Are Contacts Right for You?

Contact lenses provide a convenient way to help experience vision correction without eyeglasses. If you're curious about contacts and how they work, read on for some frequently asked questions that will help you decide if contacts are right for you.

How Long Do Contacts Last?

Not all contacts are the same, so the length of time they last depend on which type of contacts you have. No matter what type you end up with, all contacts must be either disposed of some point. Contact lenses usually come in several varieties that include daily, weekly, or monthly wear. Daily contacts are disposed of every day and replaced with a new pair the following day. Weekly and monthly lenses are worn for a week or month at a time before you replace them. Hard contacts tend to last longer than soft disposable lenses. The type of contacts you choose will depend on your prescription and what's available to you.

Can You Swim With Contacts?

If you enjoy an occasional dip in the pool, you may wonder if you can swim with contacts. Ideally, you should remove your contact lenses before you spend any time in the water. The chlorine from swimming pools can cause irritation and possibly an eye infection if you keep your contacts in. Chlorine strips the eyes of their natural protective layer, which may leave them vulnerable to several issues. If you do swim with your contacts, be sure to remove and replace them as soon as you're done and use a moisturizing eye drop before inserting a new pair.

How Do Contacts Work?

You can think of contacts as miniature eyeglasses designed to fit directly on the lens of your eye. With contacts, you won't need to worry about cleaning your eyeglasses or losing them. Contacts work by using a specific prescription made to suit your unique vision correction needs. Whenever you look out, down, or up, the contact lenses help you see things more clearly whether it's near or far. They use the same principle as eyeglasses but on a much smaller scale. The contacts help the eyes see more clearly by fixing the refraction of light or bending the lens so that your eyes can observe things in a clearer, crisper way.

How Long Does It Take to Get Used to Contacts?

If you've never worn contacts before, it may take some time to get used to them. Most people can enjoy contacts without any issues after about a period of one to two weeks of regular wear. You may experience a small headache or blurred vision until you are used to using contact lenses. If the problems persist after a week or two, talk to your eye doctor. They may need to adjust your prescription and give you new lenses to fix the problem.

How Long Can You Wear Contacts?

You can wear contacts for as long as you need to if they are prescribed for a specific condition. However, you should still have an annual or bi-annual eye exam so that your eye doctor can make adjustments as your vision correction needs change.

How to Tell If Contacts Are Inside Out

Before you insert your lenses, make sure that the edges are pointed upward. If they appear to be rolled inward or look like they're folded up, the lenses are inside-out. You can also tell if your contacts are inside-out by gently squeezing them between your thumb and forefinger. If the contacts bend outward instead of the edges meeting, they are probably inside-out.

Why Are My Contacts Blurry?

The two main reasons your contacts might be blurry is if they're dirty or you need a new prescription. Try cleaning your contacts with a special cleaning solution, or if you have disposables, discard them and replace them with a new pair. If your contacts are still blurry, talk to your eye doctor. You may need an eye exam and a new prescription so that your contact lenses are giving you the vision correction you need.