Category Archives: Choosing the Best Contact

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Contact Lenses For All Ages & Vision Needs

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Many think of contact lenses as a product for mature teens and adults – and often don’t consider them as a real option for younger children or older seniors. But the truth is, contact lenses are available for all ages and provide solutions for practically all vision issues.

Often, individuals begin to wear contact in their ‘tween’ years (ages 10-12), but in fact younger children, who are mature enough to handle the responsibility, can make use of lenses to correct their vision as well. Contact lenses are a great option for mature children and teens as they can help to augment an individual’s self-esteem and overall confidence.

Contact lenses are most sought-out by college students and young professionals in the work world. This demographic lives a fast-paced life, overflowing with work obligations, activities, sports, and social interaction, so wearing reliable lenses is often a no-brainer for these individuals. And now, there are even some new, innovative lenses that are designed to address the ever-changing vision needs of mid-lifers and seniors who are dealing with the problems that arise with aging eyes.

No matter your age or vision needs, if you’re interested in contact lenses, talk to your eye doctor – there very well may be a solution out there just for you!

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What’s the Best Brand of Contact Lenses?

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Each brand of contact lenses is unique. So it’s better to ask which is the best for you. Over 90 percent of contact lens wearers use soft lenses, so this advice is about them. When looking for soft lenses, consider the following:

Base curve.  This is the primary curve at the back of the contact lens, which determines how well the lens fits and the quality of vision correction. It should be nearly the same as your eye’s front curvature (cornea). Your eye doctor will choose a soft lens brand with a base curve appropriate for you.  Though most brands fit the average cornea well, you may need a lens with a steeper or flatter base curve that’s only found in certain brands.

Diameter.  A contact lens of the proper diameter will stay comfortably centered on the cornea. Brands can vary widely here: the size and shape of your eye will determine the diameter of your contact lenses. If you have a small eye opening, for example, you may need a smaller lens diameter to help you apply and remove your contacts easily.

Correction. Some contact lens brands feature high-powered correction for severe myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness).

Astigmatism. If your astigmatism requires a toric (spherical/cylindrical) contact lens, certain brands will ensure proper alignment and minimal lens rotation. Depending on the shape of your eye and other factors, you may see well with one brand toric lenses but not another—even if the brands have the same base curve and diameter. If you fall into this category, ReplaceMyContacts has products like Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism that will fit your needs.

Surface treatments.  Some soft contact lenses feature lens treatments that keep lenses moist for greater comfort. If your eyes dry out quickly these may be best for you.

Naturally, the only way to choose is to have an eye exam and professional contact lens fitting. The first brand your eye doctor chooses will usually be best for you, but sometimes you’ll need to try several brands before making a decision.

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Choosing the Right Contact Lenses

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Choosing the right contact lenses can be tough. Naturally it’s a decision you should make with your eye doctor. The right choice depends on many factors, including your prescription, your expectations, what your eyes can tolerate, and how willing you are to care for your lenses. Here are a few questions to ask during the search:

How often will you wear you contacts? Every day? Or just on weekends or special occasions? Over 90% of Americans choose soft contact lenses, which are usually comfortable full-time or part-time. On the other hand, rigid permeable (RGP or GP) contacts, which allow your eyes to ‘breathe’ better, must be worn daily to maintain comfort.

How much visual sharpness are you looking for? RGP/GP lenses are made of silicone, which feels different than regular soft contact lenses. They may take getting used to, but they often provide sharper vision than soft contact lenses, especially if you have astigmatism.

Are you willing to care for your lenses? If you don’t clean your lenses in the solution recommended by your eye doctor, you risk serious eye injury, including fungal infections and corneal ulcers. Daily disposable lenses, like Acuvue 1 Day and Focus Dailies Aqua are convenient, but even they require some care.

Do your want to leave your contacts in while you sleep? Some contact lenses allow high amounts of oxygen to pass through them and have been FDA approved for overnight wear, like Biomedics 55. But all eyes aren’t able to tolerate this. Your eye doctor will tell you if this option is available to you.

Do you want a new look? Specialty soft contact lenses can change your eye color, or even make you look out of this world!  Contacts that mimic vampire effects from the Twilight films are hugely popular. "Theatrical" lenses like this are even available without vision correction. But remember: even if they’re purely cosmetic, contact lenses are medical devices, and they can only be purchased with a prescription and a professional fitting. Check out some of our colored contacts if you’re looking to change your style.

Do you wear bifocals?

Multifocal lenses function like bifocals and can eliminate your need for reading glasses. Another option is monovision, where one contact lens corrects close vision and the other corrects distance. Many bifocal wearers love this option. While you’re browsing our site, you can also find multifocal lenses such as Proclear Multifocal and Purevision Multifocal.

How much will it cost? Be sure to factor contact lens solution into your budget, as well as continued care for your eyeglasses. You can always find cheap contacts  at ReplaceMyContacts!

Do you have allergies or dry eyes? Allergies or dry eyes may cause certain contact lenses to be uncomfortable. Be sure to discuss these conditions—along with the rest of the above—with your eye doctor prior to your fitting.
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The Fairness to Contact Lens Consumers Act: What’s It Mean to You?

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In 2004 Congress passed the Fairness to Contact Lens Consumers Act, which guarantees consumers the right to buy their contact lenses from any source—not just their eyewear prescribers. This means you can shop around for the best deal. When doing so, it’s important to understand your rights under the law.

Your prescription belongs to you. You have a right to a copy of your contact lens prescription. Your eye care provider must offer it to you whether you ask for it or not.

There are no strings attached to it. Your provider must treat you without conditions. They may not:

  • Charge to provide a copy of your prescription
  • Require you to buy contact lenses from them
  • Make you sign a waiver/release
  • Set the expiration date of your contact lenses for less than 1 year without a medical reason

You’re free to buy where and what you choose. Shop around. Look for the best price, ordering, and delivery options. Buy wherever you like. You’re not bound to a label. It’s up to you!

Your prescriber must verify your prescription. When you order from replacemycontacts.com, your prescriber must respond to our verification request within eight business hours. If they don’t, we’ll fill your order.

Your prescription must be valid for at least a year. This is to protect you from unnecessary and costly examinations.  Your state may establish a longer minimum prescription length. Medical exceptions are allowed, but your provider must cite them specifically.

It’s the law of the land. The Fairness to Contact Lens Consumers Act protects you by overriding all state laws that limit the sale of contact lenses. The government considers violations to be unfair/deceptive trade practices, punishable by the Federal Trade Commission.