There are a number of options when choosing the best contact lenses. There are prescription and cosmetic lenses for example. Prescription lenses can be used to correct defects in the eyesight, while cosmetic lenses simply change the eye color, or otherwise affect how the eyes look.

Most lenses that are available today are soft contact lenses. These are far more comfortable than the rigid lenses that were common in the past. Comfort is the most important factor when choosing contact lenses. It should feel as if there is nothing in the eye when contact lenses are being worn. There should be no irritation. If the eyes are particularly sensitive, then contact lenses may cause dryness, itchiness and an increased likelihood of infections such as conjunctivitis. These problems can be avoided in most people by choosing the appropriate type of contact lens, and by taking good care of the lenses while they are being used. Most lenses need to be cleaned in between uses, and hygiene is also important even when disposable daily lenses are being used.

It is common for people to differentiate between contact lenses according to the length of time for which they can be worn. Lenses that are designed for shorter-term use tend to be thinner, more lightweight and often more comfortable than the more durable kinds of lenses. Reusable lenses also need more care than disposable ones that are simply discarded at the end of the day. The best contact lenses will be suitable for an individual’s eyes, but will also match that individual’s lifestyle.

It is possible, for example, to choose lenses that are intended to be used for a single day, for a month, or longer. Daily lenses can be gentler and may be suitable for more sensitive eyes than contact lenses that are designed to last for longer. They are also a the best contact lenses for infrequent wearers, as a pair can be used when necessary without having to worry about taking care of them in between uses. Monthly lenses can be cheaper than daily ones, but they are slightly thicker and they require thorough cleaning every day.

Contact lenses are also available that can be left in for a set period, usually about a month, and which do not need to be taken out at night. This also means that there is no need to spend time cleaning the lenses, or to buy cleaning saline solution.

A newer type of corrective contact lens is also available which is worn at night and taken out during the day. Rather than correcting the eyesight by refracting light before it enters the eye, these contact lenses gently press the eye during the night, changing it shape. This changes the way that light is focused in the eye, so that vision is corrected. This type of lens can only be used to correct myopia (also known as short sightedness).