Our reviewers evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.

The Benefits of Contact Lenses

Wednesday, February 12th

The Benefits of Contact Lenses

People use contact lenses (as an alternative to eyeglasses) for many reasons. Most of the time it is to correct a vision defect, like myopia (near-sightedness), hyperopia (far-sightedness) astigmatism (incorrect focusing), or presbyopia (poor focusing, often due to age). There are even some tinted lenses to improve color blindness. Discuss with your eye-care professional whether you are a candidate for contact lenses and for which type.

Advantages that contact lenses have over eyeglasses include:

  • Contact lenses are worn directly on the eye instead of some distance away, providing more natural vision. And they don't break or shatter if a ball or something else impacts the face.
  • Contact lenses provide better peripheral vision than eyeglasses. This can be critical while playing sports or driving.
  • Contact lenses help avoid dealing with obstructions to viewing, such as eyeglass lens frames or reflections from eyeglass lenses.
  • Contact lenses put no weight on the ears like eyeglasses. And they don't slip down the nose.
  • Contact lenses don't fog up because of cold weather, or when bending over a hot dish, like eyeglasses can.
  • Some people think they simply look better without eyeglasses. There are contact lenses that can change or enhance the color of your eye, and even costume lenses for a radical change in appearance. It's important to remember that a prescription from an eye-care professional is required to purchase any type of contact lens.

Different types of contact lenses offer different benefits.

  • Rigid gas permeable lenses (sometimes simply called GP lenses) can help treat some cases of myopia, where the rigid lens actually helps reshape the eyeball. GP lenses also usually provide the sharpest, clearest improvement in vision.
  • Continuous wear lenses can be worn for periods of up to 30 days, night and day, without having to be removed or replaced.
  • Daily disposable lenses provide the most convenience. ing daily disposable lenses can fit a busy lifestyle and save time in the day, since there is no time spent cleaning, disinfecting, rinsing, or storing the lenses. This makes daily disposable lenses a cleaner, safer, and healthier solution for some people. Comfort is another benefit of daily disposable lenses. In some cases, daily disposable lenses can also be used as a bandage for patients who have damage to the cornea.

Contact lenses can also provide benefits to teens or younger children. Wearing contact lenses instead of glasses can improve how young people feel about their appearance. Contact lenses can also help them participate in physical or social activities they might otherwise avoid.

The Best Contact Lens Stores Compare Contact Lens Stores Compare Contact Lens Store Reviews What are the best Contact Lens Stores Best Contact Lens Store Reviews

Contact Lens Store FAQ

With nearly 45 million people in the US alone who wear contacts, the reasons are just as numerous! Some prefer the way they look, while others find them more comfortable for their everyday activities, especially spending time outdoors or exercising. Also, a small percentage of the population struggle to achieve 20/20 vision with glasses but find that contact lenses make it possible.
There are three basic types of lenses: hard, gas permeable, and soft. In the past, more rigid contacts were needed to correct astigmatism, but with advances in technology most users can get the vision correction they need with a more comfortable soft lens. Some contacts are single-use (meaning that you throw them away after you've used them for a day), while others are worn for longer periods and need to be kept in a disinfecting solution overnight. There are even fashion contact lenses to change the look of your eye color or as part of a Halloween costume!
Children can use contact lenses as early as age 8, but many doctors don't recommend them for patients younger than 12 - largely due to concerns about hygiene and injuries when putting them in and removing them. On the other end of the age spectrum, there's no such thing as "too old” for contacts, but you may find yourself needing a more specialized lens that can accommodate presbyopia (not being able to see things up close) or dry eyes
That's an easy one: to save money! Why spend more when you can get the exact same lenses for less? You'll often see new customer discounts of up to 30% off retail prices. And, your optometrist may not be fully stocked on the lenses you need, leaving you waiting for them to be delivered either way.
Most contact lens stores have a satisfaction guarantee that protects you if you somehow receive lenses that are different from your prescription. It's a good idea to check the contacts you get against the prescription you submitted: a simple mistake like changing a plus to a minus or a 3 to an 8 can easily leave you with drastically blurry vision!
In most places, it's required by law to have a prescription to dispense contact lenses. Prescriptions are typically valid for a year, so you may want to keep an eye on the calendar and reorder your new contacts right before yours expires. Some retailers have an online tool that will check your vision, send your results to an optometrist, and update your prescription - often at no charge! If you don't have a complicated prescription and don't think your vision has changed much since your last in-person exam, this could be a convenient option.
Sometimes. Not every online retailer of contacts will accept vision insurance. If you have a plan with VSP, Cigna, MetLife or another provider, you may want to choose a contact lens store that will apply your benefits to your purchase.
Absolutely. Many of them have been in business for decades. If you want extra reassurance that the retailer you're considering is a good option, be sure to look at their rating from the Better Business Bureau along with reviews from previous customers.

Compare Contact Lens Stores

Select any 2 Contact Lens Stores to compare them head to head

best-contact-lens-stores
See the Best Contact Lens Store
The Best Reviews of Contact Lens Stores