Contact lenses offer a popular way to correct vision, providing freedom from glasses. These small, curved pieces of plastic sit directly on the eye’s surface, offering clear vision and comfort. Understanding that contact lenses are medical devices, not simple cosmetic accessories, is the first step toward safe wear. This guide informs those considering contacts about the necessary medical procedures, product variations, rigorous maintenance requirements, and the associated financial commitment involved.
The Essential First Steps: Eye Exam and Fitting
A standard prescription for glasses is not sufficient for ordering contact lenses because the lenses must physically conform to the shape of the eye. A specialized contact lens examination and fitting are required to ensure both comfort and eye health before lens selection occurs. This process includes precise measurements of the eye’s surface, specifically the base curve and the diameter, using instruments like a keratometer or corneal topographer. The base curve defines the curvature of the back of the lens so it can align correctly with the cornea’s natural shape.
A diameter measurement determines the width needed for proper coverage and stability on the eye. An improperly fitted lens, whether too tight or too loose, can cause discomfort, blurry vision, and potentially deprive the cornea of necessary oxygen. Following the initial fitting, you will receive trial lenses to wear, and a follow-up appointment is scheduled. This allows the eye care professional to assess the lens movement, check your eye’s response, and confirm the fit is optimal before finalizing the prescription.
Understanding Contact Lens Types and Wear Schedules
The majority of contact lenses fall into two categories: soft lenses and rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses. Soft lenses, made from flexible plastics like hydrogel or silicone hydrogel, are the most common choice due to their immediate comfort and short adaptation period. Silicone hydrogel materials allow higher levels of oxygen to pass through to the cornea, supporting better eye health. RGP lenses require a longer adjustment period due to their rigid nature but often provide sharper vision and are prescribed for complex vision issues like high astigmatism.
Lenses are also categorized by their replacement schedule, which relates directly to convenience and hygiene. Daily disposable lenses are worn once and discarded, offering the highest convenience and minimizing the need for cleaning solutions. Other options include two-week or monthly replacement lenses, which require daily cleaning and disinfection to prevent deposit build-up. Extended wear lenses are approved for sleeping in, but this schedule carries a significantly higher risk of eye infection and should only be pursued with professional guidance.
Hygiene, Handling, and Avoiding Common Errors
Strict adherence to hygiene protocols is paramount, as improper handling is the leading cause of contact lens-related eye infections. Before touching your lenses, hands must be thoroughly washed with soap and water, rinsed, and dried completely with a lint-free towel to prevent the transfer of microorganisms and debris. Cleaning and disinfecting the lenses must only be done with sterile, approved contact lens solution. Tap water, saliva, or any other liquid should never be used, as tap water contains microorganisms that can cause severe, vision-threatening infections.
When storing lenses, always discard the old solution from the case and refill it with fresh solution; reusing or “topping off” old solution significantly reduces its disinfecting power. The lens case itself must be rinsed with solution, allowed to air-dry upside down after each use, and replaced every three months to prevent microbial biofilm formation. Common errors must be strictly avoided: sleeping in lenses not approved for extended wear, swimming or showering while wearing contacts due to water exposure, and wearing lenses longer than the prescribed replacement schedule.
Cost Considerations and Ongoing Maintenance
The decision to wear contact lenses represents a continuous financial commitment that extends beyond the initial purchase. Initial costs include the fee for the comprehensive eye exam and the separate fee for the contact lens fitting, which can range from $100 to $250. This covers the specialized measurements and the trial period necessary to ensure a proper fit. The cost of the lenses varies significantly based on the type chosen, with daily disposable lenses generally being the most expensive option annually.
Recurring expenses include the annual eye exam and fitting fee, which is necessary to renew the prescription and monitor eye health, typically costing between $50 and $150. For those who use two-week or monthly lenses, the ongoing expense of contact lens solution and other supplies adds to the budget, often costing an additional $10 to $20 per month. Unlike glasses, contact lenses require consistent maintenance and restocking to ensure clear vision and eye safety.