Contact Lenses: Frequently Asked Questions

If you are new to wearing contact lenses, you may have questions about how to care for your contact lenses, where or how to buy contact lenses, contact lens prescriptions, or just curious about your vision. Get answers to these four frequently asked questions that contact wearers ask during an eye exam.

1) How long can I wear my contact lenses?

Depending on if you have daily-wear or extended-wear contacts, most people can wear their contact lenses for up to 16 hours a day. However, if you feel like your eyes are dry or your contacts are irritating your eyes after only 8 to 10 hours, you may want to remove them. 

Keep in mind that contact lenses have recommended life spans as well. It is a good idea to look at the recommended life span for your contacts and stick to that. Some contact lenses are good to wear for two weeks to a full month. There are also disposable contact lenses that are good for one-time use. Following the recommended life span of your contacts can help reduce your risk of eye infections. 

2) How long will it take for me to get used to wearing contact lenses?

Unfortunately, there is no standard number of hours or days before a person gets used to wearing contact lenses; it varies from person to person. While getting used to wearing contact lenses you can expect mild blurriness, eye fatigue, and discomfort. However, most people often say they are used to how contact lenses feel in their eyes after a few days. After wearing contact lenses for one or two weeks, most people have adjusted to the routine of putting in their contact lenses and taking them out. If after a week you are still having discomfort wearing your contacts, you may want to get in touch with your eye doctor. Your eye doctor may recommend a different type of contact lens that might be more comfortable for you.

3) Can I clean my contact lenses with tap water?

In order to minimize the risk of an eye infection, it is important to keep your contacts clean. Contact lens solutions and cleansers are sterile and made specifically to keep your contacts clean and in the best condition possible.

Using water to clean your contacts may seem like a safe alternative, but it is not! You should not clean your contact lenses with tap water. Your contact lenses absorb whatever liquid they come in contact with. Water can contain impurities that your contacts could absorb. If you put a contaminated contact lens into your eye, you could develop a serious eye infection. Stick to the sterile contact lens solutions and cleansers that are recommended for your contact lenses.

4) Can I buy contact lenses without a prescription?

You may realize that your vision could be improved if you had glasses or contact lenses. Although there are many options for purchasing contact lenses, online or in a physical store, a contact lens prescription from an eye doctor is required in order to buy contacts. 

Eye prescriptions are usually good for one calendar year. The main reason you need a prescription is because contact lenses are considered a medical device by the Food and Drug Administration. The contact lenses you will buy will need to be compatible with your vision needs. Schedule a contact lens eye exam with your eye doctor to ensure that you get the contact lenses that are best for you.

Save on a Contact Lens Eye Exam with VSP® Individual Vision Insurance

We hope that these frequently asked questions and answers about contact lenses have been helpful. If you are considering wearing contact lenses, you may also want to consider getting vision insurance to help pay for your eye exam and contact lenses. A VSP vision plan can help people maintain healthy eyes even when times get tough, or when you need something extra to maintain your eyesight. When you’re ready, we have you covered. No matter the season, VSP is ready with individual vision insurance plans for nearly everyone. Enroll online today and start by finding the best vision insurance plan for you. 

Disclaimer: Information received through VSP Individual Vision Plans’ social media channels is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

 

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