Which Type of Contact Lens Should You Use?

Daily, Bi-Weekly or Monthly Disposables?

There are many different types of contact lenses based on the type of vision correction you require, their make, and their longevity. So before you make a choice of going contact lens shopping, you should remember some basic facts about these tiny pieces of eyewear.

Types of contact lenses

There is always an added worry when you are using a contact lens instead of an eyeglass. You are actually applying something straight onto your eyes when you are using contact lens. This opens up a world of concerns like lens suitability; dry, itchy eyes; and eye infections that can go on to develop bigger problems. The trick is in knowing how to use your contact lenses well and knowing which one will suit you best. Following are the types of contact lenses available in the market.

• Soft contact lenses – These are the most commonly found lenses in today’s date. The high moisture content in these lenses makes them soft and very flexible. It also increases oxygen permeability, making them light on the eyes, rendering crisp clear vision. These are available in three kinds, depending on period of wear: dailies, bi-weeklies or monthlies. We will discuss them shortly.
• Gas permeable lenses – These lenses are harder in texture and more rigid. They are made of plastics and some other material like silicon or fluoropolymers. The latter components allow for oxygen to smoothly flow through the lenses, as such they get their name of gas permeable lenses.

Based on the wearing options of dailies, biweeklies and monthlies, you can take a pick that suits you the most.

Daily contact lenses

Daily disposable contact lenses are the best option when it comes to using contact lenses. Their very feature of use and throw allows for convenience and you do not need to store and clean them on an everyday basis. These lenses are recommended for everyone, especially people on the go and active sportspeople. The only issue with these lenses is the cost perspective. Although the lenses cost lesser than traditional lenses on a unit basis, you still end up shelling out more as you will need to buy 360 pairs for each year that sums up to about $600 to $700 per year. You can buy lenses online to reduce some of the cost impact by benefitting from the savings they offer.

Biweekly or monthly

These turn up cheaper than the dailies. However, you have to ensure that you clean your lenses properly on an everyday basis, in a recommended brand of lens cleaning solution. If this is not done, you could be subjecting your eye to issues such as dryness, itchiness, and infections. Also if you are using the same contact lens for longer hours, you should keep them lubricated using eye drops.

There are pros and cons to all these three types of lenses. However, it is up to you and what you seek in your product that will help you take your pick. If you are looking for affordability and do not mind the task of cleaning your lenses every day; go for the biweekly monthly lenses. If the cost is not an issue to you and you would like the convenience of every day clean wear then you should go for the dailies.

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