I\u2019m interested in wearing contact lenses. How long does it take to get used to them?<\/b><\/p>\n
Depending on your eye sensitivity and whether you choose soft or rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses, it may take only a day or it could take two weeks or more for your eyes to adjust to the lenses. Some people\u2019s eyes never adjust, but that\u2019s rare.<\/p>\n
Are contact lenses difficult to care for?<\/b><\/p>\n
There are certain steps you need to take to ensure that your eyes stay healthy and your contacts last as long as possible. For the exact care of your contacts, please refer to these articles:<\/p>\n
The exceptions are daily disposable contact lenses<\/span><\/a> and some extended wear contacts<\/span><\/a> that are discarded every time they\u2019re removed. With these, you throw them out when you\u2019re done wearing them, so there\u2019s no care regimen at all.<\/p>\n Can a contact lens get lost behind my eye?<\/b><\/p>\n No. At worst, you might have trouble finding it under your upper eyelid if you rub your eye and dislodge the lens from its proper position. If necessary, your eye care practitioner<\/span><\/a> can help you locate and remove the lens.<\/p>\n How old must children be before they can wear contact lenses?<\/b><\/p>\n That depends on how responsible the child is. This decision is best made jointly between you, your child and your eye doctor.<\/p>\n What kinds of contacts are available?<\/b><\/p>\n Contact lenses come in various material types, replacement schedules and wear schedules. Many wearers find disposable contact lenses<\/span><\/a> and extended wear contacts<\/span><\/a> are the most convenient.<\/p>\n Replacement schedules.<\/b> Your eye doctor will prescribe your replacement schedule. It depends on the contact lens material and design, as well as your lifestyle and the condition of your eyes.<\/p>\n Wear schedules.<\/b> Daily wear contact lenses must be removed before sleep. Extended wear contacts can be worn continuously (day and night) for up to a certain number of days, usually seven to 30 days.<\/p>\n Special contact lenses.<\/b> Special contact lenses include bifocal contact lenses<\/span><\/a>, colored contacts<\/span><\/a>, orthokeratology<\/span><\/a> contact lenses that correct your vision while you sleep, theatrical contact lenses<\/span><\/a>, contact lenses for astigmatism<\/span><\/a> and UV-blocking contacts.<\/p>\n Are disposable contact lenses worth the extra money?<\/b><\/p>\n Many doctors highly recommend disposable contact lenses. They are an excellent choice health-wise, because there is less opportunity for protein and bacteria to build up on them. Also, if you wear daily disposable contact lenses, which are discarded at the end of the day, you won\u2019t need to buy contact lens solutions<\/span><\/a> to clean and disinfect them after each use.<\/p>\n Is there really a big difference between daily wear and extended wear contact lenses?<\/b><\/p>\n Yes. Extended wear contacts are made of special materials that allow more oxygen to reach your eye, which makes them safer for wear during sleep.<\/p>\n The FDA<\/span><\/a> determines the maximum amount of time that extended wear lenses can be worn before removal. Some brands are approved for up to seven days of continuous wear; others can be worn for up to 30 days.<\/p>\n Where is the best place to buy contact lenses?<\/b><\/p>\n After your eye doctor prescribes your contact lenses, you can order lenses from your doctor, at retail stores or over the Internet<\/span><\/a>. The best place to buy contact lenses<\/span><\/a> depends on many factors, including availability, cost and service.<\/p>\n How can I save money?<\/b><\/p>\n Comparison shopping is the best way to save money. buy it at http:\/\/www.colorlens4less.com\/<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n My doctor refused to give me my contact lens prescription. Is this legal?<\/b><\/p>\n The Fairness to Contact Lens Consumers Act of 2003 gives all U.S. consumers the right to receive a copy of their contact lens prescription so they can purchase replacement lenses from the vendor of their choice. The federal law requires that contact lens prescribers provide patients a copy of their contact lens prescription after a contact lens fitting. It also requires that the prescriber verify the contact lens prescription to any third party that the patient designates, such as an online merchant. Read more about your contact lens prescription<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n I\u2019m looking for a specific type of contact lens. Do you know where I can find it?<\/b><\/p>\n If you don\u2019t have a contact lens prescription for the lens you are interested in, you must first visit your eye doctor for an eye exam<\/span><\/a> and a contact lens fitting. This is true even if you don\u2019t need vision correction and are interested in only colored contacts or novelty (special-effect) contact lenses.<\/p>\n Why? The FDA considers contacts to be medical devices because you put them in your eyes; it has created these guidelines for your safety. Plus, each contact lens and each person\u2019s eyes are a little different, so the doctor needs to perform a specialized fitting for you.\u00a0 When contact lenses don\u2019t fit correctly, they can cause serious eye problems.<\/p>\n For more information about new and existing contact lenses, visit our Contact Lens section<\/span><\/a> and our What\u2019s New in Contacts<\/span><\/a> pages.<\/p>\n I want to buy contact lenses from you. How do I order?<\/b><\/p>\n All About Vision is an informational website only. We don\u2019t sell any products.<\/p>\n Why did my doctor tell me to come back after he has already fitted me with my contacts?<\/b><\/p>\n If he asked you to come back about a week later, it\u2019s because he wants to be sure that you\u2019re not having any problems, such as contact lens-related dry eye or eye irritation.<\/p>\n If it\u2019s about a year later, it\u2019s to check whether your prescription has changed and to check for any eye diseases<\/span><\/a>, which are best treated in their early stages before any vision loss can occur.<\/p>\n How many people wear contact lenses in the United States?<\/b><\/p>\n\n