Making the Right Choice: What to Consider When Changing Your Contact Lenses

Making the Right Choice: What to Consider When Changing Your Contact Lenses

If you’re considering switching your contact lenses, there are several important factors to keep in mind. With options ranging from daily to monthly lenses, lifestyle changes, and age-related vision needs, choosing the right lenses can be daunting. Here, we’ll break down some key considerations to help you make an informed choice.

1. Consider Your Lifestyle Needs

Your daily routine and exposure to different environments greatly influence the type of contact lenses that will work best for you. For example:

Outdoor Workers: If you work in construction or other outdoor settings, seasonal elements like wind, sun, and dust may require lenses with higher durability and UV protection.

Indoor Workers: For office workers or those in dry, indoor environments, you may need lenses that retain moisture longer to combat dry eyes.

2. Evaluate Lens Frequency: Daily vs. Weekly vs. Monthly

Each type of lens frequency has its pros and cons. Consider these before switching:

Daily Lenses: These are convenient and reduce the risk of infections due to fresh lenses every day. They’re ideal for people with allergies or those who wear lenses infrequently.

Weekly Lenses: Suitable for individuals who wear contacts regularly but prefer a balance between hygiene and cost.

Monthly Lenses: Cost-effective for daily users but require regular cleaning. They’re ideal for seasoned wearers comfortable with maintenance.

3. Account for Age-Related Changes

As you get older, your vision needs may change. If you’re experiencing difficulty reading up close, you may need lenses designed for presbyopia, such as multifocal lenses. This can reduce the need for reading glasses while still allowing for clear distance vision.

4. Factor in Comfort and Moisture Retention

Comfort is a major concern for any contact lens wearer. If you’ve recently switched to a drier environment, such as from outdoor to indoor work, you might benefit from lenses with higher moisture content or lenses designed specifically for dry eyes.

5. Evaluate Any Health Conditions or Allergies

If you have allergies or suffer from frequent eye infections, choosing lenses with a shorter wear time, such as daily disposables, can be beneficial. These lenses prevent the buildup of allergens, reducing irritation and keeping your eyes healthier.

6. Assess Your Budget and Long-Term Costs

Though daily lenses might seem costly initially, they can save money on solutions and cleaning supplies over time. Weekly and monthly lenses are generally more affordable but do come with additional care needs.

7. Ensure the Correct Fit

When it comes to contact lenses, fit is crucial for both comfort and vision clarity. If you’re noticing discomfort, blurry vision, or that your lenses don’t seem to sit quite right, it may be time to reevaluate your contact lens fit. Issues with the base curve or fit curve—key measurements that determine how well the lens aligns with your eye’s natural shape—can lead to discomfort and less-than-ideal vision. Additionally, an outdated or imprecise prescription can cause strain and interfere with daily tasks. Switching lenses must be done in consultation with your optometrist - We are unable to offer advice - and we strongly encourage our customers who are considering a switch to consult with their optometrist when looking at lens options.

Final Thoughts

Switching contact lenses is a personal decision influenced by lifestyle, age, and environment. By considering these factors, you can find a lens type that keeps your eyes comfortable, clear, and healthy. Contact our customer service team at 1-800-404-7317 or email info@visionpros.com for expert assistance.