For many people, corrective lenses are a fact of life. For those tired of wearing glasses day after day, or simply looking to update their image, contact lenses are a great option. There is a wide variety of contacts available. Not sure what to pick? Here are some helpful tips for selecting contact lenses.
Toric Lenses
Astigmatism is a common eye condition that occurs when the cornea is irregularly curved, prohibiting proper penetration of light rays and causing blurred vision. There is a wide variety of contacts available to those with astigmatism, including daily, weekly, bi-weekly, monthly and extended-wear forms.
Contact lens choices for astigmatism include traditional vial lenses, such as CSI Toric MTO and monthly disposables like the popular Frequency 55 Toric. Long wear toric lenses include the ultra-thin Cooper Toric, which last up to a year with proper handling and cleaning. Acuvue Advance for
Astigmatism combines a silicon-hydrogel lens with an Assisted Stabilization Design, using your regular eye-blinks to keep the lenses in place.
Toric lenses incorporate all the latest technology, allowing them to provide maximum oxygenation. As a result, they’re known for being so comfortable that most people forget they’re even wearing them.
Daily Disposables
When it comes to comfort and ease of use, daily disposables are the ultimate contact lenses. You begin each day with fresh lenses, and simply toss them at the end of the day. It doesn’t get easier than that.
Daily disposables are great for eyes that crave moisture. Those who stare at computer screens or work outside are prime candidates for these lenses. Some daily disposables such as Acuvue 1-Day even offer UV protection, a rare feature in one day lenses. If you fall in love with daily disposables, buying in bulk is the way to go. ClearSight offers a surprisingly affordable 90 pack, providing three glorious months of fresh daily lenses. Those who are frequently in low light conditions should try Soflens Daily with Aspheric Optics. Thanks to the enhanced optical design, these daily disposables provide crisp, comfortable vision all day.
Bifocal/Multi-Focal
Ready to part with those cumbersome reading glasses? Make the change to bifocal/multi-focal contact lenses. Many people are surprised to learn that almost all forms of contacts (disposable, extended wear, even color tinted) are available in bifocal/multi-focal lenses.
Acuvue Bifocal contacts allow you to see it all without glasses. These lenses feature five invisible concentric zones that allow wearers to see both far distances and close up. They even have an indicator to let you know if they’re inside-out. Think your prescription is too strong or odd for contact lenses? Good news: Hydrasoft Sphere Aphakic lenses boast the widest ranges of prescriptions available in the contact lens industry.
For those who need a little vision help after age 40, Focus Dailies Progressive Aqua Release lenses are phenomenal, providing exceptional moisture, all-day comfort and progressive vision correction. Even better: they’re dailies. No need to clean and store; enjoy a fresh new pair every morning. With so many comfortable options, it’s no wonder contact lenses are a gaining popularity among the bifocal/multi-focal set. Stop acting your age! Ditch those specs and upgrade to contact lenses.
Colored Lenses
Ever dreamed of changing your eye color? Colored lenses complement whatever look you want to create. Radiant blue, enchanting green, warm hazel, exotic sapphire; it’s all up to you. Some colored contacts, such as Freshlook Radiance’s 1-2 week lenses, feature unique pearlescent effects, adding brightness, sparkle and shimmer to eyes.
Daily disposable fans will love Freshlook One-Day Colors. These dailies provide a subtle color enhancement, using a unique, three-in-one color blending technology. These lenses provide a natural-yet-enhanced look; perfect for those seeking an understated vibe.
Even those with astigmatism and/or dark eye colors can modify their look with colored lenses. Best part of all: colored contacts are moist, durable and go from day to night without irritation. Update your look today!
Extended & Overnight Wear
Imagine waking up in the morning with crisp, clear vision. It’s not a dream anymore. Extended wear contacts are worn overnight, allowing wearers to wake up, see the clock clearly and start their day without blurriness.
For premium, all-day comfort, Proclear Compatibles reign supreme. According to the FDA, these 30-day contacts are the only lenses permitted to claim that they “may provide improved comfort for contact lens wearers who experience mild discomfort or symptoms relating to dryness during lens wear.”
Those needing more durable monthly disposables will like Frequency 38 lenses, which feature clinically proven improved endurance, and are less likely to rip or tear. When buying contacts, you have a lot of choices to make. Along with a wide variety of available contact lens types, there are also different purchase methods, including in-person and on the Internet.
Make sure you have a valid, current prescription before ordering online. Check with your eye care professional today to determine if contact lenses are right for you!
Lisa VanDyke is a freelance writer who writes about health, eye care and specific products such as contact lenses.