Contact Lens Basics: Types, Care, and Safety Tips

What Are the Different Types of Contact Lenses?

Contact lenses come in a variety of materials, wear schedules, and purposes. The main types of lenses include:

• Soft Contact Lenses – Made from flexible plastics that allow oxygen to pass through to the cornea. Learn more about how soft lenses compare to hard (RGP) lenses here.
• Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses – More durable and provide crisper vision for certain eye conditions but take longer to get used to.
• Daily Disposables – Worn for one day and then discarded. Great for convenience, hygiene, and those with allergies.
• Biweekly/Monthly Lenses – Designed for extended use and cleaned nightly. Cost-effective but require consistent care.
• Toric Lenses – Designed to correct astigmatism.
• Multifocal Lenses – For people with presbyopia who need help seeing both near and far.
• Colored or Decorative Lenses – Cosmetic lenses for changing eye color or theatrical use, available in prescription or plano (non-corrective) forms.

 

Dos and Don’ts with Contact Lenses

DO:

• Wash and dry your hands before handling lenses.
• Use fresh contact lens solution every time (never top off).
• Replace your lens case every 1–3 months.
• Stick to your eye doctor’s recommended lens schedule.

DON’T:

• Sleep in lenses unless specifically approved.
• Shower or swim while wearing lenses.
• Use tap water to clean lenses or cases.
• Wear lenses longer than recommended — even if they feel fine.

 

How to Take Care of Contact Lenses

Proper lens care helps prevent eye infections, irritation, and vision problems. Always follow your optometrist’s guidelines, but here are some universal basics:

• Use only the contact lens solution recommended by your doctor.
• Clean, rinse, and disinfect reusable lenses after each use.
• Never reuse or “top off” old solution.
• Store lenses in a clean, dry case with fresh solution daily.
• Keep the lens case capped when not in use and allow it to air dry in between.

 

Signs It’s Time to Call Your Eye Doctor

Even with perfect lens care, you should contact your eye doctor if you experience:

• Redness, pain, or burning – Blurry or cloudy vision
• Light sensitivity
• Excessive tearing or discharge

These could be signs of infection or an allergic reaction. Discontinue lens use and get checked as soon as possible. If you’re not sure who to see, learn about the difference between optometrists (ODs) and ophthalmologists (MDs) here.