Thinking about getting contact lenses? There’s a lot of information out there, so it can get overwhelming. Here are some answers to many contact lens FAQs that will hopefully clear things up for you as you consider getting contact lenses:
Can a contact lens get lost behind my eye?
No. It is possible if you rub your eye and dislodge the lens from its proper position the lens, it could move under your upper eyelid. Don’t panic if this happens, it’s not dangerous. Here’s how to remove a stuck contact.
At what age can I get contacts?
The average age when a kid first gets contact lenses is 13, but in a study at The Ohio State University College of Optometry, researchers evaluated the contact lens wear of 116 children and found most kids ages 8 to 11 years can successfully wear contact lenses. Daily disposable contact lenses such as clariti 1 day or MiSight 1 day lenses, are often prescribed for young patients as they require so little care.
Can I wear contacts if I also wear bifocal eyeglasses?
Yes, contacts for presbyopia are called "multifocal lenses".They are designed to have portions of the lens for distance vision and near vision. Some good options for this type of lens are CooperVision’s Biofinity® multifocal or MyDay® multifocal, both have advanced designs containing multiple zones of vision correction in both lenses, allowing for clear vision up close, at middle distances, and far away.
I have astigmatism. Can I get contacts?
Yes! Contacts for astigmatism are called “toric lenses” and, unlike spherical lenses, have two different powers in the lens– one for astigmatism and the other for near/farsightedness. Some good options for this type of lens is CooperVision’s clariti® 1 day toric or MyDay® toric.
Can I sleep in my contacts?
It is not recommended to sleep in your contacts unless you have been prescribed lenses that are specifically designed for this purpose. For example, Biofinity contact lenses have been approved for up to 6 nights/7 days of extended wear.
Do I need to replace my contacts on a routine schedule even if they feel alright?
Yes. Contacts build up proteins that cause inflammation on the lid surface if not changed as scheduled. The contact lens wearer often is unaware of the inflammation until it becomes severe.
If contact lenses sound like a good idea to you, the first thing you need is a prescription. Use our Find an Eye Doctor tool to get started. If you still have questions, check out our contact lens FAQs page.