Types of Contact Lenses: Which Is Right for You?

There's no "best" lens,  only the best lens for you

Modern contact lenses come in more varieties than ever, which is great news: almost every prescription and lifestyle can be fit comfortably. Here's how the main types compare.

Daily disposables

Wear once, toss at night. Dailies are the healthiest and most convenient option. No cleaning solutions, no cases, and a fresh sterile lens every morning. They're ideal for teens, allergy sufferers, occasional wearers, and honestly, most people.

Monthly, two-week, and one-week lenses

These cost less per month but require nightly cleaning and storage. They're a good fit for committed full-time wearers who don't mind the routine but the replacement schedule isn't a suggestion. Stretching a monthly lens to six weeks is one of the most common causes of lens-related eye problems we see. This becomes an issue later in life when the eye cannot tolerate lenses like it used to.

Toric lenses (for astigmatism)

Astigmatism means your eye is shaped less even and more irregular leading to the light going in different directions and two blurred retinal images. Toric lenses are weighted to stay oriented correctly on the eye in order to appropriately correct each respective curve of the cornea leading to one sharp retinal image. Modern torics are excellent and astigmatism is no longer a reason you "can't wear contacts."

Multifocal and colored lenses

• Multifocal contacts correct both distance and reading vision in one lens; a great option for patients over 40. Many patients don't even know these lenses exist because their old Optometrist isn't comfortable fitting them. They don't work for everyone, but when they do work, you will have freedom from reading glasses most of the day again. 
• Colored contacts change or enhance your eye color; available with or without vision correction, but always require a proper fitting and prescription to be safe. Not available with astigmatism correction.
• Monovision is when one eye is corrected for distance, one for near; some brains love it, some don't, so we trial it first. If multifocal lenses don't work this is the next best option.

How we help you choose

The right answer depends on your prescription, tear film, eye shape, and how you'll actually use them. That's what a fitting is for. We measure, you try lenses on, and you go home with trial pairs before committing. Colored or clear, never buy lenses without a valid prescription: poorly fitting lenses can cause real damage. We've seen the worst so you don't have to. Come see us for a CL fit. One time training fees apply but include a started kit with free solution and trial lenses.