Contact lenses are small, corrective lenses worn directly on the surface of the eye, offering an alternative to traditional spectacles. They float on the tear film covering the cornea, providing vision correction for refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Deciding whether contacts are the right choice involves evaluating the practical benefits against the necessary personal commitment and medical suitability.
Practical Advantages Over Eyeglasses
A primary benefit of contact lenses is the elimination of visual obstructions caused by eyeglass frames. Since the lens sits directly on the cornea, it moves with the eye, providing a full, unrestricted field of view and superior peripheral vision. This is particularly noticeable during activities requiring high spatial awareness, such as driving or playing sports.
The lenses remain securely in place during vigorous physical activity. Contacts also do not fog up or get splattered by rain, offering consistent clarity regardless of weather conditions. Furthermore, they allow for seamless compatibility with non-prescription eyewear, such as sunglasses or protective goggles.
Commitment to Care and Potential Downsides
Adopting contact lenses requires a disciplined approach to daily care, as they are classified as medical devices. Strict hygiene protocols are necessary to prevent the introduction of microorganisms to the eye’s surface, which can lead to serious infections. This involves thoroughly washing hands before handling lenses and using only fresh, sterile solution for cleaning and storage.
Failing to adhere to these instructions, such as reusing old solution or wearing lenses longer than recommended, significantly elevates the risk of conditions like microbial keratitis or corneal ulcers. These infections can be extremely painful and may lead to permanent vision impairment. Many wearers also experience dry eye, a common cause of discomfort that can lead to discontinuation of use.
The financial commitment extends beyond the lenses themselves. Wearers must budget for replacement lenses, cleaning solutions, storage cases, and an annual contact lens fitting exam, which is separate from a standard eye checkup. While daily disposable lenses reduce the cleaning burden, they generally represent a higher annual expense compared to monthly replacement options.
Determining Your Eligibility
Medical and anatomical factors determine if you can safely wear contact lenses. A specialized contact lens exam and fitting performed by an eye care professional is mandatory to ensure the lens parameters match the unique shape of your cornea. This process measures the curvature and diameter of your eye to select a lens that fits correctly and allows sufficient oxygen transmission.
Certain pre-existing eye conditions can be contraindications to contact lens wear, including severe chronic dry eye syndrome and recurrent eye infections or inflammations. Contact lens wear can exacerbate dry eye symptoms by interfering with the natural tear film, potentially making the experience uncomfortable or intolerable for some individuals. Active diseases of the cornea or conjunctiva also prevent the safe use of lenses until the condition is fully resolved.
Some visual prescriptions may also limit the available options. Individuals with a very high degree of astigmatism or advanced presbyopia (age-related focusing difficulty) may require specialized lenses that can be more difficult to fit. Standard soft lenses might not provide satisfactory visual acuity in these situations. Custom-designed or Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses may be the only viable option.
Understanding the Different Types Available
Once eligibility is confirmed, your eye care provider will discuss the various types of lenses best suited for your vision needs and lifestyle. The two primary categories are soft lenses and Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses.
Soft Lenses
Soft lenses are made from flexible water-containing plastics or silicone hydrogel and are the most common choice due to their immediate comfort. They are available in several replacement schedules. Daily disposables are often considered the healthiest option because a fresh, sterile pair is used each day. Other common options include bi-weekly and monthly lenses, which require daily cleaning and storage.
Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses
RGP lenses are smaller and made from a durable, oxygen-transmitting material that does not contain water. While they may require a longer adjustment period for comfort, they often provide sharper vision, particularly for patients with irregular corneas or high degrees of astigmatism. RGP lenses are also more durable and resistant to deposit buildup than soft lenses.
Specialized Designs
Specialized designs are available for complex vision needs. Toric lenses correct astigmatism by preventing rotation on the eye. Multifocal lenses incorporate multiple powers to correct for both near and distance vision for those with presbyopia.