Contact lenses are a convenient alternative to traditional eyeglasses and can be used to improve vision whether you are nearsighted or farsighted. Several types of lenses are available, including disposable, extended wear, bifocal and colored lenses. Choosing the type of lenses that are best suited to your eyes and lifestyle can be confusing without a thorough understanding of the benefits of each type of contact lenses. Your optometrist or ophthalmologist can help you determine which contact lenses will improve your vision without breaking your budget.
Step 1
Think about how often you plan to wear contact lenses before you visit an optometrist or ophthalmologist. Do you plan to wear your contacts every day or just for sports or special occasions? Discuss your potential wearing schedule with your doctor, as this can affect the type of lenses that she prescribes.
Step 2
Learn about the various types of lenses available so you will be able to discuss your options and preferences with your doctor. Disposable lenses are thrown away after they have been worn for a week or two, while daily wear lenses can be worn for a year before being replaced. AOA.org features a chart comparing the advantages and disadvantages of each type of contact lens (see Resources).
Step 3
Ask your doctor about the yearly cost of the various types of lenses. In addition to the cost of the lenses, you will also need to buy cleaning solutions and cases for storing the lenses when you aren't wearing them. Plan to replace contact lens solution every month. If cost is an issue, purchase the type of lenses that will be the least expensive when you consider both the cost of the lenses and supplies.
Step 4
Find out how much extra options, such as colored lenses, will increase the price of your lenses. Colored contacts are available in a range of colors, including shades of green, blue and brown, and change the way your iris, the colored part of your eye, looks.
Step 5
Try out samples of the contact lenses you would like to purchase. Your doctor may suggest you wear a pair of contacts for at least a week before making a decision to purchase that particular style of contact lenses. Don't hesitate to ask to try another kind or brand of contacts if the first pair you try are uncomfortable or difficult to handle.
Tips and Warnings
- Because disposable contact lenses are made of a thinner plastic than daily wear lenses, they have a less defined shape, can be more difficult to insert into your eye and can tear more easily. If you have trouble handling disposable lenses, daily wear lenses may be a better option for you.
- While it is important to be informed about the various types of contact lenses, the types of lenses available to you may be limited based on the structure of your eye and any eye conditions you may have. If you have certain conditions, such as severe astigmatism or a cone-shaped cornea, you may not be able to wear disposable or daily wear lenses and may be prescribed gas permeable lenses. These lenses are more rigid than other type of lenses and provide clearer vision for people who have certain eye conditions.
