Types of contact lenses: which should you choose for your needs?

Are you thinking about wearing contact lenses and not sure where to start? Contact lenses are a comfortable and effective option for correcting your vision, but with so many choices on the market, it is easy to feel a little lost. At Farmaciasdirect, we explain what types of contact lenses are available and which ones are best suited to you.

Contact lenses, what are they?

Contact lenses or lenses are optical devices that correct vision defects. These devices are concave on one side and convex on the other, allowing them to adapt to the shape of the eye.

Contact lenses are placed on the tear film that covers the surface of the eye’s cornea. This tear film allows the lens to sit in place and adhere properly. 

Types of contact lenses

There are different types of contact lenses, and we can classify them according to:

According to their function

• Spherical: to correct short-sightedness and long-sightedness.
• Toric: to correct astigmatism.
• Multifocal or varifocal: for presbyopia, correcting both distance and near vision.

According to replacement frequency

• Daily: the contact lenses are disposed of after use; a new pair is used each day. They are especially recommended for sensitive, dry eyes or eyes prone to conjunctivitis. They are also suitable for those who prefer to alternate wearing contact lenses and glasses, use them occasionally or play sport.
• Fortnightly: the pair of contact lenses can be used for a maximum period of 15 days.
• Monthly: the pair of contact lenses can be used for a maximum period of 30 days.

Both fortnightly contact lenses andmonthly contact lenses are worn during the day and removed before going to sleep. They require greater care and attention, as they need specific disinfecting solutions for contact lenses. In addition:

• They are a good option if you only wear glasses at certain times.
• They are more economical than daily lenses.
• If your prescription is high, you may not find daily contact lenses in your strength.

According to the material they are made from

• Hard: rigid, less comfortable, but they achieve very good results when correcting distance vision.
• Soft: made from hydrogel or silicone.

According to their purpose

• Corrective: to correct a vision defect.
• Cosmetic: they are purely aesthetic and allow a different iris shade to be shown.
• Therapeutic: they do not correct vision, but help treat conditions such as wounds or inflammation.

Contact lenses and dry eyes

Something very important to know is that contact lenses can cause dry eyes or make them worse, as they can:

• Change the distribution of tears.
• Interfere with the eye’s oxygenation.
• Absorb water from the tear film.

This leads to symptoms such as needing to blink, discomfort, burning, stinging, tiredness and irritation... However, there is no need to worry, as dry eye symptoms can be easily relieved with:

• Artificial tears that are suitable and safe for use with contact lenses.
• Contact lenses made from materials that retain moisture better and help keep the eye lubricated; for this reason, at Farmaciasdirect we recommend Acuvue contact lenses.

Which contact lens should I choose?

Wearing glasses can be uncomfortable, the lenses can get damaged, fog up or even interrupt your field of vision, which makes contact lenses or contact lensesa simple and comfortable solution for looking after your eyesight.

Discover ACUVUE® contact lenses

for a day of MAX comfort and MAX clarity*2. We tell you more about their composition, uses and benefits:ACUVUE® is the latest innovation in contact lenses from ACUVUE® OASYS MAX 1-Day

• All-day wearing comfort2: TearStable Technology for continuous hydration1.
• Clear vision in all lighting conditions2: OptiBlueTM light filter. Filters 60% of blue-violet light**1.

Also available as Multifocal.

Remember that...

Although contact lenses are a simple and comfortable solution, using them properly depends on:

• Choosing the right contact lens.
• Your needs.
• Professional follow-up.

Every eye is different and each person has different needs, so your optician or ophthalmologist should monitor and supervise your eye health to help you make the best decision.

*Compared with ACUVUE® OASYS 1-Day

** It has not been demonstrated that filtering HEV light (high-energy visible light) through contact lenses provides any systemic and/or ocular health benefit to the wearer. Please consult your eye care professional for more information.

1. JJVC data on file 2022. Definition of TearStable™ Technology.

2. JJVC data on file 2022. CSM. Subjective responses on ACUVUE® OASYS MAX 1-Day contact lenses - retrospective meta-analysis.

Important information for contact lens wearers: ACUVUE® contact lenses may be used to correct vision. An eye care professional will determine whether contact lenses are suitable for you. Although very rare, serious eye problems can occur when wearing contact lenses. To help avoid them, you should follow the contact lens wear and replacement schedule, as well as the care instructions, exactly. Do not use contact lenses if you have an eye infection, eye disease or a systemic condition that may affect the eye, or if you are allergic to any of the components. If you experience eye discomfort, excessive tearing, changes in vision, redness or other eye problems, remove the lens and contact an eye care professional immediately. For more information on proper use, care and safety, speak to an eye care professional and read the Instructions for Use available on the Johnson & Johnson website www.e-ifu.com/. For any additional information, visit our ACUVUE® website www.acuvue.es. | For full product details, including warnings and precautions, please consult the Instructions for Use at www.e-ifu.com or visit www.acuvue.es | Read the contraindications and possible side effects in the Instructions for Use. If you require any clarification, please consult your eye care professional. This medical device complies with the applicable requirements of medical device legislation. ACUVUE® is a registered trademark of Johnson & Johnson © JJV ES 2024 | 24VIS116-ES | 2024PP12579 | 4693-PS-CM.