Why Contact Lenses are a Good Idea for Everyone

August 19-23 is National Contact Lens Health Week, promoted by the CDC.

Contact lenses are a relatively recent development in eyecare, produced in the 1970s as hard lenses, they have advanced into a variety of mainly soft, silicone lenses for every lifestyle. Lenses can be custom shaped, change color, turn into sunglasses, help with astigmatism, and work as a progressive lens. Their variety of styles and fits make contacts a good idea for pretty much everyone.

For the everyday glasses wearer

For people that wear glasses daily or have worn glasses their whole life, contact lenses offer a different look—literally. Changing from your usual pair of glasses into contacts can act almost like a disguise or a new haircut, altering your look. And the best part is, it’s only temporary. You can go back to glasses whenever you want. Contact lenses are also a great option for special events, vacations, or outdoor activities.

Recommended: Daily contact lenses. No cleaning routine necessary—just toss after use.

Monthly contact lenses. Good for someone who plans on wearing contacts most of the time.

Sometimes, switching to contacts can make you feel like royalty

For the Athlete

While sports and safety glasses are always an option for athletes, contact lenses offer better visibility and clarity (especially for higher prescriptions). Plus, wearing contacts during sports reduces the risk of breaking or scratching your glasses. New Acuvue Oasys with Transitions contact lenses will transition in the sunlight and will work like sunglasses while outdoors.

Recommended: Daily contact lenses. No cleaning necessary—perfect for mud, dirt, swimming sports.

Acuvue Oasys with Transitions—good for light sensitivity.

For the Kiddo

Contact lenses can be a great option for kids. They are safe, sanitary, and teach valuable life skills like hygiene and responsibility. Contacts are great for busy kids in sports; plus, contact lenses can’t break, scratch, or get lost like glasses can. If you think your child is up to the task, schedule a contact lens fitting and training. They will learn, like all new contact lens wearers, how to insert and remove the lenses, and how to take care of the contacts.

Recommended: Daily contact lenses. No cleaning routine necessary—perfect training lens.

For the 40+ Crowd

Typically, after 40, people lose the ability to read up close without correction. This is called presbyopia and is usually fixed with the help of a bifocal or progressive lens. These multifocal lenses are also available in contact lenses and can be a good alternative for a progressive glasses wearer.

Recommended: Multifocal contact lenses or monovision contact lenses.

One size does not fit all

Dr. Dave and Dr. Michelle will work hard to find contacts that fit your eyes and your lifestyle. Because there are so many different brands and types of contact lenses, finding the right pair for you requires a contact lens fitting. Every eye is different and everybody responds differently to contact lens wear. A contact lens fitting will check to make sure that the lenses fit properly and your eyes are healthy.

Please remember:

• Contact lenses are not a substitute for glasses. Always have a backup pair of glasses in an up-to-date prescription.

• Contact lenses need to be worn according to their prescribed wearing schedule. Not following this schedule can lead to vision complications.

• Contact lens prescriptions will expire after one year. An annual eye exam helps maintain healthy vision and guarantee that the contact lenses are fitting well, healthy, and safe for the eyes.