Wearing contacts can open up a whole new world for those who have less than perfect vision. While glasses are effective and can even look very stylish, contacts are a great alternative for those who have poor vision. Contacts are ideal for those who are active in sports and can make putting on makeup a lot easier. Contacts also allow for increased peripheral vision and make driving an easier task. For those who are getting contacts for the first time, here are three things to consider.
There Are Multiple Types Of Contacts
The first thing that any first time wearer of contacts should be aware of is that there are a variety of types of contacts to choose from. The basic types of contact lenses include soft lenses, silicon hydrogel lenses, gas permeable lenses, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) lenses, and hybrid lenses. Soft lenses and silicon hydrogel lenses are made up of hydrogels that contour to the eye. The main difference between the two is that the silicon in silicon hydrogel lenses allows more oxygen to reach the cornea. PMMA lenses and gas permeable lenses are rigid, and often referred to as hard contact lenses. Hybrid lenses are a combination of hydrogel and either permeable gas or PMMA lenses.
The Right Lenses Depend On Your Needs
Silicon hydrogel lenses are by far the most popular, accounting for 67 percent of lenses in the US with soft hydrogel lenses being the second most popular. Gas permeable lenses account for 10 percent of contact lenses used in the US while hybrid lenses make up about 2 percent and PMMA lenses less than one percent. Overall, soft contact lenses are the lenses of choice for most users. They are comfortable and can even be worn for extended periods of time. However, many who have astigmatism or require bifocal or multifocal capabilities prefer hard contact lenses.
The Cost
Another thing that first time contact lens users should be aware of is the cost of these lenses. Daily disposable contact lenses cost around $70 to $100 for a 90-day supply while a year's supply of extended-wear contacts costs between $170 and $300 on average. Specialty contact lenses, such as those for people who have astigmatism, can be even pricier. It's important to take the yearly cost of wearing contact lenses into account when making the switch from glasses.
Contacts are a great way to correct vision. They allow for more activity and can make daily life easier. First time contact users should be aware that there are multiple types of contacts available and that the right lenses depend on the wearer's needs. Costs can also vary. However, daily wear of contact lenses can cost a few hundred dollars each year.
Share1 February 2018
Do you remember the last time you thought about the quality of your vision? Although it can be easy to write off vision problems as a simple frustration, taking the time to visit your eye doctor might help you to take care of important aspects of your day to day life. In addition to making your vision more comfortable with the right pair of frames or the right contact lenses, going to the eye doctor might also help you to keep up with your overall eye care. If you have an undetected disease or illness, your eye doctor might mention it before it affects your health. Read this blog for more information.
