Whether you are buying contact lenses to correct your vision or change your eye color, it is vital to learn about your options. Contact lenses come in different types for different applications, so not everything will work best for you.

Types of Contact Lenses

Each contact lens type has advantages and disadvantages, including the following:

Hard Contact Lenses

Also known as Rigid Gas-Permeable (RGP) lenses, this type of contact lens is stiff. So, wearing them may not be as comfortable as their soft counterpart. They are available in toric and spherical designs; both can treat astigmatism. The former can correct elevated levels of astigmatism, while the latter can correct moderate levels of this eye condition.

Soft Contact Lenses

As the name suggests, soft contact lenses are made of soft and flexible plastics, making them comfortable to wear. These come in several types, like:

• Extended wear contacts. You can wear them for up to seven weeks, even when asleep. However, wearing this type of soft contact lens increases the risk of eye infection and complications.
• Daily disposables. You wear them for a day and then throw them away, reducing the risk of eye infection.
• Cosmetic contacts. These lenses change the look of your eyes. While they are not for correcting vision, it is crucial to clean them as instructed regularly to avoid infection.
• Planned replacement. These are soft contact lenses that you have to replace on a planned schedule.

Buying Your Contact Lens

In the United States, contact lenses are considered a medical device. It is not legal to purchase them without a prescription. So, if you want one, whether to correct your vision or for cosmetic purposes, you must get a prescription from your eye doctor.

Where to Purchase a Contact Lens

You might be tempted to buy contact lenses on the internet or even in drug stores. It is convenient and easy. However, it is not advisable.

Contact lenses should be handled with proper care. When you purchase from unknown sources without medical supervision, you can be at risk of infection, eye complications, and even sight-threatening conditions. Contacts bought online may also not fit your eyes correctly, causing more harm than good. And you cannot return them, resulting in wasted money.

So, when you need contact lenses, go to your trusted and licensed eye doctor. Most eye care providers offer contact lenses. You can be sure they are safe, and you can get advice on proper lens handling and care as well.

How Much Do Contact Lenses Cost?

There are factors that affect the total cost of contact lenses. If you’re buying for the first time, the fee may include the price of a comprehensive diagnostic examination, lens wear and care training, and a lens care kit. For replacements, a doctor’s fee may add to the actual cost of your lenses.

Your eyes are important and delicate. So, when it comes to contact lenses, think about your options carefully. Consult your eye doctor to find the one that fits your eye condition and your preferences. Also, make sure the product is FDA-approved.

For more information on contact lenses and contact lens examination, contact Gregg Family Eye Care at (610) 831-4300 or (215) 699-2020 or drop by our offices in Secane or North Wales, Pennsylvania, today.