Get the facts
Introducing
your new little
transparent friends.
If you've been thinking about getting contact lenses, here's a good place to start. Just knowing a few facts can put you on the path to finding the perfect lenses.
Choices. Choices. Choices.
First of all, there are three main types of contact lenses you can pick from.
- Say it with your eyes with refreshingly comfortable DAILIES®. Ideal if you want the convenience and no hassle contact lenses, there are no lens care products required. Just wear and dispose. And you can wear them when you want, so you can choose today my glasses, tonight my contact lenses. They are also ideal if you want contact lenses for occasional wear or when you are playing sports regularly - it's your choice. They are really easy to use (just apply and remove) and they make contact lens wearing simple. Go daily
- Say it with your eyes with AIR OPTIX® breathable contact lenses - for a healthy, natural feeling and comfort all day long. AIR OPTIX® lenses let up to 5x more oxygen through the lens than traditional soft contact lenses for whiter, healthy-looking eyes, and are replaced each month. The unique lens materials of AIR OPTIX® contact lenses help retain moisture which helps prevent the lenses from drying out, so lenses feel comfortable all day long. They are available for short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism. There are even lenses you can sleep in, such as AIR OPTIX® NIGHT & DAY® - Go monthly AIR OPTIX® Multifocal contact lenses are a great alternative to your reading glasses. Go AIR OPTIX® Multifocal
- Say it with your eyes with FreshLook colour contact lenses change your eye-colour in addition to helping you see. Go colour
Some other things to consider
- Lifestyle. What you do, your sports activities, your desire for wearing schedule (part or full time), where you hang out, even your personality are considerations for which contact lens is best for you.
- Comfort. Your eye care professional will help you choose the right contact lenses for you, which will ensure a healthy and comfortable contact lens experience. Today's contact lenses provide many choices, some of them with built in moisture agents for all day comfort others with high oxygen transmissibility for high breathability. The goal is that your contact lens wearing experience should feel as if you are wearing nothing at all.
- Cost. A one year supply of contact lenses can cost about the same as a good pair of spectacles. And what is even better, some lenses are disposable and for these, a pair of daily disposables costs about the same as a cup of coffee. You can try contact lenses for free* when visiting an eye care professional near you.
- Safety. There are benefits and risks to wearing contact lenses but with proper care and information from your eye care professional you should have a carefree content lens experience. Talk to your Eye Care professional about wear and care information. Some important notes include:
Tip #1: Great hygiene is essential. Always wash your hands before you apply your contacts.
Tip #2: See an eye care professional at least once a year or more often, as recommended. Why? Over time your eyes can change. Many eye and vision conditions present no obvious symptoms; therefore, individuals are often unaware that a problem exists. Early diagnosis and treatment are important for maintaining good vision, and when possible, preventing permanent vision loss. Only an eye care professional is trained to detect these changes and recommend the right contact lenses for you. Find an eye care professional near you.
Frequently asked questions
Click on the question to view the answer.
1. Who can wear contact lenses
Most people can wear contact lenses, no matter how young or old they are. But to see if contact lenses are right for you, it's important to have your eyes examined. Just ask your eye care professional for an appointment.
2. Do I have to be a certain age to wear contact lenses?
Contact lenses can be worn from any age, the most important thing is that you are mature and responsible enough to take care of them.
3. Can a contact lens go behind my eye?
No. Contact lenses could never get to the back of the eye as there is a natural membrane barrier between the front visible part of the eye and the back of the eye.
4. What if I lose a contact lens or it gets torn?
Before applying a contact lens, always check for foreign matter or damages with no nicks or tears in the contact lens' edge. Any damaged contact lenses should be thrown away and replaced. Carry spare contact lenses with you.
5. Can I sleep in contact lenses?
Some contact lenses can be worn while sleeping. Your eye care professional will tell you if it is ok for you to wear contact lenses while sleeping.
6. Can I still use contact lenses if I have astigmatism or wear strong glasses?
Today's contact lenses are designed for all kinds of vision correction needs. Contact lenses for astigmatism are called 'toric' lenses, again your eye care professional can determine which lenses are right for you.
7. Is it difficult to apply contact lenses?
The first time you are fitted with contact lenses you will receive detailed instructions for application and removal. Getting the hang of applying and removing contact lenses is the same as learning any new skill. It takes practice. Your eye care professional will help you master this technique. Very soon it can be as easy as brushing your teeth. See our application and removal contact lens video.
8. How much do contact lenses cost?
A one year supply of contact lenses costs about the same as a good pair of spectacles. And what is even better, some lenses are disposable and for these, a pair of daily disposables costs less than the price of a cup of coffee. You can try contact lenses for free* when visiting an eye care professional near you.
9. What kind of contact lenses are there?
There are three main types of contact lenses you can pick from.
- Say it with your eyes with refreshingly comfortable DAILIES®. Ideal if you want the convenience and no hassle contact lenses, there are no lens care products required. Just wear and toss. And you can wear them when you want, so you can choose today my glasses, tonight my contact lenses. They are also ideal if you want contact lenses for occasional wear or when you are playing sports regularly - it's your choice. They are really easy to use (just insert and remove) and they make contact lens wearing simple. Go daily
- Say it with your eyes with AIR OPTIX® breathable contact lenses - for a healthy, natural feeling and comfort all day long. AIR OPTIX® lenses let up to 5x more oxygen through the lens than traditional soft contact lenses for whiter, healthy-looking eyes, and are replaced each month. The unique lens materials of AIR OPTIX® contact lenses help retain moisture which helps prevent the lenses from drying out, so lenses feel comfortable all day long. They are available for short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism. Go monthly AIR OPTIX® Multifocal contact lenses are a great alternative to your reading glasses. Go AIR OPTIX® Multifocal
- Say it with your eyes with FreshLook colour contact lenses change your eye-colour in addition to helping you see. Go colour
10. Why is it important to get regular eye exams?
Periodic eye examinations are an important part of routine preventive health care. Many eye and vision conditions present no obvious symptoms; therefore, individuals are often unaware that a problem exists. Early diagnosis and treatment are important for maintaining good vision and when possible preventing permanent vision loss.
