Making the decision to switch to contact lenses involves a few choices. A first time lens wearer might wonder, with all the types and brands of contacts out there, which one is really the best? Most simply purchase whatever type their optometrist recommends. However, the optometrist usually has arrangements with contact lens companies to promote particular brands.
The truth is that there is no one best kind of lenses. To find out which brand feels the best a customer can usually contact the manufacturer directly to obtain a free contact lens sample. Many companies are willing to send a sample pair of disposable lenses for the customer to try out.
A first time contact lens wearer will need to schedule an eye exam to begin. Even if they wore glasses before there are special measurements needed for a contact lens prescription. The optometrist will provide them with the details about their prescription which the customer can then send to the manufacturers for their free contact lens sample.
Since there are so many different manufacturers and types of contacts, to try them all might be a very time intensive venture. Doing some research on the different types available beforehand will help narrow down the field of options. The basic categories of contact lenses are: hard or soft, disposable or extended wear, and specialty lenses.
Hard lenses are more durable but are generally not as comfortable as soft lenses and may take time to become comfortable. Soft lenses break down into two more types of lenses. Extended wear lenses are meant to be worn for longer periods of time, from a month to a year. They are taken out and rinsed nightly. Disposable contacts, on the other hand, are meant to be worn for a shorter period of time, a day to a month, then thrown away. Specialty lenses can be anything from colored lenses to lenses that correct astigmatism.