First Contacts: How to Choose the Best Contacts for You

Picking out the right contact lenses is an important decision that will affect how you see the world. Many people pay too much attention on the color and design factors when shopping for their first contacts, and have little to no regards at all to more important factors like size, frequency of use, and materials the lenses are made of. Here is a quick guide to help you choose the best contacts for your particular circumstances.

Soft vs Hard

The first decision you will have to make when shopping for contact lenses is whether to get a soft or hard type. 9 out of 10 people wear soft-type contact lenses, according to eye doctors. The hard gas-permeable type is reserved for the 10 percent of wearers. Hard contact lenses are often the best choice for people who suffer from astigmatism since they are more durable. However, it may also be less comfortable than their soft counterpart.

Frequency of Use

How often will you wear your contact lenses? Will it be worn every day or just for occasional purposes? Soft contact lenses are ideal for either full-time or part-time use. Rigid gas-permeable contacts, however, must be worn on a regular basis for them to retain their comfort fit.

Cost of Lenses

Contact lenses meant for daily use are usually the most affordable option on the market. Daily wear contact lenses, however, require regular maintenance. They must be taken out every night for disinfection and replaced periodically. If you toss contact lenses on a regular basis, disposable types are available, but can cost more over time since you need a new pair every day. Pay less by buying your regular supply of contact lenses from a provider that applies your eye insurance coverage upfront.

Other Types of Contacts

Toric contact lenses are a type of lens prescribed for people suffering from astigmatism, an optical defect involving abnormally shaped cornea or lens that causes blurred vision. The lens is usually more expensive than other types because of its specialized design and material. Reduce the costs of your contacts by buying it online and getting instant insurance reimbursement from places like Contacts for Good. Some people are excited about the idea of colored contact lenses that dramatically alter eye color, making it a popular cosmetic accessory. With colored lenses, you can turn your natural eye color into any other color you want, from brown eyes to blue, black to green. While they are widely used for cosmetic purposes, colored lenses may also be used to correct vision problems. Buying your first set of contact lenses doesn’t have to be intimidating. Tell your optometrist about any vision abnormalities and listen to their advice when browsing contact lenses.