Can anyone tell me about contact lenses?

I want to get some but my dad says that they are too expensive, that they get lost real easily, ect. But he doesn't really know much about them either. My main problem with my eyesight is that I can't see far away and my optometrist said I have an astigmatism or something. What would be the best kind to buy (e.x. hard lens, soft lens, disposable)?

The flexibility and convenience that contact lenses provide are leading more and more people to contacts as science provides us with greater options in contact lens wear. And because there are so many options, it is important to discuss the matter fully with an eyecare professional, who will consider your overall vision problems, the health of your eyes, and your specific visual needs and motivations.

The selection of contact lenses available can best be described as "vast." Don't worry about becoming overwhelmed, though: contact lenses can be broken down into several main categories based on what they're made of, how often you need to replace them, and whether you can sleep in them.

Contact lenses are made of many different types of plastic, but they are divided into two main groups: soft or rigid gas permeable (RGP lenses, now called GP lenses). Soft contacts contain from 25% to 79% water, are easy to adapt to and are quite comfortable. Rigid gas permeable contact lenses take longer to adapt to, but are more durable and more resistant to deposit buildup. They tend to be less expensive over the life of the lens (but the upfront cost is higher) and can offer some people crisper vision than they would have with soft contacts.

The replacement schedule of a contact lens refers to how long you can safely wear it before you need to throw it away. With GP lenses, you generally replace them every couple of years, because they are made of a very durable material (though a prescription change would necessitate new lenses).
Soft contact lenses come in a wider variety of replacement schedules:
daily disposable - 1 day
disposable (removed each night) - 2 weeks
disposable (used for overnight wear) - 1 week
disposable (30 day continuous wear) - 1 month
frequent replacement (also called "planned replacement") - 1 month to several months, depending on brand
conventional - 1 year

Daily disposable contacts are the ultimate in convenience!


When you get a prescription for contact lenses, you get a comprehensive set of services and materials that go along with the lenses themselves including:

-the initial office visit and thorough examination, which will cover fitting procedures and usage guidelines;
-a lens care kit, which can include solutions and storage cases;
-lens wear and care training; follow-up visits over a specified period of time

A great website with information about contact lenses, including Definition | Symptoms | Types of Contact Lenses | Cost | Risks| Wear and Care:
http://www.kellogg.umich.edu/patientcare...

it really depends on how bad your astigmatism is. i have a tiny one, so its not a big deal. I got contacts when i was 14. i had glasses for a little while first, but i played soccer so i really needed the contacts. I use soft lenses that are monthly. So theoretically i use a new pair every month, but i make them last longer. i never really had a problem with losing them, just in the pool once or twice when i opened my eyes underwater. I wear mine all the time, i totally recommend them. good luck!

i have proclear because i have astigmatism..they are toric so they are weighted on my eyes..soft lenses/disposable is the best way to go.

disposable

with the "astigmatism", contact lens would probly have to be hard and expensive. talk to your optomitrist

Since you have an astigmatism your ophthalmologist may suggest what is called a "toric" lenses. From personal experience, I find these to be more of a pain than normal lenses. I would suggest soft disposable lens.

Total for eye exam and a year supply of lenses should be around $200. You will need an eye exam each year in most cases.

They do not get lost easily unless you do a lot of swimming or rub your eye a lot. Since you haven't worn contact lenses before, it may take some getting used to.