Contact lenses are small lenses that sit on the surface of your eye. They are medical devices designed to correct vision and can also be used for therapeutic or cosmetic purposes.

They work by refracting and focusing light properly on the retina to enable you to see clearly. They are available in both soft and hard varieties.

They correct vision

Contact lenses correct vision by sitting directly on the eye, mimicking your eyes' natural focusing abilities. They provide a wider field of vision and reduce distortions, making them a great option for active people. They are also easy to insert and remove. However, they may cause discomfort or episodes of blurry vision when you first begin wearing them.

Your prescription for contact lenses will include a series of numbers, known as diopters. These number represent the strength or power of your lens. The higher the number, the more powerful the lens. Your prescription should also indicate the shape of your lens. Some types of contact lenses are spherical; others have different curves, such as those with astigmatism.

Before putting on your contacts, it is important to wash and dry your hands. Doing so reduces the likelihood of infection. It is recommended to use a hand soap that does not contain moisturizing ingredients or additives, as these can transfer lint and other debris to your lenses.

They are easy to put on

Putting and removing your contact lenses can be easy if you follow the right steps. First, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water (not hand sanitizer) to reduce the risk of eye infections. Next, dry your hands with a clean, lint-free towel or cloth. If you are squeamish about touching your eye, place a clean hand towel beneath your eyes.

Using the index finger of your non-dominant hand, gently pull your upper eyelid open to prevent blinking while holding the lens in the palm of your dominant hand. You may also use the middle finger of your dominant hand to help hold your lower lid open.

When you are ready to put the lens in your eye, look up, down, and left to center it. Then, blink several times to make sure that the lens is comfortable. If it feels uncomfortable, remove the lens and try again. If you are unsure how to center the lens, ask your doctor for advice.

They are comfortable

The most common reasons for discomfort with contact lenses are dry eyes, allergic reactions and extended wear time. You can minimize these issues by following good contact lens hygiene, using appropriate over the counter or prescription eye drops, and limiting how long you wear your contacts each day.

Incorrectly fitting contacts can also cause pain and discomfort. If you have a problem with your contact lens fit, talk to your doctor about it. You may need to try a different type of lens.

The most comfortable contact lenses are those that are custom fitted to your unique eye. Your eye care professional will look at several factors, including the structure of your eyes, tears and visual acuity, to determine what type of lens is best for you. Lenses that are replaced frequently gather fewer deposits of allergens and germs, which can improve comfort. They are available in both soft and rigid gas permeable (RGP) materials.

They are easy to clean

The cleaning and disinfection of contact lenses are a lot easier than they used to be. In the past, people needed multiple bottles of different solutions and enzyme tablets for rinsing and cleaning. Today, most can use a multipurpose solution that cleans, disinfects and stores the contacts. This helps prevent surface coating and infections. In addition, the solution can help remove small physical pollutants, including micro and nano plastics, fungus spores and plant pollen.

Before handling your contact lenses, always wash your hands thoroughly and dry them with a clean, lint-free towel. Also, make a habit of starting with the same eye every time to avoid mixing them up. It is also important to rinse and store the lenses in the proper container. For example, daily disposables should be thrown away after each wear, while other types can be cleaned and stored in solution for up to six hours. Lastly, it is important to rinse the case regularly and replace it at least every three months.