If you’ve ever wondered whether contact lenses could be a good alternative to glasses, you’re not alone. Contacts can provide crisp, clear vision without the need for frames, but they aren’t suitable for everyone. Deciding if contact lenses are right for you depends on your eye health, lifestyle, and personal preferences.

Why Choose Contact Lenses?

Contact lenses offer a level of freedom and flexibility that glasses simply can’t match. For many people, one of the biggest benefits is the ability to enjoy clear, unobstructed vision. Whether you’re playing sports, working out, or just going about your day, contacts move with your eyes and provide a natural field of view.
 

Aesthetically, contact lenses allow you to show your face without frames, which some people prefer for both everyday life and special occasions. They don’t fog up in humid weather or when you’re wearing a mask, and you won’t have to worry about smudges or scratches on your lenses. For those who need vision correction for conditions like astigmatism or presbyopia, there are specialty contacts designed to address a wide range of needs.

Contact lenses also offer convenience for people with active lifestyles. If you participate in activities like running, cycling, or team sports, contacts won’t get in the way or become a hazard. Many people find that switching to contacts can simplify their routines and open up new possibilities - whether it’s the ability to wear non-prescription sunglasses or simply the comfort of going about their day without thinking about their glasses.

Are Contact Lenses Right for You?

The decision to try contact lenses depends on several factors, including your eye health, vision prescription, and daily habits. Here are a few questions to consider:
 

• Are you comfortable with the idea of touching your eyes?
  Inserting and removing contact lenses requires some practice and comfort with handling your eyes.

• Do you have any eye health conditions?
  Certain conditions, such as chronic dry eye, severe allergies, or frequent eye infections, may affect your ability to wear contact lenses comfortably.

• What are your lifestyle needs?
  Contacts are popular for those with active lifestyles, athletes, or anyone who wants to avoid the inconvenience of glasses during certain activities.

• How committed are you to proper lens care?
  Contact lenses require daily cleaning and careful handling to keep your eyes healthy and prevent infections.

The best way to know if contact lenses are right for you is to schedule a comprehensive eye exam and discuss your options with your eye doctor.

What to Expect During a Contact Lens Exam and Fitting

A contact lens exam is more detailed than a standard eye exam. Your eye doctor will check your overall eye health to ensure there are no underlying issues that could interfere with contact lens wear. This includes assessing your tear film quality, checking for allergies, and looking for signs of dry eye or other conditions.
 

Contact lens prescriptions are not the same as glasses prescriptions. During your exam, your doctor will determine your precise prescription for contacts, which includes measurements for lens curvature and diameter.
 

Your eye doctor will talk with you about your daily routine, work, sports, and any preferences you have regarding lens type. This helps determine whether daily, bi-weekly, or monthly lenses, or specialty lenses like toric or multifocal lenses are best for you.

During the fitting, your doctor will select trial lenses based on your eye measurements. They’ll place the lenses on your eyes to check comfort, fit, and vision clarity. You may need to try a few different types to find the best match.

Proper care is crucial for healthy lens wear. You’ll receive detailed instructions on how to insert, remove, clean, and store your contact lenses. Your doctor or a technician will answer any questions and offer tips for success.

Take the Next Step Toward Clearer Vision

Contact lenses offer convenience, comfort, and clear vision for many patients - but they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution. A personalized contact lens exam and fitting at NewView Family Eyecare is the first step to discovering if contact lenses are right for you.

Reach out to NewView Family Eyecare to schedule a contact lens exam and find out if contact lenses are the right choice for you. Visit our office in Waterloo, Iowa, or call (319) 236-2020 to book an appointment today.