Contact Lenses: How to Choose, Buy, and Care for Them

Contact lenses can make life easier—no foggy glasses, wider field of view, and freedom for sports. But bad fit, poor hygiene, or buying from the wrong place can cause problems fast. Here’s a clear, practical guide that tells you what to do from the eye exam to daily care and when to call your eye doctor.

How to pick the right lenses

Start with an eye exam and a proper contact lens fitting. Your prescription must include lens brand, power, base curve, and diameter—don’t rely on an eyeglass prescription alone. Tell your eye doctor about dry eyes, allergies, or jobs that expose you to dust; those issues change the recommendation.

Basic lens types:

• Daily disposables: wear once, toss. Best for convenience, allergies, and low infection risk.
• Daily-wear reusable (biweekly/monthly): cheaper over time but need strict cleaning.
• Toric lenses: for astigmatism—fit matters to avoid rotation and blurry sight.
• Multifocal or monovision options: for presbyopia (near focus problems).
• Silicone hydrogel: higher oxygen flow—good for long wear and overall eye health.

Ask for a trial pair before buying a full supply. If the lens moves, blurs easily, or feels gritty during the trial, get a different brand or fit.

Daily care and warning signs

Hygiene is the single biggest factor in contact lens safety. Wash and dry your hands before touching lenses. Use the cleaning solution your eye doctor recommends—don’t top up old solution, and never use tap water or saliva to rinse lenses or the case.

Clean and store lenses nightly if they’re reusable. Rub and rinse lenses with solution unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Replace your case every three months. Avoid sleeping in lenses unless they’re specifically approved for overnight use.

Watch for trouble: remove lenses right away and call your eye doctor if you get severe pain, increased redness, sudden blurring, light sensitivity, or a lot of discharge. These can be signs of infection that needs prompt treatment.

Other practical tips: keep preservative-free rewetting drops handy for dry eyes, bring backup glasses when traveling, and carry a small case of solution—airports and sports venues can dry your eyes quickly. When buying online, verify the seller asks for a current prescription, shows clear return policies, and has good reviews. If something feels off—poor packaging, suspiciously low prices, or no customer service—skip it.

Get an annual checkup even if your sight seems fine. A proper exam spots early signs of complications and keeps your prescription accurate. If you have questions about contact lenses or need help finding trusted sellers, use our Contact Us page to reach out—our team can point you toward safe options and relevant articles on eye health.