So, why do some people wear contact lenses while others choose to wear eyeglasses? Well, the fact is, some people just cannot wear them for various reasons, and some simply choose not to wear them. If you happen to be in the “choose” category, read on!

Did you know that you need a valid prescription to order contact lenses?

YES, a prescription written by an eye doctor after an eye exam done every year (or as often as the doctor recommends that you need one). It’s a special fitting exam, too, a little extra time and energy, at an additional cost, to ensure that the lenses being prescribed will enhance your vision, be comfortable to wear, and that they will suit your lifestyle. Whew! Guess what? There’s a science to all this! Who knew?

Oh, and you better invest in some really great sunglasses that will protect your eyes from the sun, while wearing your contacts. Even if a contact lens has some UV blocker in it, it only covers your cornea, not the part of your face surrounding your eyes. Yep, more investment in those irreplaceable peepers!

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Oh my, there are so many! Which contacts are right for you?

It’s all about vision correction, comfort, and lifestyle. From colored contacts to contacts for astigmatism, there are contact lens brands and types to suit almost everyone who wants to wear them.

Have a look at some of the different types of contact lenses. It might seem challenging, but we know eyes and we know the right questions to ask you.

Soft contacts are considered the most comfortable and are the most frequently prescribed type of contact lens today. Soft contacts are available for all types of vision correction, including astigmatism and multi-focal needs. Wear them occasionally, every day, and even overnight.

  • Extended-wear contacts can be worn overnight. There are two different types of extended-wear contacts—those that can be worn consecutively for up to seven nights and those that can be worn for up to 30 nights. Cool!
  • Daily disposable contacts (single use) can be worn for one day and then thrown away.
  • Colored contacts or color-enhancing contacts can change the appearance of your eye color or just enhance it. Colored contacts can be prescribed even if vision correction is not needed.  GREEN TODAY, BROWN TOMORROW, AND BLUE ON FRIDAY; it’s possible!
  • Contacts for special needs correct conditions such as high astigmatism and presbyopia.
  • Gas-permeable contacts or rigid contacts offer sharper vision, especially for people with high refractive errors or high degrees of astigmatism. Sharp vision is good!  These contact lenses have a slightly different insertion method:  Learn how from our colleague, Dr. Allen
  • Hybrid contact lenses have a gas-permeable center surrounded by a soft outer ring.

» View Contact Lens Brands

EXAM AND CONTACT LENS TRIAL FITTING

A good contact lens fitting starts with an eye exam. The optometry team at Maple Grove Eye Doctors will fit your contacts based on your prescription, eye shape, any special conditions, and lifestyle.

Oh, and there’s a trial period. So if you have any contact lens fitting problems, bring them back. Yeah. It’s that easy.

You HAVE to learn proper ‘Contact Care’!

If you think that sleeping in them, over-wearing them, and not wearing sunglasses while wearing them is cool, just Google “eye infection” or a contact lens stuck in eye” and you will agree with us!

So, to avoid all that unnecessary discomfort, read on… (Yep, more work!)

     COMFORT AND PROTECTION

  • Avoid rubbing your eyes when your contacts are in.
  • Lubricate your contacts with rewetting drops if needed.

NOTE: Very smart contact lens wearers always have a pair of good-looking eyewear in their current prescription.

  • To protect your eyes, wear sunglasses with full UVA and UVB protection.
  • Call our Maple Grove Eye Doctors office immediately if you experience severe itching, redness, or chronic blurry vision. They’ll get you back in the saddle in no time flat.

CARING FOR CONTACT LENSES

“DOS AND DON’TS” – the DON’TS are REALLY important!

Do

  • Get a proper contact lens fitting* and adhere to the wearing schedule determined by your doctor.

  • Wash and dry your hands before touching your contacts.

  • Clean your lenses as directed. For best performance, gently rub contacts with solution.

  • Only use sterile, commercially prepared and approved contact lens care products. Ask your doctor for a solution recommendation based on your prescribed contact lenses.

  • Use contact lens care products formulated for the type of lenses you wear.

  • Store your contacts as directed in a clean contact case with clean solution.

  • Replace your contact lens case every three to six months.

  • Remove contact lenses before swimming, hot tubbing, and showering

Don’t

  • Wear torn or scratched contacts. This can cause serious corneal damage.

  • Moisten your contacts with saliva or place them in your mouth.

  • “Top off” the old solution in the case when you disinfect the lenses. Always throw it out.

  • Let anyone else wear your contacts. You could end up passing or acquiring a disease.

  • Use solution that appears discolored. It could be out of date or contaminated.

  • Wear contact lenses that bother you. Get them checked or try a new set.

  • Buy contact lenses from a costume shop or anywhere that does not require a valid prescription.

Contact Lens Brands

Contact Lenses That Fit Your Life

See our complete line of contact lens brands:

Bausch + Lomb ULTRA® contact lenses are as comfortable at the end of the day as they are at the beginning. Designed with water-loving molecules for excellent wettability. With MoistureSeal technology, Bausch + Lomb ULTRA® contact lenses maintain 95% of their moisture for a full 16 hours.

ULTRA CONTACTS

PRECISION1® lenses make life easy to love. That’s because these babies are easy to wear and allow the wearer to have very precise vision while being super comfortable.

 

 

ACUVUE OASYS BY VISTAKON It’s “bye, bye” to dry with the #1 doctor-prescribed contact lens in the U.S. ACUVUE® OASYS® brand lenses feature next-generation HYDRACLEAR® Plus*** technology that can keep tired and dry eyes comfortable all day long—even in harsh surroundings.

 

Acuvue Oasys Contact Lenses

Biotrue ONEday contact lenses are a daily disposable lens manufactured by Bausch + Lomb. Made from a next generation, bio-inspired material called HyperGel. The outer surface of the lens is designed to mimic the lipid layer of tear film to prevent dehydration and maintain consistent Optics.
 
 
BIO true

AIR OPTIX BY CIBA VISION 

Imagine comfort you can feel all day, every day. The AIR OPTIX® family of breathable contact lenses lets you enjoy the day—and the night—without missing a beat. They even offer an easy-to-remember monthly replacement schedule to fit your active lifestyle. Try the AIR OPTIX AQUA, and see how natural they feel.

 

Air Optix Contact Lenses

DAILIES TOTAL1®  contact lenses create a cushion of moisture on your eye making them so comfortable, you’ll forget you’re wearing them.  It is the first and only daily disposable contact lens to offer water gradient technology so all that touches your eye is a cushion of moisture.  SmarTears® Technology features the release of an ingredient found naturally in your tears that helps stabilize your eye’s tear film.  Almost 100% water at the very outer surface of the contact lens to provide exceptional comfort.

 

BIOFINITY BY COOPERVISION

Biofinity® contact lenses are made from a unique, natural water-loving material, AQUAFORM®, which helps them stay moist and

comfortable all day long. The Biofinity revolutionary lens material is highly breathable, allowing greater levels of oxygen to freely flow through the lens, which helps to keep your eyes clear, white, and healthy looking.

 

Biofinity Contact Lenses

*** HYDRACLEAR® Plus is Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.’s brand name for the next generation of its proprietary technology that allows for a higher volume of a moisture-rich wetting agent in a state-of-the-art formulation. This creates a more wettable, ultra-smooth contact lens, especially for challenging environments that make eyes feel dry.

**** LACREON™ is Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.’s brand name for its proprietary technology that permanently embeds a water-holding ingredient, similar to that found in natural tears, into the proven etafilcon A material.

We even have some Contacts Makeup Tips!

  • Take out your contacts before removing your makeup.
  • Put your contacts in first, and then apply your makeup.
  • To minimize eye irritation, choose water-based, hypoallergenic makeup.
  • Replace mascara and eyeliner every three to four months. These products build up bacteria easily.
  • Don’t use waterproof mascara. It’s difficult to remove and could stain soft contacts.