Contact lens are medical devices that require a prescription from an eye care professional (ECP). They correct refractive error by directly focusing light on the retina for clear vision.

They come in different shapes to correct varying types of vision problems. Some types of lenses are also able to correct presbyopia, making it possible to see up close and far away at the same time.

1. Better Vision

Using contact lenses to correct vision problems helps to improve the way you see and function. Depending on the type of lens you need, they correct refractive errors by directly focusing light on your eye to provide clear vision. Spherical lenses help to correct nearsightedness and farsightedness, while toric lenses can correct astigmatism. Other types of contact lenses include bifocals and monovision.

Typically, soft contact lenses are made from hydrogel plastics that allow a lot of oxygen to pass through the cornea. These are very comfortable to wear.

Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses are stiffer than soft contacts, but they offer greater durability and sharper vision for certain types of corrections. They also allow more oxygen to reach the cornea than PMMA hards, which had a tendency to restrict oxygen.

2. More Comfortable

Contact lenses stick gently to the eye, not causing the glare and prismatic effects of glasses. They also allow for peripheral vision that isn’t possible with glasses. And unlike eyeglasses, contacts don’t fog up over heat or get wet in the rain.

Most people find that they are able to wear contact lenses comfortably after a short adjustment period. If discomfort persists, a dirty lens or incorrect contact-lens orientation may be the cause.

Soft lenses are usually supplied in disposable format, to be worn for the day and then discarded. Rigid lenses may be worn continuously (for up to a year) when properly cleaned and disinfected. Some are designed to be removed daily and stored overnight in contact-lens solutions. Others are designed to be worn continuously (for up to 24 hours) and require no removal for overnight storage.

3. Easier to Clean

The proper care of contact lenses is important to good vision and healthy eyes. If your contacts aren’t properly cleaned and disinfected, harmful microorganisms can enter the eye and cause an eye infection.

Wash your hands with a mild, unscented soap (like liquid hand soap or bar soap) and dry them thoroughly with a clean, lint free towel. Fingernails should be kept short to avoid direct contact with the lens.

Rinse your lenses with multipurpose solution (or a no-rub solution) and rub them for up to 20 seconds (depending on your solution). Rinse the lenses and put them back in the case to soak for the recommended soaking time. Never reuse or "top off" your solution as this can lead to bacterial growth in the case and eye infections.

4. Better for Eye Health

All contact lenses are medical devices that put an artificial substance in direct contact with the surface of your eye. When they are worn and cared for properly as your eye care professional (ECP) recommends, they can provide good vision safely.

Soft contact lenses made of gel-like materials, such as silicone hydrogels, allow a higher level of oxygen to reach your eye. These are the most popular type of lens.

Hard contact lenses (also called RGP or rigid gas permeable) rest on the sclera, or white part of the eyeball, rather than directly on the cornea. They are often prescribed for patients with dry eyes, but must be worn every night and replaced on a schedule recommended by your ECP. They can cause a brief period of discomfort upon insertion due to the difference in pH and salt levels between the solution used to clean the lenses and your natural tears.

5. More Affordable

With a variety of options available, it is important to consult with an eye care specialist to understand which lens option fits your individual needs and budget. Whether it is daily disposables, monthly or bifocal lenses or special features like tints to enhance color or UV protection, the prices can vary greatly. Insurance coverage, bulk discounts and contact lens rebates are a few ways to lower the cost of your contacts.

Daily disposables tend to be more expensive on a per-use basis than monthly lenses but offer convenience and eliminate the need for solutions and storage cases. As a result, they are an excellent choice for those who struggle with keeping up with the time-consuming hygiene requirements of monthlies.