Contact Lens Guide

Did you know the first contact lenses were made of glass? Leonardo da Vinci first proposed the idea of contacts in 1508. Thankfully, we’ve come a long way since then, and today’s contacts are made of much more comfortable materials than their original glass counterparts.  

Today, contact lenses are considered medical devices regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which oversees their safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing, as well as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Whether you’re considering contacts for the first time or are a long-time contact lens wearer, it’s important to arm yourself with the information you need to keep your eyes healthy and happy. 

Contacts, Glasses, or Both: Which Option Is Best for Me? 

You may be wondering if you should switch to contacts or if glasses work better for you. The answer? It depends! There's a lot to consider when deciding whether you want to wear contacts, from risks and benefits to convenience and lifestyle.  

Are Contacts Safe to Wear? 

Contact lenses are generally safe to wear, but like most things, they come with risks, such as an increased chance of developing eye infections. It is important that contact lens wearers care for their lenses properly to help reduce the risk of infections and keep their eyes comfortable and healthy. Most of the time, these issues can be corrected and cleared up with the help of an eye doctor, but not seeking care when you start to notice symptoms of eye infections can lead to long-term and permanent eye damage.  

So, if you wear contacts and start to experience problems, contact your eye doctor immediately. 

Pros and Cons of Contacts 

Contact lenses are not necessarily better or worse than glasses. Both correct vision problems, and each has its pros and cons.

Some benefits of wearing contact lenses include: 

• Improved appearance. Some people feel they look better and feel more confident when wearing contact lenses instead of glasses. 

• Improved vision. Contact lenses often provide better peripheral vision than glasses since they stay in place when your eyes move. Your glasses may have some blind spots when looking to the side. 

• Improved performance. Contact lenses stay in place when running and do not fog up when moving between temperatures like glasses do. Some people find this beneficial when going between the indoors and outdoors or when playing sports. 

Potential downsides to contact lenses include:

• Higher cost. Because contacts need to be replaced regularly, they can be more expensive than glasses over the long term.

• Cleaning requirements. To help your eyes stay healthy with contacts, you’ll need to follow careful cleaning and care regimens.

• Comfort. Some people may find putting in or wearing contacts uncomfortable or inconvenient for their lifestyle.

Ultimately, you should discuss the pros and cons of wearing contacts and your lifestyle with your eye doctor. They will help you decide if contacts are the best option for you before determining your prescription and fit. 

Types of Contact Lenses 

There are many different types of contact lenses available today, and they can help correct a variety of vision disorders, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and even presbyopia.

With all these options, knowing which ones are best for you can be difficult. The good news? You don't have to choose. Your eye doctor will examine your eyes and determine the right type of contact lens for you.

Contacts are available in two basic forms: soft contacts and hard contacts. 

• Soft contact lenses are made with thin, flexible material and water. They are generally the most comfortable to wear and allow oxygen to pass through the contact and to the cornea. They are the most common type of contact lens worn, and wearers find them comfortable and easier to adjust to than hard contact lenses. 

• Hard contact lenses (or rigid gas permeable lenses), while not as comfortable as soft contacts, are more durable and can provide clearer vision. They take longer to adjust to wearing because of their rigid construction, and their cleaning process is more complex than that of soft contact lenses. 

Longevity of Wear  

While most contact lenses are disposable, the amount of time you can wear them depends on the lens you buy.  

Your eye doctor may recommend one of the following: 

• Daily wear contacts come in two types:  

  • Daily disposable contacts are an excellent option for many people, especially kids or those with seasonal allergies, as they are worn once and then thrown away or recycled at the end of the day. 

  • Planned replacement lenses are worn during the day, removed at night, sanitized, and worn again for a certain number of days, typically ranging from seven to 30 days. For example, monthly contact lenses can be used each day and removed at night for a month, at which time they’re replaced. 

• Extended-wear contacts are designed for longer wear and may not need to be taken out at night. Generally, they should be removed at least once a week and cleaned, but your eye doctor will advise on the best way to care for these types of lenses. Wearing contact lenses overnight has been linked to severe eye infections, so talk with your eye doctor before considering this type of lens. 

Specialty Contact Lenses 

In addition to the more common types of contact lenses, there are also various types of specialty contact lenses your eye doctor may recommend:  

• Ortho-K: orthokeratology contact lenses (or ortho-K lenses) are used to correct nearsightedness. They are worn at night to temporarily flatten the cornea and then removed during the day for improved vision. 

• Toric: used to correct vision for those with astigmatism, toric lenses are available as daily or extended wear.  

• Lenses for presbyopia: As people age, their near vision gets blurry, which can require the use of different types of contacts that help people see clearly close up and far away. Options may include:

  • Bifocal lenses 

  • Multifocal lenses 

  • Monovision lenses 

• Scleral: a type of large, hard contact lens that rests on the white part of the eye rather than the cornea. Scleral lenses may be given to those with damaged corneas or severe dry eye.  

• Decorative: people may choose decorative or colored contact lenses for cosmetic reasons. For example, some people may use them at Halloween to enhance their costumes. These can change the color of your eyes, and some may have designs to make your eyes look different. Whether you want them with or without vision correction, you’ll need to see an eye doctor and get a prescription. Also remember that contact lenses are medical devices, and if they are not fitted properly, they can cause severe eye infections and damage your eye. Only purchase them from an FDA-approved contact lens brand. Your eye doctor will be able to direct you to the best contact lenses for you. 

How to Take Care of Your Contact Lenses 

There’s a lot to know about how to take care of your contacts. Getting comfortable with putting your contacts in, taking them out, and properly cleaning them will help you feel like a contact pro in no time.  

How to Put in Contact Lenses 

Putting in contacts for the first time can be a little scary. After all, it may be the first time you are purposely placing something into your eye! 

Your eye doctor will help you put your contacts in for the first time, but here are some steps to follow when you try it on your own: 

1. Wash and dry your hands. 

2. Remove your contact lens from its case and rinse it with contact lens solution. 

3. With the contact on your pointer finger, gently pull apart your eyelids, move the lens toward your eye, and carefully place it onto your eye. 

4. Once inserted, blink a few times to make sure everything looks clear and feels comfortable.  

If you have any trouble inserting your contact lenses, or if they are uncomfortable or painful in your eyes, contact your eye doctor.  

How to Remove Contact Lenses 

Removing your contact lenses at the end of the day can help keep your eyes healthy. It’s important to take your contacts out each evening rather than sleeping in them.  

Your eye doctor will help you remove them for the first time, but here are steps to follow when removing them on your own: 

1. Wash your hands. 

2. Fill your clean contact lens case with contact lens solution (unless you have daily disposable lenses). 

3. Gently pull down your lower eyelid and carefully pinch the lens to remove it from your eye. 

4. Place the lens in your contact lens container, seal the lid, and go to the next eye. Or, if you use daily disposable lenses, dispose of them as instructed. 

Contact Lens Care and Hygiene 

Once you have appropriately fitted contacts, taking proper care of them can help prevent contact lens-related eye infections. 

Here are some tips for handling and cleaning your contacts properly: 

• Don’t wear contacts longer than the recommended timeframe. 

• Wash and dry your hands before putting your contacts in or removing them. 

• Do not use water or saliva to clean your contacts; only use an approved contact lens solution recommended by your eye doctor to clean your contacts.  

• Take your contacts out at night (unless prescribed otherwise) and sanitize them overnight before putting them back in.  

• Use a “rub and rinse” cleaning method when cleaning your contacts. Rub the contact while rinsing with solution and then soak the lenses overnight in contact lens solution.  

• Never reuse or top off contact lens solution. 

Anytime you experience eye issues such as red eyes, itchy eyes, changes in vision, blurriness, or other concerns, don’t put in your contacts, or remove them if they’re already in, and put on your glasses instead. That’s one reason it’s a good idea to have a pair of glasses on hand, even if you wear contacts most of the time.  

If you’re experiencing red eyes or vision changes, make sure to visit your eye doctor to check your eyes.  

Can Kids Wear Contacts? 

Yes, many children can wear contacts, though it depends on the circumstances and your child’s vision correction needs.  

If you have a child who currently wears glasses, they may ask if they can make the change to contact lenses. A child may want to wear contacts for various reasons, such as sports performance or appearance. As a parent or caregiver, how do you know if your child can safely wear contacts, and when is a good time to ask about contacts for your kid? 

A good rule of thumb: if a child asks about contact lenses, they may be ready for them! Learn more about how to know if your child is ready for contacts.

If you have doubts about your child’s ability to perform the proper contact lens hygiene required to prevent eye infections, now is probably not the right time to switch to contacts. However, if they’re ready and able to take on this new responsibility, bring it up at your child’s next eye appointment. Your eye doctor will help you decide if contacts will work for your child's vision needs and provide guidance on how to adjust and care for them. 

How to Buy Contact Lenses  

When it comes to purchasing contacts, you have many options. It is important to remember that contacts are medical devices regulated by the FTC and FDA. You'll need to purchase contacts that are in the correct prescription, are the prescribed brand, and have the right fit to ensure you see your best and keep your eyes healthy. Before you buy, talk with your eye doctor about what contact lenses are right for you. 

Buying Contact Lenses in Person 

A convenient, easy way to buy contact lenses is through your eye doctor.  

When you go in for your annual eye exam and contact lens exam, ask to order a new supply of contacts. You’ll need a current prescription anytime you order new contacts, so this is a great way to do everything at once.  

Your eye doctor will order the correct type of contacts in your prescription and vision benefits to help cover the costs.  

Buying Contact Lenses Online 

If you prefer shopping online for your contact lenses, make sure you get your contacts using a current prescription. It’s illegal in the U.S. to sell contact lenses without a prescription.  

In addition, make sure you always get a properly fitted lens (your eye doctor checks this during a contact lens exam). Serious complications can result from getting improperly fitting contacts, including infections, injuries, and even blindness.

Do You Need a Contact Lens Exam Before Buying Contacts? 

Keeping your eyes healthy while wearing contacts is essential. If you decide to switch to contacts, your eye doctor will perform an eye exam and a contact lens exam. These exams will determine your prescription needs and the fit you’ll need for your contacts. If contacts aren’t fitted properly, they can scratch your eye and cause blood vessels to grow into your cornea. 

Once you have your new contacts, make sure you keep seeing your eye doctor each year so they can ensure you still have the right contacts, your prescription hasn’t changed, and your lenses continue to fit properly. 

Optimize Your Vision with Contact Lenses  

If you are considering getting contact lenses for yourself or a family member, talk with your eye doctor. They will help you decide if contacts are a good option and determine which contacts will work best. 
 
Remember that caring for your contacts and keeping them clean is essential to safely using these vision correction devices. Your eye doctor will show you how to properly clean and care for your new lenses and how to put them in and take them out. 
 
Once you have your contacts, be sure to keep getting regular eye exams. Your contact lenses expire (the date is printed on each box of lenses), and so does your prescription. It is important to have an annual eye exam because your sight and lens measurements can change over time. 

Your eye doctor will ensure you have the right prescription and fit and can address any contact lens and eye concerns you have. 

How DeltaVision® Members Can Save Money on Contacts 

If you’re a DeltaVision®, in partnership with VSP, member, you can save money when purchasing your contact lenses. Here are a few ways to save. 

1. Use Your Benefits at a VSP Network Doctor. VSP members can use their plan's contact lens coverage (if available) to purchase contacts through their VSP network doctor. When you stay in network, you can use your vision benefits to purchase your contact lens supply without having to file a claim form afterward.  

2. Save More at a VSP Premier Edge Location. Take full advantage of your vision benefits and visit a VSP Premier Edge^TM location. Available to all VSP members at no extra cost, you’ll get exclusive rebates and savings on your contact lenses when you visit a Premier Edge location. 

3. Shop for Contacts Online You can also shop for contacts online (but you’ll need a current prescription from your eye doctor). Shop online using Eyeconic, where VSP members can save $120 on an annual supply and get 20% off out-of-pocket costs for contacts. Just be sure to connect your VSP benefits and use a current prescription before checkout. 

4. Exclusive Member Extras. DeltaVision® puts members first by providing exclusive offers from VSP and leading industry brands, totaling more than $3,000 in savings! Learn more about how you can save money on your contact lenses, contact lens solutions, and other eye care and eyewear needs through our VSP Exclusive Member Extras. 

This article previously appeared on VSP, Delta Dental of Tennessee’s  DeltaVision partner.