Are you about to start wearing contact lenses for the first time? This can be a big step in your life, and you probably have a lot of questions. You might be asking yourself how to choose the right contact lenses. Of course there are a number of things you need to consider before you make a decision. Let’s take a closer look at what some of those things might be. Here are a few things you should think about before deciding which contact lenses are best for you.
Hard vs Soft Contact Lenses
One of the first decisions you need to make is whether you should wear hard or soft contact lenses. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Hard contact lenses are more rigid and conform to the shape of your eye. They’re durable and easy to care for, and they’ve also been shown to correct certain vision problems. However, they can also become scratched or dislodged rather easily. Soft contact lenses on the other hand are more flexible and generally considered to be much more comfortable. However, they also have higher rates of infection and can be more expensive since they require more replacements.
Daily vs Disposable Contacts
If you decide to wear soft contact lenses, you then need to decide between daily or disposable contact lenses. Daily contact lenses are worn on a daily basis and replaced on a regular schedule that varies from one brand to the next. These are the least expensive option, but they require more maintenance in order to avoid infections. By contrast, disposable contacts are replaced every single day. This means there’s no maintenance involved, but they’re obviously more expensive since they’re replaced more often.
Do You Need UV Protection?
Depending on your lifestyle, you might need UV protected contacts. This may be the case if you play sports or otherwise spend a lot of time outdoors. It’s important to note that not all contacts have UV protection. Those that do will do a better job of protecting your eyes from the sun. Also, keep in mind that contacts will only protect part of your eye. You still need to wear sunglasses if you want full protection.
How Often Will You Wear Them?
Some people wear contact lenses everyday while others only wear them for special occasions. If you were them on a daily basis, then you should consider the pros and cons listed above when it comes to soft or hard contacts. However, if you only plan to wear them for special occasions, then you should probably choose soft contacts. This is because hard contacts have to be worn on a regular basis in order to become comfortable. Soft lenses can be worn comfortably at any time, even if it’s just a part-time basis.
Of course, the most important thing to do before making a decision is to consult your optometrist. They’ll be able to help you go through these options and find what’s best for you. Above all, think about your own personal needs and what you want from your contact lenses.
