Contact Lenses: Tips on How to Pick the Perfect Pair

Choosing the perfect pair of contact lenses isn't easy. There are almost limitless options today, from cosmetic to highly practical lenses. Between the variety of manufacturers, lens types, and lens wear lengths, it can take a while to decide what kind of contact lenses you want. If you don't choose the right type, you can waste money very easily. Hard lenses tend to cost a significant amount of money since they last so long, after all. 
 
When buying lenses, listen to the advice of your eye doctor but be sure you're making your own decision. Buying lenses online by using the prescription is popular so that you don't have to pay the steep fee many eye doctors who also sell contacts will charge you. Here are some factors to consider when choosing contact lenses. 

 
Do you want cosmetic changes?

 
Some contact lenses change your appearance - for example, theatrical lenses may give you a demonic or angelic look, Halloween lenses can give you cat eyes or a scary Dracula appearance, and so on. Other changes are subtler, such as contacts that brighten your eyes or change your eye color without making you look non-human. 
 
Disposable or extended-wear?

 
Some types of contact lenses are created to be disposable. For example, if you decide that you want to avoid the hassle of cleaning and storing lenses, you can choose daily disposable lenses and wear them once, then throw them out. They tend to be a more expensive option over the long term if you do this every day, however. Extended-wear lenses cost more upfront but you continue to use them for weeks or months. Typically, rigid lenses are extended-wear contacts, but soft lenses come in both disposable and extended-wear versions. 
 
Hard or soft material?

 
Soft lenses may feel more comfortable initially, but they are harder to clean and many people find hard lenses more comfortable once you get used to wearing them. The benefits of soft lenses include lower chances of infections from improper cleaning, greater comfort, and sometimes UV protection. However, they can absorb pollutants and dry out your eyes, and they tend to be more fragile. Hard lenses include rigid gas permeable (RGP or GP) lenses, which can give you clearer vision and are very durable over the long term. 
 
Do you need bifocals?

 
Lenses are available to help correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and other sight problems. If you have trouble with both nearsighted and farsighted activities and need to wear bifocals, you can get bifocal contacts. You can get them in both soft and rigid lenses, and they include the prescription for both near and far in one lens. 
 
There are seemingly endless choices for contact lenses. You can also come across discounts, coupons and various promotions online such as the Lenstore voucher code promotion. Whether you're looking for disposable lenses to reduce the chance of allergies and make cleaning easier or extended-wear lenses to save money and get a specific prescription, contacts can help you out. Even cosmetic contacts are becoming more popular now that people understand how to use them. Make sure you always get a prescription before buying any type of contact lenses, whether or not you are aiming to correct your vision.

Chelsea Miller is an optical technician. She enjoys sharing her insight through blogging.