Contact lenses are ultra-thin, curved lenses that sit directly on your eyes, offering a clear, natural field of vision. Like eyeglasses, they correct refractive errors—issues with the shape of your eye that prevent light from focusing correctly on the retina. These common eye problems can lead to blurry or distorted vision.
Contact lenses can improve eyesight for people with:
•
Myopia
(nearsightedness).
•
Hyperopia
(farsightedness).
•
Presbyopia
(age-related loss of near vision).
•
Astigmatism
(uneven curvature of the eye).
Types of Contact Lenses
There’s a wide variety of contact lenses available today. Your eye care provider can guide you in choosing the right lenses for your eyes and lifestyle. You’ll want to consider these four key factors:
•Lens material
– from soft to rigid gas permeable.
•Wear schedule
– daily, extended, or overnight wear.
•Replacement schedule
– daily, weekly, or monthly lenses.
•Special features
– UV protection, multifocal, color-enhancing, and more.
Frequently asked questions:
Should I put in contacts before or after applying my makeup?
Always insert your contact lenses before applying makeup or facial moisturizers. This helps prevent cosmetic particles, oils, or creams from getting onto your lenses or irritating your eyes. For the same reason, hold off on applying hand lotion or body creams until your contacts are safely in place.
Can I put contact lenses in with long fingernails?
It’s usually easier to insert and remove contact lenses with short nails. However, if you prefer long fingernails, ask your eye care professional for tips on safely handling your contacts.
What if I fall asleep with my contacts in?
Try to avoid sleeping in your contact lenses unless they’re specifically approved for overnight wear. But if you doze off with them in, don’t worry. When you wake up, check if your lenses move freely on your eyes. If they do, remove them and take a break for a few hours. If they feel stuck, give your eyes 10 minutes to rehydrate naturally or use rewetting drops. Once they move easily, take them out.
Do I still need glasses if I wear contacts?
Yes, you should always have an up-to-date pair of glasses on hand. Glasses are essential if you damage a contact lens, experience irritation, or develop an eye infection. Keeping your glasses with you ensures you're always prepared for any situation.
Enjoy the World with Clear Vision
Contact lenses offer a new way to see the world with clarity and confidence. If you’re just starting out with contacts, it’s completely normal to have questions or concerns. Feeling a bit nervous is part of the process—but your provider is there to help. They’ll answer your questions and support you every step of the way.