Contact Lenses

Millions of Americans wear contact lenses. It’s no surprise, considering how convenient and comfortable lenses are — and how affordable they’ve become. Find out if contact lenses are right for you and how to make an appointment with an online optometrist and get contacts mailed right to your door.

Contact Lenses Vs. Eyeglasses

The Vision Council of America states that approximately 75% of Americans need some type of vision correction, whether it’s eyeglasses, contact lenses, or surgery. 64% of those people wear glasses. 

We’re not surprised, considering most people who wear contacts also own at least one pair of eyeglasses. Contact lenses aren’t a replacement for glasses per se; what they do offer is the ability to enjoy outdoor activities, sporting events, and other activities that would normally be restricted by wearing glasses. 

They’re also ideal for anyone who doesn’t want to wear eyeglasses all day — but doesn’t mind wearing them from time to time.

Reasons to Get Contact Lenses

Most people who wear contact lenses do so because they don’t want to be hindered by eyeglasses all day every day. They’re also perfect for people who want to wear sunglasses sometimes but don’t want to buy a separate pair of prescription lenses. 

The most common reasons to get contact lenses include:

• Comfort
• Convenience
• Fashion
• Easy to put on and take off
• Most users don’t notice they’re there
• Wear some lenses for up to 30 days
• Can be worn during most activities
• Won’t make your skin breakout

Types of Contact Lenses

Contact lenses have come a long way since they became popular in the 1970s. There are now contacts can change your eye color, be worn for up to a month, and are extremely comfortable The most popular types of contact lenses include: 

• Nighttime lenses
• Daily lenses
• Disposable lenses
• Color contact lenses
• Decorative lenses
• Soft contacts
• Rigid permeable lenses

Who Cannot Wear Contact Lenses?

Contact lenses aren’t recommended for everyone. While most people find contacts comfortable and safe, optometrists recommend some opt for eyeglasses or surgery, such as people with:

• Astigmatisms
• Corneal scarring
• Dry eyes
• Extremely sensitive eyes
• Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC)
• Glaucoma
• Keratoconus
• Pellucid Marginal Degeneration
• Presbyopia
• Severe eye diseases
• Predispositions to eye infections like pink eye

Online Optometrists 

Back in the day (OK, a few years ago), if you wanted to buy contacts, you needed to head to an optometrist, pay a hefty fee or copay, and then pay for the lenses. Nowadays, you can get an eye test online, pay a small fee (similar to the cost of a typical copay), and get contact lenses mailed right to your door.

The entire process is much less expensive, and patients don’t need to worry about wasting time driving to and from a doctor’s appointment. Considering prescriptions need to be updated annually, patients can save plenty of time and money each year. 

If you’re thinking about getting contact lenses, make an appointment with an online optometrist to start seeing the world in 20/20.