The Complete Guide to Contact Lenses: Everything You Need to Know
Contact lenses have revolutionized vision correction, offering millions of people clear sight without the inconvenience of glasses. Whether you're considering contacts for the first time or looking to switch brands, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about contact lenses—from insertion and removal to the latest brands and modalities available.
Why Choose Contact Lenses?
Contact lenses offer numerous advantages over traditional eyeglasses. They provide a wider field of vision with no frames to obstruct your peripheral view, making them ideal for active lifestyles and sports. Unlike glasses, contacts won't fog up, get splattered with rain, or slip down your nose during activities. They also allow you to wear non-prescription sunglasses and give you the freedom to change your eye color with colored contact lenses.
Understanding Contact Lens Modalities
Contact lenses come in various replacement schedules, each designed to meet different lifestyle needs and preferences.
Daily Disposable Lenses
Daily disposable contact lenses are single-use lenses that you wear once and discard at the end of the day. These offer maximum convenience and hygiene since you start each day with a fresh, sterile pair. There's no need for cleaning solutions or storage cases, making them perfect for travelers, busy professionals, or anyone who values simplicity. Daily lenses also reduce the risk of eye infections since debris and proteins don't have time to build up on the lens surface.
Bi-Weekly Disposable Lenses
Two-week replacement lenses offer a balance between convenience and cost-effectiveness. You wear these lenses daily for two weeks, removing them each night for cleaning and storage. They require daily care with contact lens solution but are more economical than daily disposables while still providing relatively frequent replacement.
Monthly Disposable Lenses
Monthly replacement lenses are designed to be worn for up to 30 days with proper nightly cleaning and storage. These lenses are often made from advanced materials like silicone hydrogel, which allows excellent oxygen permeability for all-day comfort. Monthly lenses are a cost-effective option for regular contact lens wearers who don't mind the maintenance routine.
Extended Wear Lenses
Extended wear contact lenses are FDA-approved for continuous wear, including overnight sleeping, for up to 6-7 days or even 30 days depending on the specific lens. These lenses are made from highly breathable materials that allow sufficient oxygen to reach the cornea even while you sleep. However, extended wear increases the risk of complications, so it's essential to follow your eye care professional's recommendations carefully.
Specialized Contact Lenses
Toric Lenses for Astigmatism
Astigmatism occurs when the cornea has an irregular curvature, causing blurred vision at all distances. Toric contact lenses are specially designed with different powers in different meridians of the lens to correct this irregular shape. These lenses feature stabilization technology to keep them properly oriented on the eye, ensuring crisp, clear vision. Toric lenses are available in daily, bi-weekly, and monthly modalities.
Multifocal Lenses for Presbyopia
Presbyopia is an age-related condition, typically beginning around age 40, where the eye's natural lens loses flexibility, making it difficult to focus on close objects. Multifocal contact lenses correct this by incorporating multiple prescription powers into a single lens, with different zones designated for near, intermediate, and distance vision. This allows wearers to see clearly at all distances without reading glasses.
Colored and Cosmetic Lenses
Colored contact lenses can enhance your natural eye color or completely change it. They come in three types: visibility tint (a light tint to help you see the lens), enhancement tint (to enhance your natural eye color), and opaque tint (to completely change your eye color). Even colored lenses without prescription power require a proper fitting and prescription from an eye care professional.
Myopia Control Lenses
MiSight 1 day lenses by CooperVision are the first FDA-approved contact lenses proven to slow the progression of nearsightedness in children aged 8-12. These innovative lenses use ActivControl Technology to help manage myopia progression, which is increasingly important as childhood myopia rates continue to rise globally.
Performance-Tinted Lenses
ALTIUS performance-tinted contact lenses are designed specifically for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. These lenses filter UV and blue light while enhancing visual performance, contrast, and clarity. They're beneficial for sports both on land and water, and also provide relief for individuals with light sensitivity, including those who suffer from migraines, concussions, or traumatic brain injuries.
Major Contact Lens Brands
The contact lens market features several reputable manufacturers, each offering unique technologies and innovations.
Alcon
Alcon is a global leader in eye care with an extensive portfolio of contact lenses:
DAILIES TOTAL1: Features Water Gradient Technology creating a cushion of moisture on the lens surface, with nearly 100% water content at the outer surface
DAILIES AquaComfort Plus: Uses blink-activated moisture technology, releasing moisture with every blink for all-day comfort
Precision1: Daily disposable silicone hydrogel lenses with SMARTSURFACE Technology featuring exceptional surface properties
TOTAL30: The first monthly contact lens with Water Gradient Technology
AIR OPTIX: Monthly replacement lenses with high oxygen permeability
AIR OPTIX NIGHT & DAY AQUA: FDA-approved for up to 30 nights of continuous wear
Johnson & Johnson Vision (Acuvue)
Acuvue has been a trusted name in contact lenses for over 30 years:
ACUVUE OASYS 1-Day with HydraLuxe Technology: Mimics the natural properties of tears for exceptional comfort
1-DAY ACUVUE MOIST: Features LACREON Technology for lasting moisture and UV protection
ACUVUE OASYS: Two-week replacement lenses with excellent moisture retention
ACUVUE VITA: Monthly lenses designed for extended comfort
ACUVUE OASYS for Astigmatism: Features BLINK STABILIZED Design for lens stability
CooperVision
CooperVision offers innovative lens technology across multiple product lines:
Biofinity: Monthly lenses with Aquaform Technology that locks in water and allows high oxygen transmission
Biofinity Toric: Toric version for astigmatism correction with extended wear approval
Biofinity XR: Extended range lenses for higher prescriptions
MiSight 1 day: FDA-approved myopia control lenses for children
Clariti 1 Day: The first net plastic neutral contact lens, made with sustainable practices
Clariti 1 Day Multifocal: Offers all-day comfort for presbyopia correction
Bausch + Lomb
Bausch + Lomb brings over 160 years of eye care expertise:
Biotrue ONEday: High water content that matches the cornea's natural water content, maintaining nearly 100% moisture for up to 16 hours
ULTRA: Features MoistureSeal Technology, maintaining 95% of lens moisture for 16 hours
SofLens: Comfortable daily and bi-weekly options
PureVision2: High-definition optics for crisp, clear vision
Other Notable Brands
SynergEyes: Specializes in hybrid contact lenses combining the clarity of rigid gas-permeable lenses with the comfort of soft lenses
Menicon: Japan's largest contact lens manufacturer with a global presence
SEED: Offers a comprehensive range of contact lenses and care products
How to Insert Contact Lenses
Proper insertion technique is crucial for comfort and eye health. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Video Tutorial
For a visual demonstration of proper contact lens insertion and removal techniques, watch this helpful tutorial from Alcon's educational resources. You can find professional instruction videos on the Alcon website or by searching "Alcon contact lens insertion removal" on YouTube.
Contact lens insertion and removal guide
Step-by-Step Insertion Instructions
Wash Your Hands: Use fragrance-free soap and dry your hands thoroughly with a lint-free towel. Dry fingertips are essential—wet fingers cause lenses to stick to your skin.
Prepare the Lens: For daily disposables, gently open the blister pack and slide the lens onto your index finger. For reusable lenses, remove the lens from your storage case with fresh solution.
Check the Lens: Ensure the lens isn't damaged, torn, or inside out. Place the lens on your fingertip and look at it from the side—if it forms a perfect bowl shape, it's correct. If the edges flare out like a saucer, it's inside out.
Position Your Hands: Place the lens on the tip of your index finger. Use the middle finger of the same hand to pull down your lower eyelid. Use your other hand to lift your upper eyelid.
Insert the Lens: Look straight ahead or slightly upward. Gently place the lens directly onto your eye. Keep both eyes open during insertion to reduce the urge to blink.
Release and Blink: Release your lower eyelid first, then your upper eyelid. Look down and blink gently several times. The lens will center automatically on your eye.
Repeat: Follow the same process for your other eye. Always start with the same eye each time to avoid mixing up left and right lenses if they have different prescriptions.
How to Remove Contact Lenses
Removal Instructions
Wash and Dry Hands: Always start with clean, dry hands.
Look Up: Keep your head straight but look upward with your eyes.
Pull Down Lower Lid: Use the middle finger of your dominant hand to pull down your lower eyelid.
Slide the Lens Down: Place your index finger on the lens and gently slide it down to the white part of your eye (the sclera).
Pinch Gently: Using your thumb and index finger, gently pinch the lens and remove it from your eye.
Daily Disposables: Discard the lens in the trash (never flush down drains).
Reusable Lenses: Clean and store the lens according to your eye care professional's instructions.
Contact Lens Care and Hygiene
Proper care is essential for maintaining eye health and lens comfort.
For Daily Disposable Lenses
Wear once and discard—no cleaning required
Never reuse daily disposable lenses
Always insert lenses with clean, dry hands
Never expose lenses to water (shower, swimming pool, hot tub)
For Reusable Lenses (Bi-Weekly and Monthly)
Clean Daily: After removing lenses, place a few drops of multipurpose solution on the lens in your palm. Rub gently for approximately 30 seconds on each side.
Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the lens with fresh solution to remove loosened debris.
Store Properly: Place lenses in a clean case filled with fresh solution. Never reuse old solution.
Replace Solution Daily: Empty and rinse your case with fresh solution daily, then let it air dry.
Replace Your Case: Get a new contact lens case every month to prevent bacterial contamination.
Never Use Water: Never rinse lenses or cases with tap water, which can harbor harmful microorganisms.
Important Safety Tips
Never sleep in contact lenses unless specifically prescribed extended wear lenses
Remove lenses immediately if you experience redness, pain, light sensitivity, or vision changes
Don't wear contact lenses when you have an eye infection
Replace lenses according to the prescribed schedule
Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your eye care professional
Keep your fingernails trimmed to avoid damaging lenses or scratching your eyes
Remove lenses before applying eye makeup or using aerosol sprays
Use only recommended contact lens solutions—never saliva or water
Contact Lens Health Considerations
Who Can Wear Contact Lenses?
Most people with refractive errors can wear contact lenses successfully, including those with:
Nearsightedness (myopia)
Farsightedness (hyperopia)
Astigmatism
Presbyopia
Combinations of the above conditions
Children as young as 8 years old can successfully wear contact lenses when properly motivated and supervised. Contact lenses are also suitable for active individuals, athletes, and those who prefer not to wear glasses.
When Contact Lenses May Not Be Suitable
Contact lenses may not be appropriate for individuals with:
Severe dry eye syndrome
Chronic eye infections or inflammation
Severe allergies affecting the eyes
Inability to handle and care for lenses properly
Certain corneal conditions or irregularities
Work environments with excessive dust or chemical exposure
Your eye care professional can evaluate whether contact lenses are right for you and recommend the best type for your specific needs.
Signs of Contact Lens Problems
Contact your eye care professional immediately if you experience:
Persistent redness or irritation
Eye pain or discomfort
Excessive tearing or discharge
Light sensitivity
Blurred or decreased vision
Feeling that something is in your eye
Early detection and treatment of contact lens-related problems can prevent serious complications.
Choosing the Right Contact Lenses
Selecting the best contact lenses involves several factors:
Lifestyle Considerations
Busy Schedule: Daily disposables offer maximum convenience
Cost-Conscious: Monthly lenses provide better value over time
Sports and Activities: Daily disposables or frequent replacement lenses
Dry Eyes: Lenses with moisture-retention technology like ACUVUE OASYS or Biotrue ONEday
Digital Device Use: Lenses designed for comfort during prolonged screen time
Vision Needs
Simple Prescription: Most standard lenses will work well
Astigmatism: Toric lenses provide the necessary correction
Presbyopia: Multifocal lenses eliminate the need for reading glasses
High Prescription: Extended range (XR) lenses accommodate higher powers
Professional Fitting
A proper contact lens fitting is essential and cannot be skipped. Your eye care professional will:
Measure your eye's unique specifications
Evaluate your tear film quality
Assess your corneal health and shape
Consider your lifestyle and visual demands
Provide hands-on insertion and removal training
Schedule follow-up visits to ensure proper fit and comfort
Remember that contact lens prescriptions differ from eyeglass prescriptions and require separate measurements and evaluation.
The Future of Contact Lenses
Contact lens technology continues to advance rapidly. Recent innovations include:
Smart Contact Lenses: Lenses with embedded sensors for glucose monitoring or augmented reality applications (in development)
Improved Myopia Control: Enhanced designs to slow childhood myopia progression
Extended Wear Advances: Safer materials allowing longer continuous wear
Sustainable Options: More eco-friendly manufacturing and packaging
Customized Lenses: 3D printing technology for truly personalized contact lenses
Enhanced UV Protection: Better protection from harmful ultraviolet rays
Schedule Your Contact Lens Consultation
Ready to experience the freedom and convenience of contact lenses? At Murrieta Optometry, our experienced team provides comprehensive contact lens fittings and education to ensure your success with contacts. We offer:
Complete eye examinations and contact lens fittings
Training on proper insertion, removal, and care techniques
Access to the latest contact lens technologies and brands
Ongoing support and follow-up care
Convenient ordering and delivery options
Whether you're new to contact lenses or looking to update your current prescription, we're here to help you see clearly and comfortably. Contact us today to schedule your contact lens consultation and discover which lenses are right for you!
This blog post is for educational purposes only. Always consult with your eye care professional before starting or changing your contact lens wear. Individual results may vary based on prescription, eye health, and proper care practices.
https://ecp.bauschcontactlenses.com/
https://www.bauschcontactlenses.com/
https://www.bausch.com/products/contact-lenses/
https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/consumer-products/contact-lenses
