Prescription Contact Lenses and the Best Tips for Using Them

Refractive errors such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism are among the most common eye problems. These conditions weaken vision and reduce clarity, so patients often need to wear glasses to see better and carry out their daily activities. However, many people feel self‑conscious about wearing glasses, and they can affect someone’s confidence. If you’re tired of your glasses and no longer want to wear them, prescription contact lenses are an excellent alternative. This article will walk you through everything you need to know about them.

There is a wide variety of lens options to choose from. Daily disposable lenses, for example, are very convenient: you put them in in the morning and simply throw them away at the end of the day. Almost everyone with a refractive error can use some type of contact lens. Options include rigid gas permeable lenses that can be worn overnight, multifocal or toric lenses, and lenses with special cosmetic or therapeutic effects on the eye. Which type is right for you, how to care for your lenses, and answers to the most common questions you might have are all covered below.

Types of Prescription Contact Lenses and the Main Differences Between Them

Contact lens technology has advanced dramatically, and there is now a broad range of designs and materials available. In general, contact lenses are thin, circular plastic discs that are placed directly on the eye to improve vision. They sit on top of the cornea and float on the tear film without blocking it, helping the eye stay lubricated.

Contact lenses are designed to improve vision in people with refractive errors by changing how light is focused inside the eye and compensating for irregularities on the corneal surface. They can be used to correct blurry vision caused by conditions such as:

– Myopia (nearsightedness)  

– Hyperopia (farsightedness)  

– Astigmatism  

– Certain cases of presbyopia (age‑related difficulty focusing up close)  

– Some corneal irregularities

Your eye doctor will prescribe the most suitable type of lens based on the medical indication and your eye’s measurements. Common types include:

Soft Contact Lenses

Most people prefer soft contact lenses because they are comfortable, easy to put on, and do not interfere with daily activities or work. They are made from soft, flexible hydrogel materials that allow oxygen to pass through to the eye. Newer generations are made from silicone hydrogel, which delivers even more oxygen to the cornea and supports healthier long‑term wear.

Soft lenses come in several categories, such as:

– Daily disposable lenses  

– Bi‑weekly or monthly replacement lenses  

– Toric lenses for astigmatism  

– Multifocal lenses for distance and near vision  

– Colored or cosmetic lenses (with or without prescription)

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Contact Lenses

Rigid gas permeable lenses are more durable and provide sharper, crisper vision than most soft lenses, especially when the refractive error or corneal irregularity is significant. They are also more cost‑effective over time because they typically last longer and are less prone to tearing.

However, they are generally less comfortable at first. The eyes usually need a break‑in period of several days to a couple of weeks to fully adapt. RGP lenses are particularly helpful for people who:

– Have high levels of astigmatism  

– Did not achieve satisfactory vision with soft lenses  

– Have irregular corneas (such as in keratoconus or after certain surgeries)

If you have tried soft lenses but your vision is still not clear enough, RGP lenses may significantly improve your vision and provide a level of clarity you’ll be satisfied with. Aside from the initial week or so of adaptation and possible mild irritation or foreign‑body sensation in the first days, they are an excellent option for many vision problems. Their high oxygen permeability also means that, depending on the specific design and your doctor’s instructions, some types can be worn for extended or even overnight wear without needing to be removed every night.

Specialty Contact Lenses

The lens types mentioned above are primarily used as an alternative to glasses to provide clear vision. There are also specialty lenses with therapeutic or specific functional roles, such as orthokeratology lenses (often called Ortho‑K).

Ortho‑K lenses are custom‑designed rigid lenses worn overnight. Their goal is to temporarily reshape the cornea and modify its curvature, allowing light to focus correctly on the retina. When worn for about 8 hours during sleep, they gently and reversibly mold the corneal surface. This allows you to enjoy clear vision during the day without needing glasses or other contact lenses. However, the effect is temporary and gradually wears off, so it’s essential to wear them every night—or according to a schedule your eye doctor sets for you—to maintain good vision.

Other specialty lenses include:

– Scleral lenses for irregular corneas or severe dry eye  

– Bandage contact lenses to protect the cornea during healing  

– Prosthetic lenses to mask disfigured or scarred eyes

All of these lenses—and any other type—must be used only after consulting an eye care professional. At Batal Specialty Center, there is a dedicated clinic for prescription contact lenses. Our doctors will assess your eyes, recommend the most suitable lenses, and follow up with you regularly, addressing any concerns or urgent issues that might arise.

Guidelines for Using Vision‑Correcting Contact Lenses

Wearing lenses for too long, sleeping in lenses not designed for overnight wear, or using poor‑quality or ill‑fitting lenses can scratch the eye and cause serious damage. That’s why you need to know the recommended wearing time for your specific lenses, as well as how to clean and store them properly.

Your eye doctor or the contact lens clinic will provide detailed instructions tailored to your lens type and prescription, including:

– How many hours a day you can safely wear your lenses  

– Whether you can sleep in them or must remove them every night  

– Proper handwashing and hygiene before handling lenses  

– How to clean, disinfect, and store reusable lenses  

– How often to replace the lenses and the storage case  

– Warning signs that mean you must remove the lenses and seek medical advice

Do Prescription Contact Lenses Damage the Eyes?

When prescribed correctly and used as directed, contact lenses are generally safe. However, there are some individuals for whom contact lenses may not be suitable or may worsen existing problems. These include people who:

– Have severe dry eye not controlled with treatment  

– Suffer from frequent or recurrent eye infections  

– Work or live in very dusty or contaminated environments  

– Have certain corneal diseases or scarring  

– Are unable to follow hygiene and care instructions consistently

In general, if you experience sudden redness, irritation, pain, or excessive tearing after putting in your lenses, you should remove them immediately and contact your eye doctor without delay.

Learning how to insert and remove contact lenses is easier than most people think. Your eye doctor or technician will demonstrate the process and supervise you the first few times. You may face some difficulty at the beginning, but with practice you will quickly adapt and the process will become simple and routine.

Contact lenses are a wonderful alternative to glasses, but they do require careful handling and consistent care. Book an appointment with us to undergo the necessary eye examinations, receive lenses that are tailored to your needs, and benefit from comprehensive counseling and ongoing follow‑up.