Knowing how to choose contact lenses can make a big difference in your comfort and everyday vision. Choosing contact lenses is about more than finding a prescription that helps you see clearly. It is about comfort, fit, your daily routine, and the unique needs of your eyes. At Pickerington Eyecare, we help patients every day who are exploring contacts for the first time as well as long-time wearers looking for a better option.
This guide will walk you through the main types of lenses, specialty options, and what to expect at your contact lens exam so you can feel confident when it is time to decide.
How to Choose Contact Lenses: Daily vs Monthly vs Specialty
Daily disposable lenses
Daily lenses are exactly what they sound like. You put them in in the morning, toss them at night, and never think about cleaning solutions. Many patients love daily contacts because they are:
- Convenient for busy schedules
- Comfortable for sensitive or allergy-prone eyes
- Ideal for part-time wearers who do not need contacts every day
Because the lens is fresh each day, buildup is minimal, which often leads to better comfort and clearer vision from morning to night.
Monthly (and bi-weekly) lenses
Monthly lenses work well for people who prefer a cost-effective option or want something more eco-friendly. These lenses are designed to be worn repeatedly as long as they are cleaned and stored properly. Patients who choose monthly lenses often appreciate:
- Long-lasting value over the course of the month
- A wide range of options, including multifocal and toric designs
- A predictable routine if they wear contacts every day
Good hygiene is key with monthly or bi-weekly lenses. With proper care and replacement, they can feel just as comfortable as daily lenses.
Specialty Contact Lenses When Your Eyes Need Something More Custom
Some eyes simply do not feel comfortable with basic soft lenses, and that is completely normal. Pickerington Eyecare works with many patients who need lenses that offer more stability, more moisture, or more precise correction.
Toric lenses for astigmatism
Toric lenses are shaped differently from standard lenses, which helps correct astigmatism. Modern toric designs are made to stay stable on the eye, which means:
- Clearer, more consistent vision throughout the day
- Less blurring when you blink or move your eyes
- Better overall comfort compared to older lens designs
Hybrid lenses
Hybrid lenses combine a rigid center with a soft, comfortable outer ring. They can be a great choice if you want sharper vision than you can achieve with soft lenses but want something gentler than a rigid gas permeable lens. For the right patient, hybrid lenses offer:
- Crisp, high-quality vision
- A soft edge that feels more like a traditional soft lens
- A secure fit for active lifestyles
Scleral lenses
Scleral lenses are larger lenses that rest on the white part of the eye (the sclera) instead of the cornea. Because they vault over the cornea and hold a thin layer of fluid against the eye, they can be incredibly comfortable for patients who struggle in other lenses, including those with:
- Dry eye disease
- Keratoconus or other irregular corneas
- High prescriptions that are hard to correct with standard lenses
For many patients with hard-to-fit eyes, scleral lenses provide the best clarity and comfort they have ever experienced in contact lenses.
Tips for Sensitive or Hard-to-Fit Eyes
Finding the right contact lens is a team effort, especially when your eyes need something a little different. A few simple steps can make the search easier and more successful.
- Share your symptoms honestly. Dryness, redness, burning, and fluctuating vision all matter when choosing a lens design and material.
- Do not settle for discomfort. Lenses should feel comfortable after a short adjustment period. If something does not feel right, your optometrist can adjust the fit or try a different lens.
- Be open to specialty options. Many patients who thought they could never wear contacts do very well with toric, hybrid, or scleral lenses.
- Follow care instructions closely. Even the perfect lens requires proper hygiene to stay comfortable and safe.
At Pickerington Eyecare, contact lens fittings are personalized, and trial lenses are part of the process. The goal is always a lens that feels natural and dependable from the start of your day to the end.
What to Expect at Your Contact Lens Exam
A good contact lens experience starts with a thorough eye exam and a conversation about your day-to-day life. At Pickerington Eyecare, your contact lens fitting includes more than a simple prescription check. We look at how your eyes behave throughout the day, how your tear film supports a lens, and how different designs sit on your cornea.
During your contact lens exam and fitting, you can expect:
- Precise measurements of the curve and size of your cornea
- An evaluation of how well your tears hydrate the surface of your eye
- Trial lenses to test comfort and clarity in real time
- Step-by-step instructions on inserting, removing, and caring for your lenses
This process helps us match you with lenses that not only correct your vision but also feel natural, stable, and comfortable.
Why Professional Fitting Matters
Buying contact lenses without a proper fitting can lead to dryness, blurred vision, or irritation. Every eye is shaped a little differently, and even small details like lens movement, oxygen flow, or tear chemistry affect comfort and safety.
A professional contact lens fitting helps to ensure that:
- The lens sits correctly on your eye
- Your cornea gets proper oxygen
- Your vision stays clear throughout the day
- Your eyes stay healthy and protected over time
We check all of this during your visit and make adjustments as needed to find the most comfortable and reliable option for you.
Caring for Your Contact Lenses
Once you find a lens that works for you, a simple routine keeps your eyes comfortable and your vision sharp. Your exact care instructions will depend on your lens type, but a few basics apply to nearly everyone.
- Wash your hands with soap and water before handling your lenses.
- Use fresh solution every time; never use tap water to rinse or store your lenses.
- Replace your case regularly if you wear monthly or bi-weekly lenses.
- Follow the recommended replacement schedule for your lenses, even if they still feel fine.
- Give your eyes breaks if they feel dry, irritated, or tired, especially after long screen time.
Healthy habits help maintain clear, comfortable vision and lower your risk of infection or inflammation.
When to Consider Changing Your Contact Lenses
Even if you have worn the same type of lens for years, your eyes and your lifestyle can change. Dryness, allergies, digital screen time, and age can all affect how comfortable your lenses feel.
It may be time to talk about a new type of lens if you notice:
- Dryness or irritation by the end of the day
- Lenses that blur or shift when you blink
- Redness or discomfort after a few hours of wear
- Difficulty seeing clearly at certain distances
- Increased sensitivity to light or seasonal allergies
Discussing these symptoms with your optometrist can open the door to newer lens materials and designs that better match where your eyes are today.
Your Contact Lens Options Are Better Than Ever
Today’s contact lenses are more breathable, more comfortable, and more customizable than ever before. Whether you need something simple and convenient or something highly specialized, there is likely a lens designed to fit your eyes and your lifestyle.
At Pickerington Eyecare, we enjoy helping patients find contacts that make their days easier and more comfortable. From first-time wearers to people with sensitive or hard-to-fit eyes, we welcome every question and every concern.
Ready to Find the Right Contact Lenses?
If you are thinking about contact lenses or want to see if there is a more comfortable option for you, our eye care team is here to help. Schedule a contact lens exam with Pickerington Eyecare and let us guide you to lenses that feel and perform their best for your eyes.