Contact Lenses 101: Types, Care Tips & Comfort Tricks

Contact lenses offer freedom, flexibility, and clear vision without the need for frames. Whether you’re new to contacts or considering making the switch from glasses, understanding your options and how to properly care for your lenses can make all the difference in comfort and eye health. At Family Vision Clinic, we’re here to help you feel confident every step of the way.

Understanding the Different Types of Contact Lenses

 

Not all contact lenses are the same, and the right choice depends on your prescription, lifestyle, and eye health. Today’s options are designed to meet a wide range of vision needs while prioritizing comfort and clarity.

Soft contact lenses are the most commonly prescribed. Made from flexible, breathable materials, they comfortably conform to the eye and are easy to adjust to. Options include daily disposables for convenience, bi-weekly or monthly lenses that require regular cleaning, toric lenses for astigmatism, and multifocal lenses for both near and distance vision. They’re a popular choice for active lifestyles.

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses are smaller and firmer but allow oxygen to reach the eye. While they may require a short adjustment period, they often provide sharper vision and are helpful for higher prescriptions or irregular corneas.

Specialty lenses are available for unique needs. Scleral lenses can help with keratoconus or severe dry eye, hybrid lenses combine clarity with comfort, and Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses are worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea.

A contact lens exam at Family Vision Clinic helps ensure the safest and most comfortable fit for your eyes.

Essential Contact Lens Care Tips

 

Proper care is critical for maintaining eye health and preventing irritation or infection.

1. Wash and Dry Your Hands Thoroughly

Always wash your hands with soap and water before handling lenses. Dry them with a lint-free towel to avoid transferring debris to your eyes.

2. Clean and Store Lenses Properly

If you wear reusable lenses:

•           Use only the recommended contact lens solution.

•           Never use tap water to rinse or store lenses.

•           Rub and rinse lenses as directed, even if using “no-rub” solutions.

•           Replace your contact lens case every three months.

3. Follow the Recommended Wear Schedule

Overwearing lenses increases your risk of dryness, discomfort, and infection. Stick to your prescribed replacement schedule and avoid sleeping in lenses unless specifically approved by your eye doctor.

4. Keep Up with Regular Eye Exams

Even if your vision feels fine, annual contact lens exams are essential. Your prescription, corneal health, and tear film can change over time, and regular checkups help catch issues early.

Comfort Tricks for All-Day Wear

 

Contact lenses should feel comfortable. If they don’t, something may need to be adjusted.

•          Stay Hydrated: Dry eyes can make contacts feel gritty or uncomfortable. Drinking enough water supports healthy tear production.

•          Use Rewetting Drops: Preservative-free artificial tears designed for contact lens wearers can relieve dryness throughout the day. Always confirm with your optometrist which drops are safe for your specific lenses.

•          Give Your Eyes a Break: If you spend long hours on digital devices, practice the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This reduces eye strain and dryness.

•          Remove Lenses at the First Sign of Discomfort: Redness, pain, blurry vision, or light sensitivity are not normal. Remove your lenses and contact Family Vision Clinic if symptoms persist.

Find Your Perfect Fit at Family Vision Clinic

 

Contact lenses are a convenient and effective vision correction option when properly fitted and cared for. From daily disposables to specialty lenses, today’s options make it easier than ever to enjoy clear, comfortable vision. The key is choosing the right type for your eyes and maintaining healthy lens habits.

Schedule your contact lens exam at Family Vision Clinic and discover which lenses are the perfect fit for your lifestyle. Visit our office in Wilmington, North Carolina, or call (910) 392-4414 to book an appointment today.