Save yourself from getting into rush hours and buy your contacts online.
When you choose to order contact lenses online, you are selecting a vision correction device that offers a flexible alternative to traditional glasses. Contacts are available in various materials, forms, colors, and wearing schedules. Millions of people around the world wear contact lenses for vision correction or aesthetic purposes.
This article examines the types of contact lenses available and their specific use for improving your vision.
What Are Contact Lenses?
Contact lenses are thin curved lenses placed directly on the eyes to correct vision problems, protect an injured eye, or in some cases for cosmetic purposes. Contact lenses have been around for several decades, though in recent years they have become increasingly popular.
Contact lenses are medical devices; therefore, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates their sale and use, including cosmetic contact lenses. Improper use of contacts can cause eye health complications or vision loss. It is essential to purchase from a reputable provider like WebEyeCare to ensure you are receiving authentic, FDA-cleared products.
Selecting the Right Contact Lenses for Your Lifestyle
The type of contact lens you should get depends on your specific needs and lifestyle. For example, if you have astigmatism, then toric contact lenses are most suitable for you.
If you operate on a busy schedule and do not want the hassle of cleaning your contacts lenses every day, then daily disposables will be most suitable for you. You can browse WebEyeCare’s full inventory to see which brand fits your prescription.
| Contact Lens Type | Ideal For | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Toric | Astigmatism | Shop Now |
| Daily | Those with busy schedules | Shop Now |
For those who desire comfort above all else, you may benefit most from conventional soft contact lenses. The best way to determine what type of contacts is best for you is to speak with an eye care professional about your individual prescription requirements and lifestyle preferences.
Contact Lens Material: What Are They Made Of?
The first contact lenses were made from hard, glass materials. Luckily, today contact lenses are made from soft plastic polymers. Soft contacts are made from hydrogel and silicone hydrogel polymers, while hard contacts are made from polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and are generally referred to as rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses.
Hydrogel
Hydrogel is one of the most common contact lens materials. It is a thin, gel-like, water-containing polymer that rests on the eye comfortably. It is an excellent contact lens for dry and sensitive eyes due to its biocompatibility.
Silicone Hydrogel
Silicone hydrogel combines hydrogel with silicone to allow more oxygen to enter the cornea, making this material suited for long-term use. However, these materials tend to accumulate proteins and debris from tears more easily than standard hydrogel.
Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA)
PMMA or Plexiglas is a stiff plastic used to manufacture hard contact lenses. While it provides clear vision, it does not allow as much oxygen to the eye, putting users at risk of ‘overwearing syndrome.’ Modern manufacturers now favor gas-permeable designs for better breathability.
Soft Contact Lenses
Traditional soft contact lenses are made from soft plastics like hydrogel and silicone, allowing the eyes to receive more oxygen. These lenses correct several vision disorders, including myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, blurred vision, and presbyopia. You can find all the major brand name contact lenses in soft materials on our homepage.
Gas Permeable Contact Lenses
Gas-Permeable (GP) or Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) contact lenses are made from durable materials that allow oxygen to enter the eyes. These lenses are crafted using silicone-containing materials and are smaller in diameter than soft contact lenses. RGP lenses are quite rigid, so there is less risk of tearing. They provide sharper vision but require an adaptation period for the cornea.
Hybrid Contact Lenses
Hybrid contact lenses attempt to provide the comfort of soft contacts and the sharp vision of GP lenses. They have a rigid gas-permeable center and a "skirt" made from soft lens material. Hybrid lenses are ideal for individuals with strong astigmatism who desire clearer vision than standard soft lenses provide.
PMMA Lens
PMMA lenses are made from polymethyl acrylate (Plexiglas), a lightweight, shatter-proof glass alternative.
PMMA is transparent, inert, and biocompatible with the eye. This lens is malleable so it allows for it to be shaped to correct refractive errors. However, PPMA is not widely used for contact lens manufacturing as users find it difficult to adjust to its rigidity.
These lenses are not gas permeable, which can obstruct oxygen flow into the eye. Manufacturers design PPMA contacts to be as small as possible to reduce the surface they cover. PMMA lenses are also designed to be shaped in a way that creates a space between the lens and cornea surface, making it possible for tears to get under the lens and supply the eyes with oxygen. However, this space also makes it possible for lenses to fall out.
Conventional Vs. Disposable Contacts
Your preference for conventional vs. disposable lenses depends most on your lifestyle. While traditional lenses require rigorous cleaning, disposable contacts are designed to be replaced with a fresh pair frequently.
Weekly, Biweekly, and Monthly Contact Lenses
These lenses are designed for durability. Weekly and biweekly lenses must be cleaned and stored at the end of each day, while monthly lenses can last up to 30 days with proper care. These are often the most economical choice for regular wearers.
| Contact Lens Type | Key Features | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly/Biweekly | Extended Wear, Cost-Effective, UV Protection | Shop Now |
| Monthly | 30-Day Wear, Eco-Friendly, Stable Vision | Shop Now |
Daily Contact Lenses
Daily contact lenses must be removed each night and discarded. Since there is no need for cleaning or storage, they are perfect for those who prioritize convenience and eye hygiene. Check out the top-rated dailies on the WebEyeCare homepage.
Types of Contacts Based on Condition
Toric Lenses for Astigmatism
Toric contact lenses are designed specifically to correct astigmatism, which results from an irregular curvature of the cornea. Because every eye with astigmatism is unique, a doctor must fit these contacts specifically. Popular options like Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism and Biofinity Toric are available at WebEyeCare.
Multifocal and Bifocal Contacts
Multifocal contacts correct presbyopia, the age-related inability to focus on close objects. These lenses allow for seamless transitions between near, intermediate, and distance vision.
Other Specialized Contact Lens Options
- Scleral Lenses: Rest on the white part of the eye (sclera) to treat conditions like keratoconus.
- Myopia Control: Specialized lenses designed to slow nearsightedness progression in children.
- Monovision: One eye is corrected for distance and the other for near vision.
- Colored Lenses: Allow you to change your eye color for cosmetic or corrective purposes. You can shop colored contacts like Air Optix Colors or DAILIES Colors easily online.
How to Care for Your Contact Lenses
How to Put In Contact Lenses
- Wash Your Hands: Use soap and water, then dry with a lint-free towel.
- Check the Lens: Ensure it forms a "cup" shape and is not inside out.
- Hold Eyelids: Hold your upper lid up and pull your lower lid down.
- Insert: Gently place the lens on the eye and blink to settle it.
How to Remove Contact Lenses
- Position Yourself: Look in a mirror and look slightly upward.
- Hold Eyelids: Use your non-dominant hand to hold your upper lid.
- Pinch: Using your thumb and index finger, gently pinch the bottom of the lens.
- Store: Place in a case with fresh solution (unless they are dailies).
Are Contacts Better Than Glasses?
To this question, there are no right or wrong answers.
Whether you opt for contacts or glasses is a matter of individual needs, preference, and lifestyle. You do not even have to choose between the two, as some people alternate between using contacts and glasses depending on their current lifestyle preferences.
Contact lenses conform to the eyes and provide a more natural feel than glasses do for most people. They do not significantly alter your appearance and can be used for sports or other physical activities. However, they do require special handling and maintenance which can be tedious for many people. Generally, contacts can also cost more than glasses.
Glasses are easy to use, come in different styles, and offer some form of protective eyewear against debris, wind, and dust. However, glasses can distort vision, especially for people with strong prescriptions, as they fog up in cold weather and some may not prefer the feel of them on their face. Ultimately, the deciding factors for contacts vs. glasses can be narrowed down to individual preferences.
