You should never switch your brand of contact lenses without consulting your optometrist. While all brands may seem to offer the same circular cuts of plastic that help you see, different brands have diameters and shapes that are chosen specifically to fit your eye. Switching to a new brand could cause discomfort and, in some cases, ocular complications.
Your eyes are precious, so it's essential to research before you change your brand of contacts. Read on for all the information you need to know about making the switch.
Are Prescription Contact Lenses Brand-Specific?
Prescription contact lenses are brand-specific, but if you didn't know that, you're not alone. One survey found that44% of contact lens wearersfelt unsure whether different brands were essentially the same, while 46% weren't sure whether different brands used the same general design. After all, to the naked eye, most contact lenses look and feel the same — thin, clear plastic disks that are usually soft but may be hard.
Can You Get Any Brand of Contacts With Your Prescription?
Your optometrist will recommend a brand of contact lenses. During your eye exam, they record measurements of your eyes to ensure the lens brand they select will offer a comfortable fit. Your optometrist will typically look at two measurements:
- The base curve:The depth of the lens's curve allows it to sit perfectly on the surface of your eyes.
- The diameter (DIA):DIA describes the width of the lens. It should match the shape and curve of your eyes.
Since not all brands make lenses in every base curve and DIA size, you should not switch to a new brand without consulting your eye doctor.
Do Different Brands of Contact Lenses Make Your Vision Different?
Wearing the wrong brand of contact lenses for your eyes may cause blurriness or unclear vision. Switching isn't necessarily bad, but you must consult your eye doctor first.
For example, you can consult your optometrist if you areexperiencing eye discomfort, such as dryness. Your doctor may recommend a brand that offers higher oxygen permeability or features that would make wearing your lenses more comfortable. If you'reinterested in color contacts, your optometrist can help you find a brand that offers the color you want in a shape that suits your eyes.
Here are some of thetop contact lens brandsand the characteristics that may make them suitable for you:
- Alcon DAILIES®:DAILIES® AquaComfort Plus® lenses are ideal for dry eyes because they have blink-activated moisture technology that refreshes and hydrates the eyes with every blink. They're also more convenient for individuals who may not have time for proper contact care because you dispose of them after use.
- Biofinity®:Biofinity® contacts follow a monthly replacement schedule, which is unsuitable for those who prefer dailies. They have a broader prescription range than other brands and are made with lens stabilization technology.
- Air Optix®:This lens brand is known for its highly breathable features, which make these contacts ideal for people requiring extended wear, those who travel frequently or those who live in cold climates.
- Acuvue®:Acuvue® Oasys Max lenses are the first lenses designedspecifically to reduce digital eye strain, so they're ideal for people who work in front of a computer daily. They're also beneficial for people with allergies because they have tear-infused technology that maintains wettability.
Are All Contact Lenses the Same Size?
Contact lenses are not all the same size, even if they appear the same when you look at them. To understand the importance of contact lens size, think about what would happen if you wore a pair of shoes that are one size too small. As the day progresses, your feet will hurt. Wearing those ill-fitting shoes every day for a long time will cause prolonged discomfort. Similarly, different contact brands are made to fit your unique eyes.
Three main factors help determine which contact brand is right for you:
- Base curvature:Some contacts are more bowl-like and won't be suitable if your eye is flat. Wearing these lenses would cause dryness, redness and inflammation. Eye doctors will find a brand that offers a lens shape that matches your eyes.
- Diameter:Some contacts have a larger diameter, which can feel more comfortable and help with astigmatism. Additionally, if you wear color contacts for aesthetics, you might want a lens with a wider diameter to achieve a more dramatic look.
- Features:How much water is in the lens? Does it have more wetting agents? How breathable is it? Depending on the occasions you plan on using the contacts and your climate, optometrists will select the brand with the best features for you.
How Are Contact Lenses for Astigmatism Different?
Astigmatism is a common eye conditioncaused by a cornea or lenswith a different shape than usual. Optometrists typically recommend these individuals wear toric soft lenses. While many brands offer toric lenses, they may not all meet your specific parameters. Here's what makes contact shapes for astigmatism different:
- Better fit:Typical contacts are made for a cornea shaped like a curved ball (spherical cornea). Toric lenses are made for an astigmatic cornea that's football-like. This shape allows the contact to sit comfortably.
- Complexity:The toric lens shape creates different focusing powers that address various refractive errors that people with astigmatism may experience with typical lenses. Contactlenses made for astigmatismallow light to focus on one point, providing clear vision.
If you feel like you may have astigmatism, talk to your eye doctor before purchasing toric lenses. Wearing these lenses without the condition may cause discomfort and make it difficult to see clearly.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Changing Your Contacts Brand?
Research reveals that individuals who stop wearing their contacts due to discomfortoften find successwith a new brand. So, changing your contact lens brand may be necessary in some scenarios. However, you should always consult with your eye doctor first.
The possible advantages of switching to a new brand include:
- You can reap the benefits of advanced technologies like higher UV protection.
- A new brand may help keep your eyes more hydrated.
- Switching to a more affordable brand may help you save money.
- Some color contact brands have a wider shade range, giving you more natural or bold look options.
Potential cons of switching brands include:
- Your eyes may initially be irritated as they must adjust to a new brand.
- Your new lenses may not be as comfortable.
Shop Lenses For Less for Affordable Contacts
Are you looking for affordable contacts? At Lenses For Less, we pride ourselves on offering the biggest brands at a fraction of the cost. We havefilled more than 100,000 orders, and we offer free shipping on every order throughout the United States.
To buy contacts online, you'll need a valid prescription. You can quickly renew your expired prescription bytaking the only online eye testapproved by the United States Food and Drug Administration. Then,check out our impressive selectionof contact lenses from top brands!
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