Factors to Consider When Choosing The Right Contact Lenses For Yourself

As technology has progressed, it has found exceptional solutions to a number of problems and among one of the most commendable solutions is the solution for spectacles. Not everyone likes these frames on their noses when going out; and the creation of advanced technology, i.e. contact lenses, is a blessing for many.⁽¹⁾ Amazingly effective, contact lenses are a perfect solution to avoid spoiling your looks through glasses.⁽¹⁾ But since there are a number of options available in the market, which contact lenses suit your needs the best is a multi-faceted problem. To guide you through this convoluted decision, here is a compiled list of considerations before choosing the right contact lenses.

The first consideration when it comes to choosing the right lenses for your eyes is what are the options available in the market and which ones suit your needs the best.

The first basic choice is between soft contact lenses and hard contact lenses.⁽²⁾ The most common usage is that of the soft contact lenses and it is only in the cases where a person is suffering from astigmatism or a medical condition in which protein deposits form on the contact lens that a hard contact lens is opted for. An approximate of 90% of the population opting for lenses goes for soft contact lenses.⁽³⁾ Soft contact lenses can be worn easily part time or full time and therefore are convenient; whereas the hard contact lenses need to be worn on a consistent basis for it to become comfortable for the eyes.

Depending on the usage of the contact lenses there are basically three types of lenses to be chosen from:

Daily Wear Contact Lenses: One of the most economic options, these lenses are required to be disinfected through cleaning every night and need to be replaced on a set schedule (depending on the quality and type of lenses).

Extended Wear Contact Lenses: The second type of contact lenses that can be opted for are the extended wear contact lenses. The specialty of these contact lenses is that they can be worn overnight too and need to be removed only once a week for cleaning and disinfection. Though extremely useful, the use of extended wear contact lenses is not recommended by eye care professionals, since they can reduce the amount of oxygen supply to the eyes when sleeping, making the eyes more prone to infections and other eye conditions.⁽⁴⁾

Disposable Contact Lenses: The last type of lenses, which can be bought when considering usage are the disposable contact lenses. These contact lenses can be tossed into the bin right after a day’s use.⁽⁵⁾ Owing to the limited use, these contacts are low maintenance and extremely hygienic, but since they are discarded easily and need to bought more frequently, they cost more too. Mainly suggested for people with allergies or other eye conditions, Disposable Contact Lenses are extremely convenient to use.⁽⁵⁾ These lenses are a perfect choice for people who travel a lot.

Other than the above mentioned options, people can choose other contact lens also, which can range from cosmetic purposes to special eye conditions. Some other types of contact lenses include:

Toric Contact Lenses: Mainly used to correct an eye condition in which the vision is blurred because of the irregular shape of cornea called by the name astigmatism, these contact lenses are expensive.⁽⁶⁾

Colored Contact Lenses: One for the looks, these contact lenses can change the color of your eyes or can even enhance the original color of your eyes. Used mainly for cosmetic purposes, colored contact lenses can be used to correct vision too.

Multifocal Contact Lenses: Basically for people with presbyopia, these contact lenses are used by patients in old age when it is hard for them to adjust to the objects close to the eye from far from the eye.^(7,8) Though these contact lenses can be problematic call for people who can’t deal with blurriness, but at times it is the only solution to old age eye issues.

One other consideration that should be kept in mind before choosing the right contact lenses, is your budget. Since the cost of different contact lenses varies, you should choose the contacts that suit your budget the best. If you want to go for an economic option, you can choose the daily wear contact lenses; whereas if cost is not an issue, then you can opt for disposable contact lenses, as they are extremely hygienic and easy to use.

With the above information, the choice of contact lenses has been made easy for you; however, any sort of contact lenses should not be bought without consulting an eye care professional, even in case of cosmetic lenses this consideration must be kept in mind.

Also Read:

• Contact Lens Infection: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Home Remedies, Prevention
• What Happens When You Sleep With Contact Lenses?