Contact lens have come a long way since they were first introduced in the 19th century. Today’s lenses are soft and breathable, which makes them more comfortable to wear for longer periods of time.

The first step in preparing your lenses is to rinse the case with a multipurpose solution and inspect the lens for damage and proper orientation. If the lens has a grittiness, additional cleaning is needed.

They correct your vision

Contact lenses are essentially small medical devices that sit on the surface of your eye. They are designed to refocus light rays on the retina at the back of your eyes, which converts the light into electrical impulses that are then processed by your brain to make sense of what you see.

Some people wear decorative (cosmetic) contact lenses to change their eye color or for costume purposes without needing to correct vision. However, these lenses still need to be properly fitted by an ophthalmologist or optometrist and must follow proper care and replacement schedules.

It is important to wash your hands before handling contact lenses. This will help to prevent the transfer of bacteria from your fingers to your eye, which can cause irritation and blurry vision. Also, it is best to use a disinfecting solution before and after touching your contact lenses. You should also visit your ophthalmologist or optometrist for regular annual exams and to update your prescription.

They are convenient

Over 45 million people in the US wear contact lenses. These small devices rest on the surface of your eye to correct refractive errors — changes in the shape of your cornea that prevent light from landing properly on your retina and making it blurry. They provide a wide field of vision, allow more movement than glasses, and don’t fog up due to sweat or rain.

Contact lens care requires a commitment to hygiene and regular follow-up visits to your provider. While decorative contacts are available over-the-counter, prescription lenses must be prescribed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist and dispensed from the same office that conducts the initial eye exam and contact lens fitting.

Rigid gas permeable (RGP) and soft contact lenses are made from slightly flexible plastics that let oxygen through. Rigid lenses feel like stiff work boots and soften with time, while soft ones are similar to indoor slippers and need to be replaced more frequently.

They are safe

Contact lenses are safe and effective when worn according to the directions of your eye care professional. However, serious injury to the eyes can occur when contact lens wearers don’t follow basic hygiene and care instructions. Infections and other complications can be prevented by washing your hands before handling your contacts, using a clean case and keeping the solution at the recommended temperature.

Before inserting or removing your contact lens, always wash your hands with soap. This will keep dirt, lint and bacteria off your fingers. These can transfer to your eyes or the contact lenses, causing irritation. Also, make sure to dry your hands before handling the lens.

Soft contact lenses come in daily wear and extended-wear varieties, the latter designed for overnight (continuous) wearing for one to 30 days. Both types must be removed and cleaned every day and should only be used for the amount of time prescribed by your eye doctor.

They are affordable

The cost of contact lenses depends on the type of lens and the doctor’s professional fees. There is no formula or standard fee, and every doctor sets his or her own rates.

Contact lens cost can be a major consideration for individuals with vision impairments. However, the right lens can improve their quality of life, allowing them to participate in more activities and enjoy their hobbies. In addition, contact lens can protect the eyes from harmful UV rays.

Contact lenses are available in different sizes and shapes to suit individual needs. They are also made from different materials and have different life spans. Most of the contact lenses worn today are soft lenses made from polymers. The most advanced are silicone hydrogels, which allow more oxygen through the lenses and dehydrate less than regular plastic lenses. Rigid, or hard, lenses are still available and are made of a newer plastic called polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or Plexiglas.