A Beginner’s Guide to Choosing the Right Contact Lenses

When thinking about changing to contact lenses, here are some tips on how to select the proper one for your eyes and activities. Choosing the right lens among so many offered can really be a challenge that is why some tips on selecting the perfect lenses are given. consequently, the present guide shall take you through everything that you ought to know as the beginner to arrive at the right decision.

1. Understand the Types of Contact Lenses

To begin with, there is nothing wrong with explaining different types of contact lenses in order to help a client make the right choice. Here’s a breakdown of the common options:

Soft Contact Lenses

They come in two forms – soft and hard and the former is the most preferred because of its comfort. They are manufactured in a flexible plastic that requires oxygen to penetrate so that your eyes do not get injured. Soft lenses come in daily, weekly, and monthly disposables.

• Daily Lenses: These are worn for a day and discarded at night, making them a low-maintenance option.

• Weekly/Monthly Lenses: These can be worn for extended periods, depending on the brand, and need to be cleaned and stored each night.

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses

RGP lenses are sturdier than soft contact lenses in terms of the material used for constructing them. They provide better vision and are more resistant, but the-adjustment time is relatively longer. These lenses are recommended if you suffer from astigmatism or have some particular requirements for lenses.

Toric Lenses

In case you suffer from astigmatism, the company has specialized toric lenses to solve the problem. Both soft and RGP materials are available and used in correcting irregularities of the shape of the eye.

Multifocal Lenses

Individuals with presbyopia (focusing problem related to aging) have multiple focus zones in multifocal lenses, for near and distant vision. These lenses are perfect for people that require distance and near vision correction or require reading glasses when they’re over 40.

2. Get a Proper Eye Exam

Always, your first port of call should be an optometrist. An eye exam from a professional will not only identify your prescription and quality but help them evaluate your eyes’ health to recommend if you may use contact lenses. Your optometrist will also assist you in selecting type of lenses depending with your prescription and the nature of your daily activities.

During your exam, your doctor will measure:

• Corneal curvature: This helps determine the best-fitting lenses.

• Tear film evaluation: Ensuring your eyes produce enough tears for comfortable lens wear.

• Pupil and iris size: This measurement is crucial for selecting lenses that fit well.

3. Consider Your Lifestyle

When choosing contact lenses, your lifestyle plays a significant role. Are you active and looking for lenses that stay in place during sports? Do you want something that’s low-maintenance? Consider the following factors:

• Convenience: If you don’t want to bother with cleaning lenses, daily disposables might be the best option. They’re convenient and hygienic, as you use a fresh pair each day.

• Extended wear: If you prefer to keep your lenses in for extended periods, consider lenses designed for overnight wear. However, extended wear lenses should be used with caution, as they can increase the risk of infection.

• Allergies: If you have sensitive eyes or suffer from allergies, daily lenses are often a better choice, as allergens don't build up on the lenses.

4. Learn About Lens Materials

Contact lenses are made from various materials, each offering different levels of comfort and oxygen permeability:

• Hydrogel lenses: These soft lenses are known for their flexibility and comfort, but they allow less oxygen to pass through than newer materials.

• Silicone hydrogel lenses: An improved version of hydrogel, these lenses allow more oxygen to reach your eyes, making them more comfortable for longer wear.

• Hybrid lenses: These combine the comfort of soft lenses with the clear vision of RGP lenses. They have a rigid center with a soft outer ring.

5. Don’t Overlook UV Protection

Some contact lenses come with built-in UV protection, which can help shield your eyes from harmful sun rays. While these lenses offer extra protection, they should not replace UV-blocking sunglasses, as contacts only cover part of your eyes.

6. Think About Eye Health

Wearing contact lenses can sometimes lead to dryness, irritation, or infection if not properly cared for. Here are some tips to keep your eyes healthy while wearing contacts:

• Clean and disinfect: Always follow the recommended cleaning routine for your lenses. Use only the solution recommended by your eye care provider.

• Replace lenses on schedule: Don’t try to extend the life of your lenses beyond what is recommended. Overwearing lenses can lead to discomfort and infection.

• Avoid sleeping in lenses: Unless your lenses are specifically designed for extended wear, never sleep with them in. This can increase the risk of infection.

7. Budget Considerations

Like most products, contact lenses are available in different prices based on the type, brand, and type of lenses, whether daily, weekly or monthly disposables. Daily disposables are usually a little more costly compared to the weekly disposables but you avoid the cost of washing the solutions and the cases to store them. You should therefore think of the amount of money that you are willing to spend so as to come up with the right decision.

8. Trial Period and Adjustments

Most optometrists will allow you to try out different types of lenses before making a commitment. During this trial period, pay attention to the comfort and clarity of vision. It may take some time to get used to the lenses, especially if you are new to wearing contacts. Don’t hesitate to return to your optometrist if something feels off or if your vision isn’t as clear as you expected.

9. Maintenance and Care

Proper care is crucial to ensure the longevity and comfort of your contact lenses. Follow these tips for proper lens care:

• Wash your hands: Always wash and dry your hands before handling your lenses.

• Use the right solution: Never use water or saliva to clean your lenses. Only use the recommended cleaning solution.

• Replace your case: It’s important to replace your contact lens case every three months to avoid bacterial buildup.

10. Ask for Professional Advice

Be sure always to seek advice from your eye care professional before taking any action concerning the contact lenses. Being health institutions, they can give prescriptions based on the prescription, eye health and the individual’s lifestyle. Besides, they will also teach you how to take proper care of your lenses and how to ensure your eyes are healthy.

Final Thoughts

Deciding on the lenses is coming to the understanding of the possible and taking into account what is good for the eyes and convenient. As for the type of contact lenses, daily disposables, RGP and multifocal lenses, remember that a visit with an eye care professional as well as proper care of your lenses will guarantee that your vision stays comfortable and healthy for as long as you want.

Are you considering weaning off glasses for contact lenses, then you should see your Optometrist and start being on your way towards better vision.