Basic aspects of contact lenses

Contact lens adaption

According to different eye conditions such as light sensitivity, it takes different periods to adjust to contact lenses. People suffering from dry eye or light sensitivity usually need more time to get adapted to contact lenses, especially bifocal or progressive lenses. In general, rigid gas permeable contact lenses require more time for adaption than soft ones, because of a difference in lens material.

Avoid rubbing the eyes with contact lenses

Contact lenses will never get lost behind the eye, though in some cases they may be dislodged from the proper position by rubbing using a hand. Eye doctors can help in locating the lens and removing it. Contact lens users are dissuaded from rubbing the eyes while the lenses are in them, even if there an itchy feeling. Before applying contact lenses to children, parents should consult an eye doctor because younger kids may not be suitable for contacts.

Contact lens replacement and wear schedules

Currently, contact lenses are available in various materials, replacement schedules and wear schedules. Generally, conventional soft contact lenses can last up to a year, while GP types last even a longer time. While frequent replacement lenses last several months, disposable ones last up to two weeks. In wear schedules, there are daily wear and extended wear for up to 30 consecutive days. Other extended wear contact lenses are only allowed to stay in the eyes for seven consecutive days. The truth is that extended wear contact lenses are actually made of special materials. Since the eyes also need oxygen during sleep, extended wear contacts must allow more oxygen to reach the eyes.

Disposable contact lenses do not require daily care

Most contacts in different materials need daily care, while daily disposable contact lenses and some extended wear contacts can be discarded on removal. These disposable contact lenses largely eliminate daily cleaning, rising and disinfection. In particular, daily disposable lenses offer the greatest convenience. Eliminating daily care, disposable contact lenses are favored by a large population. Many doctors also recommend these convenient lenses, because they avoid the built-up of protein and bacteria.

Where to buy contact lenses

Nowadays, there are many sources of contact lenses, including the Internet, eye care practitioners, and retail stores and so on. Customers should always compare the prices among these sources to save money. In some cases, it is also necessary to factor in bundled services.

About lens prescription and verification

In the United States, eye doctors are obliged to offer contact lens prescription to customers after an eye exam or a lens fitting. If necessary, the prescriber should also verify the prescription to any third party at which his patient orders contacts. These regulations enable contact lens users to get these devices from any possible source.

Medical contact lenses require personal fitting

All types of contact lenses are set by U.S. laws as medical devices so that even colored contacts and novelty contacts for pleasure require a lens prescription from an eye doctor. FDA sets this rule for safety concerns. In addition, all contact lenses actually need a personal fitting by an eye doctor. In some cases, the eye doctor may ask a patient to come back after several days, in case of any afterward vision problems such as dry eye and eye irritation.