type of lenses you need. Those who play sports are generally better off purchasing soft contacts rather than the "hard" gas permeable, which could hurt the eye if a ball or other object struck it.

Step 6

Select hybrid lenses if you have astigmatism, presbyopia or keratoconus. Hybrids will give you a level of comfort not found with regular gas permeable lenses while they will also correct these difficult vision issues.

Step 7

Think about your budget when choosing lenses. Single-use soft contact lenses are an expensive choice. If you want soft lenses, extended wear types may be less expensive option.

Step 8

Choose gas permeable lenses for greatest breathability. The corneas of the eyes require oxygen to function and remain in good health. Gas permeable lenses let more oxygen pass through them than other lenses.