Contact lenses have become the most desired form of vision correction available today. This is largely due to the fact that they are not as obtrusive as glasses and can be fairly easy to use with training. Individuals who are looking at purchasing a pair for the first time may be a bit perplexed as to what to expect. Thankfully, many optometrists and ophthalmologist as well as their assistants know how to teach people how to apply and remove contacts.
Another consideration for new users is what brand to use and for what purpose. For instance, if a person has astigmatism, what company should they investigate in order to find the best contacts available? Also, if one wants contacts for mere aesthetic purposes (i.e. to change your eye color), who has the best color hues and prices?
There are numerous companies that make both hard and soft contact lenses, so what you choose could merely be a matter of pricing and selection. For instance, some companies do not make contact lenses for astigmatism, which may narrow you options. Others steer clear of color contact manufacturing.
Below is a list of the top contact lens companies and the kinds of lenses they offer. Which one you choose will be based on your prescription and preferences during the time of purchase.
Focus
Focus contacts offer a variety of styles and choices for any one who is looking to procure contact lenses. Not only do they offer a color line called soft colors, they have lenses designed for daily, weekly and even monthly wear. Focus also offers Toric lenses which are designed for people with astigmatism. You can buy Focus contact lenses in packs of 30 or 90.
Acuvue
Like Focus, Acuvue offers a wide variety of lenses for daily and weekly wear but they also have lenses for those with bifocal prescriptions. Their color lenses, which are said to be easier to wear than most, have a two color grid that makes them appear more natural. These colored lenses come in opaque, for a complete color change, or in enhancers, which highlight the natural color of the eye.
Freshlook
Freshlook contacts are well known for their shades and have the most natural looking color lenses in the industry. Their color brands include Colorblends, Dimensions and Freshlook colors. Freshlook Colorblends are the most popular because they offer a 3 in 1 technology that blends three different shades for a more realistic look. Dimensions by Freshlook on the other hand, are used to enhance your natural eye color while Freshlook colors are opaque’s that can alter the eye significantly. Freshlook’s are often the most referred contacts for those who wish to use lenses for cosmetic purposes.
PureVision
Pure Vision is actually a line by the well know manufacturer Bausch and Lomb. It includes contacts that can be worn for up to 30 days. Pure vision comes in Toric and multifocal styles for people with special vision correction needs.
If you truly desire to learn more about your choices and options ask you doctor as he can most likely recommend a brand that will best suit your needs.
Caring for and cleaning lenses
One of the most important aspects of buying lenses is buying the essentials necessary to keep them clean. Lenses that are not properly kept up can cause eye infections that, if left untreated, can further damage your sight.
When in doubt, ask your eye doctor about the proper solutions and methods you need to keep your contacts in tip top shape. If you follow your doctor’s advice, your contact lenses should last for their duration of implied wear keeping you and your vision healthy and vibrant.