Contact Lenses: Are They Right For Me?
If you wear eyeglasses, the odds are good that you can also wear contact lenses. Even if you tried contacts in the past with less-than-perfect results, the latest contact lens technology may mean a whole new point of view for you.
Types of Contacts
Disposable
Throw-away contacts are designed to last for a single use, or for a short, predetermined lifespan of one, two or four weeks. Great for people with busy lifestyles, since they don’t require routine care and cleaning.
Tinted/Colored
Contacts are also available in a number of different colors and intensities. You may choose to wear colored contacts every day or only on special occasions—and can change your eye color even if you don’t need vision correction. In either case, a regular contact lens eye exam and consultation is the first step to adding a little extra color to your life.
Extended Wear
Extended-wear contacts may be worn when you are asleep, either overnight or for up to one week. Great for trips or busy lifestyles, since they don’t require regular maintenance or cleaning.
Gas Permeable
Ask your eye doctor if gas-permeable contact lenses (oxygen permeable) are right for you.
Contact Lenses for Specific Eye Conditions
Astigmatism
Recent innovations have created more contact lens choices specifically designed for astigmatism. Ask your eye doctor for more information.
Presbyopia
If you are over 40, you may have trouble focusing on objects close to you—a condition called presbyopia. Until recently, the only option was bifocal glasses or to use one near-vision contact lens and one far-vision contact lens. Now, bifocal/multifocal contacts that combine multiple powers in one lens are available in both soft and gas-permeable materials, or even in disposable or frequent replacement-wear lenses.