Oct 13 2009
What are the best contact lenses for you?
There are all kinds of reasons to consider contact lenses. Maybe you need a change from glasses, want to play sport or like some contacts for special occasions.
Either way we are here to help and guide you through the options to make sure you get the best contact lenses to suit your lifestyle.
First off we look at the three main categories; Soft or Rigid lenses, Wear Schedules and Vision Problems.
Soft or Rigid lenses?
Basic lenses are a great value option, but the best contact lenses are Silicone Hydrogel for ultimate wearing comfort and eye health. The super wet lens stops deposit build up and dry eye irritation by supplying extra oxygen to your eye.
Ideal if you spend long hours in front of a computer, which can lead to dehydration, discomfort and red eye.
In short, soft contacts are the best contact lens for wearer comfort
The alternative is the rigid Gas Permeable or GP lenses. Maybe not as flexible as the soft lenses but with the advanced plastics, essential oxygen can reach the eye just as effectively as the soft lenses.
The rigid plastic means that the lens offers crisp, clear vision. They last a long time and can correct all types of vision problems; however they do take a bit longer to get used too.
Wear Schedule
Daily disposable lenses are worn during waking hours, then simply thrown away and replaced with a new pair the next day. With no cleaning or fuss they are ideal for daily use, traveling, sports or nights out.
Daily contacts also means less chance of infection, especially if your eyes naturally produce more protein or you suffer with allergies.
They come in great value, hygienic options, through to Silicone Hydrogel, which are the best contact lenses for comfort and your eye health
With reusable or 14/30 day disposable lenses you wear and clean daily, replacing your lenses either once or twice a month.
You get the latest lens material for comfortable wear all day, which is ideal for office and dry air conditioned environments.
The 14 day lenses reduces surface deposit problems and 30 day options are very affordable, with lenses featuring, overnight use, high oxygen permeability, handling tints and UV protection.
Its important to keep to the 14/30 day recommended wearing time and remember they require that all important cleaning with specialist solutions.
Extended, continuous wear or Night & Day lenses can be worn 24/7 and popular with people that need immediate vision, such as police and firemen
But even these lenses have a life, which is generally 14 or 30 days.
Normally you wont need cleaning solutions but if you take them out during a heavy cold, you’ll need to clean and disinfect them before you reapply.
So the lenses must be handled properly, and sometimes more prone to protein buildup.
Vision Problem
If your vision is short (myopia) or long-sightedness, (hypermetroopia) then soft lenses will certainly be the best option for you. They are easy to handle and immediately pleasant to wear.
If you have an astigmatisim, then you will need a Toric lens that compensates for the irregular surface of your eye. The lenses have to be set in a particular position, so placement is crucial and because you need superior vision and stability, rigid GP lenses are the best contact lenses.
Lenses for presbyopia are bifocal or multifocal contact lenses that give you excellent vision at all distances, especially close up images.
The best contact lenses for value are the 30 day disposable and generally available as a GP lenses
