Contact Lenses

Some people prefer to make a fashion statement with eyeglasses, but other prefer how they look without them. Buying contact lenses could be the perfect solution!

 


The first step is to see your eye doctor, since in the U.S., contact lenses are only available by prescription and must be fitted properly. There are several things to consider when deciding which contact lenses to buy, such as:

• what they’re made of
• how long you wear them without removal
• how often you dispose of them

Contact Lens Materials
Soft lenses are made from gel-like, water-containing plastics (most recently, silicone), and are most common. They’re a bit larger in size than your iris. Oxygen permeable lenses are made from rigid, waterless plastics and are especially good for presbyopia and high astigmatism. These lenses are usually smaller than your iris.

How Long to Wear
Daily wear contacts must be removed each night for cleaning and disinfection. Extended wear contact lenses allow wearers to sleep in their contacts, usually for 7 consecutive days before removal and cleaning. Your eye care professional will help you decide which type is best for you.

Disposable Contact Lenses
There are several different categories of soft lenses based on how frequently you should discard them:
• daily disposable — discard after a single day of wear
• disposable (used for daytime wear) — discard after two weeks
• extended wear disposable — discard after one week
• continuous wear (used for 30 days) — discard monthly

Gas permeable contact lenses don’t need to be discarded as often as soft contact lenses. They can last a year or longer before they need to be replaced.
Acuvue Contact Lens Rebate – Get up to $75 back on select lenses. See site for details. Expires 6/30/2010.

As always, consult your eye care professional to find the best product for you.