Contact Lenses
Understanding Contact Lenses and How They Work
Contact lenses are FDA-regulated medical devices, not cosmetic accessories. Understanding how they work and why professional fitting matters helps you protect your vision and eye health.
Contact lenses correct refractive errors by changing the way light enters your eye. When you have nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, light does not focus correctly on your retina, causing blurred vision. Contact lenses bend incoming light rays so they focus precisely on your retina, creating clear, sharp images.
Unlike eyeglasses, contact lenses move with your eyes and provide a wider field of clear vision. They stay in position during physical activities, sports, and exercise, making them ideal for active lifestyles.
Because contact lenses are medical devices, you must have a valid prescription from a licensed eye care provider before purchasing them. Your prescription includes specific measurements beyond your vision correction needs, such as the curvature of your cornea and the size of your eye.
- Contact lens prescriptions expire after one year and must be renewed
- Eyeglass prescriptions cannot be used to order contact lenses
- Each eye may require different lens specifications
- Improper lens fit can cause serious eye damage and vision loss
During your contact lens fitting at ReFocus Eye Health Manchester, our eye doctors measure the curve and size of your cornea, evaluate your tear film quality, and assess your overall eye health. These measurements ensure your lenses fit correctly and allow adequate oxygen to reach your cornea.
Your eye doctor will also consider your lifestyle, how long you plan to wear lenses each day, and any activities that might affect lens selection. Follow-up appointments allow your provider to monitor how your eyes respond to lens wear and make adjustments if needed.
Types of Contact Lenses Available Today
Modern contact lens technology offers many options to meet different vision needs and lifestyles. The two main categories are soft contact lenses and gas permeable lenses, each with distinct characteristics.
Soft contact lenses are made from flexible, water-containing plastic materials called hydrogels or silicone hydrogels. These materials allow oxygen to pass through to your cornea, keeping your eyes healthy and comfortable. Soft lenses conform to the shape of your eye and typically require only a few days of adjustment.
The porous nature of soft lenses means they can absorb pollutants, makeup residue, and other contaminants from the environment. Proper cleaning and handling are essential to prevent eye irritation and infection.
Gas permeable lenses, also called GP or RGP lenses, are made from durable plastic that maintains its shape on your eye. These lenses allow oxygen to pass through to your cornea while providing exceptionally sharp vision, especially for people with astigmatism or higher prescriptions.
- GP lenses require one to two weeks for your eyes to adapt to their firmer feel
- They resist protein deposits better than soft lenses
- GP lenses typically last longer than soft lenses with proper care
- They provide crisp, clear vision for many complex prescriptions
Daily disposable lenses are designed for single use and discarded at the end of each day. You put in a fresh pair every morning, eliminating the need for cleaning solutions or storage cases. This option offers maximum convenience and the lowest risk of eye infections.
Daily disposables are ideal for people with allergies, those who experience frequent eye irritation, or anyone who wants the simplest possible lens care routine. Never attempt to reuse daily disposable lenses, as this dramatically increases your risk of serious eye infections.
Planned replacement lenses are worn for two weeks or one month before being discarded and replaced with a new pair. These lenses require daily cleaning and proper storage in fresh disinfecting solution each night.
- Two-week lenses must be replaced every 14 days regardless of how often you wore them
- Monthly lenses should be replaced every 30 days from the date you open the package
- Proper cleaning after each use is essential to prevent protein buildup
- These lenses cost less per day than daily disposables for regular wearers
Extended wear lenses are FDA-approved for continuous wear, including overnight, for up to seven days or sometimes 30 days depending on the specific lens type. However, sleeping in contact lenses increases your risk of serious eye infections by six to eight times compared to daily wear lenses that are removed before sleep.
Our eye doctors at ReFocus Eye Health Manchester typically recommend removing all lenses before sleep whenever possible to maximize eye health and comfort, even if your lenses are approved for extended wear.
Specialized Contact Lens Options
Beyond standard vision correction, specialized contact lenses address specific eye conditions and unique vision needs. These advanced options expand the possibilities for clear, comfortable vision.
Toric lenses are specifically designed to correct astigmatism, a condition where your cornea is shaped more like a football than a basketball. These lenses have different powers in different parts of the lens and are weighted or shaped to stay in the correct position on your eye.
Toric lenses are available in both soft and gas permeable designs, as well as in daily, two-week, and monthly replacement schedules. Your eye care provider will determine which type works best for your level of astigmatism.
Multifocal lenses help people who need correction for both near and distance vision, commonly those over age 40 experiencing presbyopia. These lenses have multiple prescription zones that allow you to see clearly at different distances without reading glasses.
- Most people adapt to multifocal lenses within two to four weeks
- Your brain learns to select the correct lens zone for each viewing distance
- Several multifocal designs are available to match your visual needs
- Some adjustment in lighting or reading position may improve comfort
Scleral lenses are larger than traditional lenses and rest on the white part of your eye (the sclera) rather than directly on your cornea. The lens vaults over your cornea, creating a fluid-filled space that keeps your cornea moist and protected.
These lenses are particularly beneficial for people with severe dry eye disease, irregular corneas, keratoconus, or certain corneal conditions that make traditional lenses uncomfortable or ineffective. Scleral lenses often provide excellent comfort and vision quality for challenging cases.
Orthokeratology, or ortho-k, involves wearing specially designed gas permeable lenses overnight while you sleep. These lenses gently reshape your cornea so you can see clearly during the day without any corrective lenses. Research in 2025 continues to demonstrate that ortho-k effectively slows myopia progression in children, with studies showing axial length growth rates reduced to approximately 0.11 mm per year.
The corneal reshaping effect is temporary, so you must wear the lenses each night to maintain clear daytime vision. This option is popular among athletes, people who work in dusty or dry environments, and children whose myopia is progressing.
Hybrid lenses combine a rigid gas permeable center with a soft outer ring. This design offers the sharp vision of GP lenses with enhanced comfort from the soft skirt. The rigid center provides excellent optical quality while the soft edge helps the lens stay centered and comfortable on your eye.
- Hybrid lenses work well for people with irregular corneas
- They provide an option between soft and GP lens extremes
- The design reduces lens awareness while maintaining vision quality
- Special cleaning techniques are required for the two-part design
Colored contact lenses can enhance your natural eye color or completely change your eye appearance. Even if these lenses do not correct your vision, they are still classified as medical devices by the FDA and require a valid prescription from an eye care provider.
Purchasing decorative lenses without a prescription or proper fitting is illegal and dangerous. Improperly fitted cosmetic lenses can cause serious eye damage, painful infections, corneal scratches, and even permanent vision loss. Always obtain cosmetic lenses through a licensed eye care professional.
Inserting and Removing Contact Lenses Safely
Learning proper insertion and removal techniques protects your eyes and makes lens handling easier and more comfortable. Clean hands and a gentle touch are your most important tools.
Before touching your contact lenses, wash your hands thoroughly with mild, fragrance-free soap that does not contain lotions or oils. Scrub for at least 20 seconds, paying special attention to your fingertips and under your nails. Rinse completely and dry your hands with a clean, lint-free towel.
- Avoid scented or moisturizing soaps that leave residue on your hands
- Do not use paper towels that may leave fibers on your fingers
- Set up your workspace with good lighting and a clean mirror
- Have your lens case and solution ready before starting
Choose one eye to start with each time to avoid accidentally switching your right and left lenses. Remove the first lens from its case and rinse it with fresh contact lens solution. Place the lens on the tip of your index finger and check that it forms a smooth, bowl-like shape with edges curving inward. If the edges flare outward, the lens is inside out and needs to be flipped.
Use your other hand to hold your upper eyelid open and use the middle finger of your lens-holding hand to pull down your lower eyelid. Look straight ahead or slightly upward and gently place the lens on your eye. Release your eyelids slowly and blink a few times to help the lens center itself. Repeat with your other eye.
To remove your lenses, wash and dry your hands thoroughly. Look upward and use your middle finger to pull down your lower eyelid. Bring your index finger to your eye and gently touch the lower edge of the contact lens. Slide the lens down onto the white part of your eye, then gently pinch it between your thumb and index finger to remove it.
- Never use your fingernails to grab or pinch the lens
- Avoid applying excessive pressure to your eye
- If you wear reusable lenses, clean them immediately after removal
- Discard daily disposable lenses right away
If you blink reflexively when bringing the lens close to your eye, try looking at a point slightly off to the side rather than directly at your finger. This natural reflex improves with practice. If a lens feels uncomfortable after insertion, remove it and check for debris, damage, or if it is inside out.
If you have difficulty removing a lens, apply a few drops of rewetting solution to moisten your eye before trying again. A contact lens cannot get stuck behind your eye because a thin membrane called the conjunctiva prevents anything from moving into that space.
Daily Contact Lens Care and Hygiene
Proper contact lens care is essential for safe lens wear and healthy eyes. Following these care guidelines protects you from infections and keeps your lenses comfortable throughout their recommended wearing period.
Hand hygiene is the single most important factor in preventing contact lens-related eye infections. Before handling your lenses, wash your hands with mild, fragrance-free soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Dry your hands completely with a clean, lint-free towel.
Avoid antibacterial soaps with heavy fragrances, moisturizing soaps, or any products that leave residue on your hands. These substances can transfer to your lenses and irritate your eyes.
Always use the contact lens solution recommended by your eye care provider. Different solutions are formulated for different lens types and materials. Never substitute water, saliva, or homemade saline solutions for proper contact lens solution.
- Tap water contains microorganisms that cause serious eye infections
- Bottled water and distilled water are not sterile for lens care
- Acanthamoeba organisms in water can cause severe vision loss
- Use only sterile, commercially prepared contact lens solutions
If you wear two-week or monthly replacement lenses, clean them immediately after removing them from your eyes. Place the lens in the palm of your hand with a few drops of fresh solution. Gently rub the lens with your fingertip in a circular motion for at least 20 seconds on each side, even if your solution is labeled as no-rub.
This mechanical cleaning removes protein deposits, lipids, and microorganisms more effectively than solution alone. After rubbing, rinse the lens thoroughly with fresh solution before placing it in a clean lens case filled with fresh solution.
Your lens case can become a source of contamination if not properly maintained. Each morning after inserting your lenses, empty all the old solution from your case. Never top off old solution with fresh solution. Rinse the case with fresh contact lens solution, never water, and let it air dry upside down on a clean tissue.
- Replace your lens case every three months at minimum
- Replace your case immediately if it becomes cracked or damaged
- Do not use cases that have visible buildup or discoloration
- Store your case in a clean, dry location
Remove your contact lenses before swimming in pools, lakes, oceans, or hot tubs. Remove them before showering or washing your face. Water exposure is a leading cause of serious contact lens-related infections, including Acanthamoeba keratitis, which can result in severe vision loss.
If you must swim while wearing contacts, use tight-fitting swim goggles and discuss the risks with your eye care provider. Consider using daily disposable lenses for water activities so you can discard them immediately afterward.
Your eye care provider will give you specific instructions about how long you can safely wear your lenses each day and when to replace them. Follow these instructions exactly. Wearing lenses longer than recommended deprives your cornea of oxygen and increases your risk of infection and complications.
If your eyes feel tired, dry, or irritated, remove your lenses and give your eyes a break. Keep a pair of backup glasses with your current prescription available for these situations.
Recognizing and Preventing Contact Lens Complications
While contact lenses are safe when used properly, improper care or extended wear can lead to serious complications. Knowing the warning signs helps you seek help promptly and protect your vision.
Microbial keratitis is a serious infection of the cornea caused by bacteria, fungi, or amoebae that invade corneal tissue. This is one of the most severe complications of contact lens wear and can occur when lenses are worn too long, not cleaned properly, or exposed to water. Current clinical evidence in 2025 confirms that overnight wear and poor hygiene practices, such as using tap water to clean lenses, are leading risk factors.
- Symptoms include severe eye pain and light sensitivity
- Blurred vision, excessive tearing, and discharge may occur
- You may notice a white or grayish spot on your cornea
- This condition requires immediate emergency medical attention
- Without prompt treatment, permanent vision loss can result
A corneal abrasion is a scratch on the surface of your cornea. This can happen if you insert or remove a lens roughly, if a lens has a tear or debris on it, or if you sleep in your lenses and they become dry and stick to your cornea.
If you experience sudden sharp pain, light sensitivity, or persistent discomfort, remove your lenses immediately and contact your eye care provider. Small abrasions often heal quickly, but larger scratches can become infected if not properly treated.
Contact Lens-Induced Acute Red Eye, commonly abbreviated as CLARE, typically occurs when lenses are worn longer than recommended, especially overnight. This condition causes redness, irritation, and discomfort as your body responds to bacterial toxins that accumulate on lenses.
While symptoms often improve when you stop wearing the lenses temporarily, recurring episodes indicate you need to adjust your lens type, wearing schedule, or care routine. Consult your eye care provider if you experience repeated episodes.
Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis, or GPC, is an inflammatory reaction of the inner eyelid that can develop from prolonged contact lens wear or inadequate lens cleaning. The condition causes your upper eyelid to develop bumpy tissue that makes lens wear uncomfortable.
- Symptoms include itching and mucus discharge
- Your vision may become blurred while wearing lenses
- Lenses may feel uncomfortable or move excessively on your eye
- Treatment may involve switching to daily disposable lenses
Corneal neovascularization occurs when new blood vessels grow into your cornea, which is normally clear and free of blood vessels. This happens when your cornea does not receive enough oxygen, often from wearing lenses too long or sleeping in them regularly.
These blood vessels can interfere with your vision and indicate chronic corneal stress. Treatment involves switching to lenses with higher oxygen permeability, reducing wearing time, or taking a break from lens wear to allow your cornea to recover.
Many contact lens wearers experience dry eyes, especially later in the day or in dry, air-conditioned environments. Contact lenses can absorb moisture from your tear film, leaving your eyes feeling dry and uncomfortable.
If you experience persistent dryness, talk to your eye care provider about switching to lenses designed for dry eyes, using preservative-free rewetting drops approved for contact lens use, or reducing your daily wearing time. Persistent discomfort should never be ignored.
Frequently Asked Questions
Patients throughout Manchester and the Greater Hartford area often ask these questions about contact lens wear. Understanding these topics helps you feel more confident about your eye care choices.
Yes, toric contact lenses are specifically designed to correct astigmatism and are available in both soft and gas permeable materials. Your eye care provider will determine which type works best for your level of astigmatism and lifestyle needs.
Most people adjust to soft contact lenses within a few days to one week. Gas permeable lenses typically require one to two weeks for adaptation. Multifocal lenses may take two to four weeks as your brain learns to use the different lens zones. If discomfort persists beyond the expected adjustment period, contact your eye care provider.
Remove a torn lens immediately and discard it. Never attempt to wear a torn lens, as the jagged edges can scratch your cornea and cause serious injury. If you experience pain or continued irritation after removing a torn lens, contact your eye care provider to ensure no lens fragments remain in your eye.
Contact lenses can be safe for responsible children who can follow care instructions consistently. Studies show that children as young as eight can successfully wear and care for contact lenses. The key factor is maturity and willingness to follow hygiene guidelines, not age. Your eye care provider can help determine if your child is ready for contact lenses.
Daily disposable lenses offer maximum convenience and the lowest risk of eye infections because you discard them after each use, eliminating the need for cleaning and storage. Monthly lenses cost less per day for people who wear contacts regularly but require diligent daily cleaning. Your best choice depends on your lifestyle, budget, and how consistently you can follow a cleaning routine.
Your Partner in Clear, Comfortable Vision
Contact lenses offer freedom, convenience, and clear vision when worn and cared for properly. Our eye doctors at ReFocus Eye Health Manchester are here to help you find the right contact lenses for your vision needs and lifestyle, and to support you throughout your lens-wearing journey with regular comprehensive eye exams and expert guidance.
Staff and doctor very pleasant, welcoming. Doctor explained things very well, didn't feel rushed. Good experience.
Monica Pacheco
Very helpful and made sure I had the professional help and support needed even after hours. Thank you again to the team at ReFocus Eye Health
Eric Campbell
Office staff and doctor were courteous and very professional in doing my eye exam. All my questions were answered. Exam was not rushed and very thorough. I was made to feel comfortable.
Alan Platteis
I was pleased to meet Dr. Goldstein yesterday. My eyes were checked thoroughly; and much to my relief there is help for my dry eye problem.
LIGITA Giacopassi
I have been a patient of this practice for 50 years. The staff has always been helpful and caring. I hope they can maintain that standard for years to come.
Alberta Hoagland
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