Contact lenses: why wear them?

Contact lenses are a practical alternative to glasses. They are comfortable and easy to use, but it is important to choose the right ones for your needs and to understand how to use them properly. That way, they can adapt better to your eyes and daily routine.

What are contact lenses?

Contact lenses are a medical device. They are a thin, curved lens placed on the tear film that covers the eye and they help correct visual problems such as:

• Short-sightedness
• Long-sightedness
• Astigmatism
• Presbyopia

Benefits of wearing contact lenses

Compared with glasses, contact lenses:

• Offer a wider field of vision.
• Are very practical and allow more freedom for daily activities and sport.
• Do not steam up with changes in temperature.
• Can feel more comfortable for many people.

They can also be a good solution if you simply prefer not to wear glasses.

How to choose the right contact lenses for you

When choosing contact lenses, it is important to consider:

• Your prescription
• Your habits and lifestyle
• Your eye health
• Your personal preferences

Once these points are clear, you can choose the type of lens according to how long and how often you want to wear them.

Daily contact lenses

• How to use them: they are worn for one day and then thrown away.
• Recommended for: occasional use or people with allergies.

Fortnightly contact lenses

• How to use them: they are worn for 15 days and should be removed every night.
• Recommended for: people who prefer not to dispose of lenses daily. They require specific hygiene.

Monthly contact lenses

• How to use them: they can be worn for 30 days, but they must be removed every night.
• Recommended for: people who prefer not to dispose of lenses daily. They also require specific hygiene.

How to use contact lenses correctly

As a guide to wearing contact lenses, it is important to understand how to use them properly to avoid problems in the eye and allow them to do their job well:

• Hygiene comes first: wash your hands well before handling lenses. Avoid tap water or saliva coming into contact with them, and use specific lens solutions for cleaning and storage, especially with fortnightly or monthly lenses.
• Respect wearing times: do not use contact lenses for longer than recommended.
• If something feels wrong, stop: do not wear them if they are damaged or out of date. Stop using them if you feel pain, blurred vision, sensitivity or redness, and seek medical advice.

The key point: eye hydration

Wearing contact lenses can affect the tear film and lead to dry eyes. If that happens, you may notice:

• A gritty or foreign body sensation
• Red or tired eyes
• Discomfort when blinking
• Burning or itching

This happens because the lens sits on the tear film and can interfere with how tears are distributed. To help with this, our pharmacy recommendation is to use artificial tears to hydrate and lubricate the eye.

Remember that in our online pharmacy you can buy contact lenses from leading brands, because your eye health comes first.