Contact Lenses

If you’ve recently discovered that your vision needs correcting, you might be weighing up your options. While glasses and laser eye surgery may be an option, many people find themselves drawn to contact lenses. They’re discreet, convenient, and offer excellent visual clarity. But are they right for you?

Whether you’re trying contact lenses for the first time or just doing your research, this guide will walk you through the essentials—types of lenses, pros and cons, care suggestions, and what to consider before making the switch.

What Are Contact Lenses?

Contact lenses are small, curved lenses that sit directly on the surface of your eye to correct refractive errors like short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, and presbyopia. They do the same job as glasses—bending light so it focuses properly on the retina—but they move with your eyes and are practically invisible.

For some, they’re a cosmetic preference. For others, they offer a practical solution for sports or outdoor activities where glasses might get in the way.

Types of Contact Lenses

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to lenses. Your optician will help you choose what’s best for your vision and lifestyle, but here’s a general breakdown of the main types:

Soft Contact Lenses

Soft lenses are made from flexible plastics that allow oxygen to pass through to the cornea, helping keep your eyes comfortable and healthy. They tend to be the most popular option because they’re easy to get used to and available in several wear options:

• Daily disposables: Worn once, then thrown away. Ideal for convenience and hygiene.
• Fortnightly/monthly lenses: Reusable for 2–4 weeks, but require cleaning and proper storage each night.
• Extended wear lenses: Some can be worn continuously for up to a week, including overnight—but only under the advice of your optician.

Soft lenses also come in special designs, such as:

• Toric lenses for mild to moderate astigmatism
• Multifocal lenses for people who need help seeing both near and far (usually aged 40+)

Rigid Gas Permeable (Hard) Lenses

Often called RGP lenses, these are less flexible but more durable. They provide sharper vision in some cases, especially for those with significant astigmatism or irregular corneas. They don’t allow as much oxygen through as soft lenses, and they can take longer to get used to, but they tend to last longer—usually up to a year with proper care.

They’re also smaller in size than soft lenses and tend to stay centred better on the eye, which can result in more stable vision.

Learn more from the Vision Direct.

Pros of Wearing Contact Lenses

There’s a reason contact lenses are so popular. Here are some of the advantages they offer:

1. Natural Appearance

Since they’re practically invisible, contact lenses don’t change the way you look. For people who prefer not to wear glasses, this can boost confidence—especially in social or professional settings.

2. Unobstructed Vision

Contact lenses provide a full field of vision, including your peripheral (side) vision. Glasses can sometimes cause distortion around the edges, especially if the lenses are thick.

3. No Fog or Raindrops

Unlike glasses, lenses don’t steam up in cold weather or collect raindrops, making them ideal in all types of weather.

4. Great for Sports and Exercise

Contact lenses don’t fall off, bounce around, or get in the way while running, playing football, or going to the gym. They’re much more practical for anyone with an active lifestyle.

5. More Affordable Than Surgery

Laser eye surgery may be a long-term solution, but it comes with a higher upfront cost and some risks. Contact lenses, while ongoing, are more budget-friendly and less invasive.

Downsides of Contact Lenses

Of course, contact lenses aren’t without their drawbacks. Here are a few things to bear in mind:

1. Not Suitable for Everyone

Some people find contact lenses uncomfortable, especially those with very dry eyes or certain eye conditions. Your optician will advise whether lenses are a suitable option for you.

2. Daily Maintenance

If you wear reusable lenses, you’ll need to stick to a strict cleaning routine. This includes washing your hands before handling lenses, using recommended solutions (not tap water), and storing them properly.

3. Increased Risk of Infection

Poor hygiene can lead to serious eye infections, including conditions like microbial keratitis. Always follow your optician’s advice on cleaning and replacing your lenses, and never wear them longer than advised.

For more on lens-related infections, check the American Academy of Ophthalmology page on eye infections.

4. Less Oxygen to the Eyes

Even breathable lenses reduce the amount of oxygen reaching your cornea. This can lead to dryness, irritation, or redness—especially if you overwear them.

5. Corneal Abrasions

Because you’re placing something directly on the eye, there’s always a small risk of scratching the cornea, especially if the lens is damaged or inserted incorrectly.

Good Hygiene is Essential

If you do decide to wear contact lenses, proper hygiene is absolutely key to keeping your eyes healthy:

• Always wash and dry your hands before touching your lenses.
• Use only the solution recommended by your optician.
• Never rinse lenses with tap water—it may contain bacteria or other impurities.
• Follow the replacement schedule for both your lenses and lens case.
• Avoid wearing lenses when swimming unless you use airtight goggles.
• If your eyes feel sore, red, or irritated, take out your lenses and speak to your optician.

Are Contact Lenses Right for You?

Ultimately, contact lenses can be a brilliant option—but they aren’t for everyone. Your lifestyle, eye health, budget, and personal preferences will all play a role. The best way to decide is to speak to your optician, who can examine your eyes and recommend the most suitable type of lens.

If you’re curious, there’s no harm in trying them out. Many opticians offer a free trial so you can see how they feel before committing to a regular prescription.