Contact lenses give you a great alternative to bulky, uncomfortable glasses. Available only by prescription, there are several kinds to choose from. Your optometrist will measure your pupil and cornea, therefore giving her a clear idea of the type of contact best suited for you. Your optometrist can recommend several brands in different price ranges and offer contacts to correct astigmatism, where in the past, contacts were not available. Always take any suggestions your eye care professional gives you into consideration when choosing contacts.
Step 1
Ask your optometrist for suggestions based on patient experience. He will be able to explain which brand makes good on promotional promises and what type of contact is healthier for your eyes, depending on any underlying conditions.
Step 2
Study all the information you find on different types of contacts. If you suffer drier eyes or astigmatism, then soft disposable contacts may be your best option. Soft disposables allow air to pass, keeping your eyes healthier and they contain water to keep moisture from being lost. Soft contact manufacturers make astigmatism-specific line, as well. Gas permeable contacts are nondisposable and must be cleaned and stored nightly. They are more rigid, and last for a year. Gas permeable lenses work best when there is no underlying eye discomfort, such as dry eye, and can be used if you're allergic to soft contact lenses.
Step 3
Look at color options. Some contacts come with a natural tint to accentuate your eye color or change eye color completely. This can help mask eye discoloration or in some cases, balance eye color when the eyes are different colors. This step is considered a cosmetic step and clear contacts are available to those who are not concerned about color, only sight.
Step 4
Ask your optometrist about the importance of contact lens water content. Soft contact lenses are made up of certain percentages of water, to allow oxygen past the contact and to the eye and to prevent drying of the eyes, which can be uncomfortable. If you already have dry eyes, then your optometrist may recommend a higher water content lens.
Step 5
Try different brands and types of contacts. Most optometrist offices will offer a trial pair of contacts to ensure that you find the kind that fit comfortably and don't cause vision interference. Use the trial pairs given each time to find the contact lens that you have the most success with.
Tips and Warnings
- Visit your optometrist and online contact lens distributors to determine how to get the best value for your contacts. This is also helpful in determining what brand contacts would be right for your eyes. Both options have detailed information on certain brands they carry. A few of the more reputable online distributors are Lens.com and 1800contacts.com.
