Best Contact Lenses for Beginners
16th Aug 2024
When you’re just starting with contact lenses, picking the right pair isn’t just about seeing better—it’s about feeling comfortable and confident with your choice. This article dives into what makes contact lenses perfect for beginners, easing you into a world that enhances not just your vision but also your lifestyle.
Contact Lenses Suitable for Beginners
Contact lenses are thin, curved lenses placed on the film of tears that cover your eyes. They correct vision like glasses do, but unlike spectacles, they offer unobstructed all-around vision and don't fog up or get splattered by the rain. There are several types available:
Daily Disposables - Ideal for beginners due to their convenience and minimal maintenance. They are used once and then discarded, reducing the risk of eye infections.
Monthly or Extended Wear - These lenses can be worn for an extended period, including overnight in some lens brands. They require cleaning and careful handling but are cost-effective.
Contact lens material
Soft Lenses: Made from hydrogels or silicone hydrogels, these are comfortable and easy to adapt to. Silicone hydrogels provide better oxygen permeability, which is healthier for the eyes.
Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses: Offer sharper vision and durability, ideal for specific corneal conditions.
What Makes a Contact Lens 'Beginner-Friendly'?
For new users, the best contact lenses combine ease of use with comfort. Key features to consider are:
- Material and flexibility - Soft lenses are generally more comfortable and easier to handle.
- High water content - Ensures your eyes stay hydrated, enhancing comfort.
- Oxygen permeability - Silicone hydrogel lenses allow significant oxygen flow to the eye, reducing dryness and maintaining eye health.
Daily disposables are often recommended for beginners due to their convenience and hygienic benefits—there's no need for cleaning or storage, reducing the risk of potential eye infections.
Best Contact Lenses for Beginners
Dailies Total1 offers exceptional breathability and moisture, creating a cushion of moisture on the eye which makes it highly comfortable for new users.
Precision1 features a unique technology that delivers lasting visual performance and comfort, making it easy for beginners to handle and adapt to.
Acuve Oasys One-Day is made with HydraLuxe™ Technology which provides tear-like properties helping to maintain comfort throughout the day, crucial for new wearers adapting to contacts.
Both Dailies Total1 and Precision1 contact lenses include handling tints and markers to simplify use and application for beginners.
How to Choose Your First Pair of Contact Lenses
For new contact lens wearers, understanding the importance of the base curve and diameter of lenses is vital, as these parameters must match the eye’s curvature for optimal fit and comfort.
Daily activities can also significantly influence the choice of lenses—different types are suited to varying levels of activity and environmental exposure.
Consult with an optometrist to help determine the best type, material, and fit for your specific needs and lifestyle. They can also teach you about proper lens care and handling techniques.
Practical Tips for First-Time Wearers
Handling contact lenses might seem tricky at first, but it gets easier with practice. Here are some best practices:
- Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly before touching your lenses.
- Practice opening and closing the lens case before inserting or removing lenses.
- To put in lenses, balance the lens on the tip of your index finger, pull your eyelid back with your other fingers, and gently place the lens on your eye.
Maintaining Your Contact Lenses
Proper maintenance is key to a safe and comfortable contact lens experience. Use only the recommended cleaning solutions, and make sure to replace your lens case every three months to prevent bacterial growth. Never wear lenses longer than the prescribed duration, and ensure your storage case is clean and dry before use.
References:
https://www.myalcon.com/au/professional/contact-lenses/daily/dailies-total1/
https://www.myalcon.com/au/professional/contact-lenses/daily/precision1/
https://www.acuvue.co.nz/contact-lenses/acuvue-oasys-1-day
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/10737-contacts