Summer’s almost here and with it comes weddings, vacations, and trips to the beach: all situations where you might want to leave your glasses behind. Many eye care patients don’t realize how easy it is to get contacts for occasional wear. Here are some questions to ask yourself before talking with your eye care professional:
What’s the nature of the event?
Is it a one-day event like a wedding where you want to look your best or a beach day trip where you don’t want to wear prescription sunglasses? Consider a daily disposable that allows you to wear the lenses once, then throw them away. Vacations, especially trips abroad, are also well suited to daily disposables since you don’t have to worry about bringing solutions. A good option for this type of lens is the family of Proclear 1 day contact lenses.
How long will I be wearing my lenses?
Sometimes, you may have an event that goes all day and into the night like a music festival or an overnight camping trip. Extended wear lenses are perfect for these types of circumstances because you don’t have to worry about taking your lenses out before the fun is over. If this sounds like the type of lens for your event, ask your eye doctor about Biofinity lenses which you can wear for up to 7 days in a row.
How do I go about getting lenses for special occasions?
Always get a prescription from your eye care practitioner for occasional wear lenses. Obtaining lenses, especially colored contacts or costume contacts, through an unlicensed merchant or borrowing them from friends can cause serious eye complications. And make sure to make your appointment at least 2 weeks before your event just in case your particular lenses are not in stock. If you’re still unsure what kind of lens is right for you, take this quiz.