Contact Lenses FAQs

Can I try contact lenses?
Yes! Contact lenses work best for people with poor vision. Contact lenses are not as helpful to people who can see decently well on their own.

How long will it take to get my contacts in? How long to take them out?
It’s different for everyone. Some get them in quickly, while others may take upto 30 minutes. Prepare to add unto 20 minutes to regular morning and night routines for the first few days. After 2-4 weeks, it should only take a few seconds to get contacts in and out. Like all things–baking, studying for finals, underwater jumping jacks–practice makes perfect! Soon it’ll take you no time at all.

How much do contact lenses cost?
The initial exam fee for a contact lens fitting and lesson to insert and remove contact lenses is $150 but may be less if you have insurance. The cost for an annual supply of contact lenses ranges from $150-$1500 depending on the type of contact lenses that you need. You can choose to purchase as few or many contacts as you like!

How often do I need a contact lens fitting?
In America, the FDA mandates a contact lens fitting every year because contact lenses are classified as a medical device. This rule to ensure your eyes are healthy 🙂

Can kids wear contacts?
Of course! The best age to start is around 13 years old unless the child is very myopic (near sighted). For children that have myopia, myopia control should be started with contacts around 8 years old.
See:
https://www.eyesonelmct.com/eye-care-services/myopia-control-for-children/

Can I wear contacts sometimes and glasses sometimes?
Of course! Most people mix it up and use both!

How do contact lenses work?
Contact lenses work by altering the curvature of light rays as they enter the eye. This moves the image so it focuses at the retina, resulting in clear vision.

I have astigmatism. Can I wear contact lenses?
Yes!

I have sensitive eyes. Can I wear contact lenses?
Yes! (As long as you are brave with putting contacts into your eyes)

How often do I need to change out my lenses?
You must take them out every night. Some contacts will be cleaned, stored, and saved in a case and reused the next day- these get changed every 2-4 weeks. Other contacts get thrown out every night and a new set is inserted the next day.

Can I wear makeup with contact lenses?
Yes, you can wear makeup with contact lenses. We recommend putting your contact lenses in before you do your makeup and be careful not to get makeup in your eyes.

Can contact lenses get lost behind my eye?
Nope, that’s physically impossible. A terrifying thought for sure, but totally impossible. Now if you rub your eye, the contact lens might move around. Try some rewetting drops to get it back in place.

Can I swim while wearing contact lenses?
Although it’s tempting, we recommend that you do not swim in your contact lenses. This is because you can lose your contacts in the water and there is a risk of contamination. If you must swim, keep your eyes closed.

What can I expect the first time I wear lenses?
There are all sorts of rumors about wearing contact lenses. Stuff like they’ll travel into your brain (impossible), or that they’ll give you superpowers (still impossible, but how cool would it be to shoot lasers from your eyes?)

It’ll take a few tries in the beginning, but you’ll get the hang of it in no time. You can expect a new freedom and excitement of being able to see without glasses.

What are contact lenses made of?
The materials used to make contact lenses depend on the type of contact lens. Some soft contact lenses are made of hydrophilic “water-containing” polymers called hydrogels, while others are made from silicone hydrogel, a newer material which is also made of water-containing polymers but with the addition of silicone. This permits a high amount of oxygen to pass through the lens.

Are contact lenses bad for your eyes?
There have been massive strides in contact lens technology in recent years. The risk of contact lens-related eye damage is low as long as you follow your eye doctor’s advice and recommendations. Maybe don’t put them in right after you cook a batch of spicy pepper chili, either. Just trust us on that one. And NEVER sleep in your contacts, a big no-no.

Are contact lenses comfortable?
Yes! Today’s contact lenses are designed with special features to help keep eyes feeling moist and comfortable. Like any new experience, wearing contact lenses for the first time may feel a little “different”, but within a few days, you may even forget you’re wearing them. Contact lenses should not cause discomfort or irritation; if yours ever do, talk to your eye care professional.

Please watch these helpful instructional videos to prepare for your first contact lens fitting visit: