Wondering how to choose the right contact lenses?
Want to know what will work for you?
Taking a cue from eye care experts who are full of knowledge and experience can help you feel confident and informed in your decision when choosing contact lenses.
You can find contacts with the latest technology that can help you with every vision need.
While toric lenses work great for those with astigmatism, multifocal lenses are ideal for folks who need vision correction for multiple distances, and spherical contact lenses which are the most common for those dealing with near or farsightedness.
In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the different types of contacts and share some tips on which contacts suit your needs.
What are toric lenses?
Toric contact lenses are a great option that can help people with astigmatism see clearly. Astigmatism occurs when the eye’s shape is not round, causing blurry or distorted vision.
These lenses are specifically designed with the proper shape and prescription power to fit the eye better and provide clear vision. They provide much more effective and comfortable vision correction for people with astigmatism compared to “regular” (spherical) contacts.
How to read a toric contact lens prescription
If you have astigmatism, your contact lens prescription will have additional numbers for Cylinder and Axis. These are specific measurements required for toric lenses that correct astigmatism.
- Cylinder: Helps correct astigmatism
- Axis: Shows the direction the cylinder power should go
If you don’t have astigmatism, your contact lens prescription won’t include these numbers.
Benefits of wearing toric lenses
Benefits of wearing toric lenses for astigmatism can include:
- Improved vision clarity
- Better comfort than “regular” contacts
- Enhanced stability on the eye
If you have astigmatism, you may have had difficulty wearing standard contact lenses due to their tendency to move around or become dislodged. Switching to toric lenses may fit your eyes more comfortably and securely, without any blurriness or discomfort.
Best contact lenses for astigmatism
The best type of contact lenses for astigmatism will depend on your specific needs and preferences, as well as your eye condition and lifestyle. It’s important to consult with an eye doctor to determine the most suitable option.
Our online and retail stores offer a diverse range of top-quality toric lenses, which come in daily, weekly, or monthly disposables from leading brands.
I think I need toric contacts. How can I be sure?
If you think you need toric contact lenses, you should schedule a contact lens exam with an eye doctor, who will evaluate your eyes and determine if you have astigmatism.
They will give you a contact lens prescription and help you choose the best type of toric lenses for you. During a contact lens fitting appointment, your doctor will ensure that the lenses fit properly and show you how to insert, remove, and care for your lenses.
What are multifocal contact lenses?
Multifocal contact lenses are ideal for people with presbyopia, a condition that can make it hard to see and focus on nearby objects as you age.
If you’re looking to improve your vision, these lenses have multiple prescriptions within the same lens, making it easy to see clearly at all distances: near, intermediate, and far.
Bifocal lenses have only two prescriptions, one for distance and another for near vision, while multifocal lenses have a range of prescriptions throughout the lens.
Learn more about how multifocal and bifocal contacts work.
How to read a multifocal contact lens prescription
If you visit an eye doctor for an eye exam and find that you have presbyopia, your contact lens prescription will include measurements for Add and Dominant.
These measurements are essential for multifocal lenses that correct presbyopia.
- Add: Helps with near vision and provides magnifying power
- Dominant: Marks which eye is dominant and non-dominant
If you do not have presbyopia, your contact lens prescription won’t include these measurements.
Benefits of wearing multifocal contact lenses
Benefits of wearing multifocal lenses for presbyopia can include:
- Clear vision at all distances
- A seamless transition between prescriptions
- Reduced dependence on reading glasses
As you move through your daily routine, you need to be able to see near, intermediate, and far objects clearly. With multifocal lenses, you’ll be able to clearly see small print on a page, a computer screen, and see objects in the distance.
Best contact lenses for presbyopia
If you have presbyopia and are looking for the best contact lenses to improve your vision, multifocal contact lenses may be a good option.
You can shop for a variety of high-quality multifocal contact lenses (daily, weekly, or monthly disposables) from top brands on our online and retail stores.
Ultimately, the best contact lenses for presbyopia will depend on your unique needs and lifestyle. It’s important to discuss your options with an eye care professional to determine your best choice.
I think I need multifocal contacts. How can I be sure?
If you think you need multifocal contact lenses, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam and contact lens fitting.
They will be able to determine if multifocal contact lenses are right for you and prescribe the appropriate type of lens on your contact lens prescription, which will be valid for up to 2 years.
What are spherical lenses?
Spherical contact lenses, known as single vision contact lenses, are a popular choice that corrects vision for those with nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia), as these lenses have the same prescription power throughout the entire lens. They may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with astigmatism and presbyopia.
The term “spherical” simply refers to the shape of the lens, which is round and symmetrical like a sphere, and is used to differentiate these lenses from toric lenses that have a different shape to correct astigmatism.
How to read a spherical contact lens prescription
Reading a spherical contact lens prescription can seem complicated, but it’s quite simple once you know what the numbers and abbreviations mean. Here’s how to read your contact lens prescription:
- OD and OS: The prescription will start with either “OD” or “OS”, which stand for “oculus dexter” (right eye) and “oculus sinister” (left eye), respectively. This tells you which eye the prescription is for.
- Sphere: The next number indicates the lens power needed to correct your vision. It may be a positive (+) or negative (-) number, depending on whether you are nearsighted or farsighted. The larger the number, the stronger the prescription.
- BC (a.k.a Base Curve): This number indicates the curvature of the contact lens, which is important for ensuring proper fit and comfort.
- Dia (Diameter): This number indicates the width of the contact lens, which is also important for ensuring proper fit.
- Brand: The prescription may also include the brand or manufacturer of the contact lenses.
If you have a valid contact lens prescription, simply look up your contact lens brand on our online store and enter those values to get your contacts shipped directly to your doorstep.
If you prefer to shop in one of our retail stores, simply bring your prescription and we’ll take care of the rest.
Best contact lenses for nearsightedness and farsightedness
As with any type of contact lenses, the best contacts for nearsightedness and farsightedness depend on your vision needs, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Consult an eye doctor to find the most suitable option for you.
Our online and retail stores offer a range of nice, good-quality contacts for nearsightedness and farsightedness, starting at $4. Whether you prefer daily, weekly, or monthly disposables, we’ve got you covered with contacts from leading brands.
I think I need spherical contacts. How can I be sure?
To get spherical contact lenses, schedule an eye exam with an eye care professional. Your eye doctor will determine if they are right for you and give you a contact lens prescription. Use this to purchase your lenses and follow your doctor’s instructions for proper wear and care.
Shop your favourite contacts online or in-store
Understanding which contacts are right for you is key to seeing clearly and comfortably. Take a look at our online store and save money on your contacts with a coupon code in the checkout.
Want to see us in person? Visit your nearest Clearly store.
Have more questions? Contact us by email, live chat or phone.
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