What Are the Best Contact Lenses?

Contact lenses have revolutionized vision correction, providing convenience, comfort, and versatility. Whether for daily wear or special prescriptions, choosing the right lenses depends on individual needs and lifestyle.

Popularity by Age Group (%)

This chart shows the popularity of Soft and RGP lenses across different age groups. Younger individuals prefer Soft lenses overwhelmingly, while older groups show a gradual increase in RGP lens adoption.

Soft vs. Rigid Gas Permeable Lenses: Pros and Cons

• Soft Lenses: Made from hydrogel or silicone hydrogel, they offer comfort and flexibility. They are available in daily, bi-weekly, and monthly options.
  • Pros: Comfortable, easy to adapt to, available in various prescriptions.
  • Cons: Less durable, higher risk of dryness, require regular replacement.
  • Who Uses Them?: Soft lenses are preferred by individuals with active lifestyles, those who prioritize comfort, and people new to contact lenses. Athletes and office workers often opt for daily disposables to avoid buildup of deposits.
  • User Feedback: “I switched to Acuvue Oasys daily lenses due to dryness from long screen hours. The comfort was immediate, and I no longer feel irritation compared to my old monthly lenses.”
• Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses: Made from durable, oxygen-permeable materials, they provide sharper vision and last longer.
  • Pros: Better visual acuity, longer lifespan, lower infection risk.
  • Cons: Longer adaptation period, less comfortable initially.
  • Who Uses Them?: RGP lenses are ideal for those with high prescriptions, astigmatism, or keratoconus. They are also preferred by users who want a long-lasting and cost-effective option.
  • User Feedback: “It took me about two weeks to adjust, but the clarity of vision is unmatched. I don’t think I’ll ever go back to soft lenses.”

This chart illustrates the initial comfort rating of different types of contact lenses on a scale of 1 to 10. Soft lenses offer significantly higher comfort upon first use compared to RGP lenses.

Specialty Contact Lenses

• Toric Lenses: Designed for astigmatism with varying powers in different meridians.
  • Pros: Provides stable vision correction, reduces distortion, available in soft and RGP materials.
  • Cons: More expensive than standard lenses, requires precise fitting.
  • Who Uses Them?: Ideal for individuals with moderate to severe astigmatism who need consistent, clear vision.
  • User Feedback: “Switching to toric lenses was life-changing. My vision is no longer blurry, and they stay in place much better than my previous lenses.”
• Multifocal Lenses: Suitable for presbyopia, combining different vision zones.
  • Pros: Eliminates the need for reading glasses, smooth transition between near and far vision.
  • Cons: Some users experience initial glare or halo effects.
  • Who Uses Them?: People over 40 who struggle with both near and distance vision and prefer an all-in-one solution.
  • User Feedback: “At first, it took a few days to adjust, but now I don’t even think about switching between distances. Very convenient!”
• Scleral Lenses: Cover a larger portion of the eye, ideal for irregular corneas and dry eyes.
  • Pros: Excellent for severe dry eyes and keratoconus, highly comfortable once adjusted.
  • Cons: More expensive, requires special handling and care.
  • Who Uses Them?: Individuals with corneal irregularities, severe dry eyes, or those who haven’t found success with other lenses.
  • User Feedback: “I tried countless lenses before, but scleral lenses are the only ones that give me clear vision without irritation.”
• Hybrid Lenses: Combine an RGP center with a soft lens skirt for both clarity and comfort.
  • Pros: Provides the sharpness of RGP lenses with the comfort of soft lenses.
  • Cons: Requires careful cleaning, slightly more expensive than standard soft lenses.
  • Who Uses Them?: People who need the crisp vision of RGP lenses but struggle with their comfort.
  • User Feedback: “These lenses solved my issue with clarity and comfort. I can finally wear contacts all day without discomfort!”

Average Cost per Pair (USD)

This chart presents the average cost range for different types of contact lenses. Scleral lenses are the most expensive, while Toric and Multifocal lenses have more affordable pricing.

The Best Contact Lenses by Category

Category	Best Brand	Features
Daily Disposable	Acuvue Oasys 1-Day	High oxygen permeability, tear-stabilizing design
Monthly Wear	Air Optix Plus Hydraglyde	SmartShield technology to resist deposits
Astigmatism (Toric)	Biofinity Toric	Consistent hydration and stable fit
Multifocal	Bausch + Lomb Ultra Multifocal	MoistureSeal technology for all-day comfort
RGP Lenses	Boston XO2	High oxygen permeability for sharper vision

Key Innovations in Contact Lenses

1. Smart Contact Lenses: Companies like Mojo Vision are developing AR-enabled lenses that function like a heads-up display in video games. Imagine wearing a tiny screen on your eye, showing navigation, messages, or health data without needing a phone. While still in development, they could change the way we interact with technology.
2. Myopia Control Lenses: MiSight 1 Day lenses by CooperVision work like orthodontic braces for the eyes—gently slowing myopia progression in children. These lenses reshape light entering the eye to prevent worsening nearsightedness, offering a proactive approach to vision care.
3. UV-Blocking Lenses: Similar to high-quality sunglasses, Acuvue lenses include built-in UV protection, reducing exposure to harmful rays. While they don’t replace sunglasses, they add an extra layer of defense against sun damage, which is particularly useful for those who spend long hours outdoors.
4. Moisture-Retaining Technologies: Dailies Total1 lenses use a water gradient technology, meaning the outer layer holds more moisture, mimicking natural tears. Think of it like a hydrating face mask for your eyes, providing all-day comfort without the dryness that some lenses cause.

This chart displays the percentage of daily wearers for different types of contact lenses. Toric and Multifocal lenses are the most commonly used on a daily basis.

Common Problems and How to Avoid Them

• Dry Eyes: A common complaint among contact lens wearers, dry eyes can cause discomfort, redness, and blurred vision. This issue is particularly prevalent in individuals who spend long hours in front of screens or in air-conditioned environments. Opt for silicone hydrogel lenses, which allow more oxygen to reach the eye, or use rewetting drops formulated for contact lenses.
  • User Case: “After years of struggling with dry eyes, I switched to Dailies Total1 lenses. The water gradient technology made a huge difference—now I can wear contacts all day without discomfort.”
  • Seriousness: Chronic dry eye can lead to long-term irritation and increased risk of infections if untreated.
• Lens Discomfort: If lenses feel uncomfortable, it could be due to poor fit, dryness, or protein deposits. Ensure proper lens fitting with an eye specialist and follow a strict cleaning routine. Replacing lenses as recommended by the manufacturer prevents buildup and discomfort.
  • User Case: “I used to wear monthly lenses but experienced irritation. After switching to daily disposables, my eyes feel much fresher.”
  • Seriousness: Ignoring discomfort can lead to corneal scratches or chronic inflammation.
• Infections: Contact lens-related infections, such as bacterial keratitis, can be severe and even lead to vision loss. To minimize risk, always wash hands before handling lenses, replace storage cases every three months, and never sleep in lenses unless they are specifically designed for overnight wear.
  • User Case: “I once left my lenses in overnight, and the next day, my eye was red and painful. My doctor diagnosed me with an infection that took weeks to heal. Lesson learned—always follow hygiene rules!”
  • Seriousness: Eye infections can cause permanent vision damage if untreated.
• Blurry Vision: This can result from outdated prescriptions, dirty lenses, or incorrect lens fit. Regular eye exams and proper lens care help maintain clear vision.
  • User Case: “I noticed my vision getting blurry with my old contacts. A quick eye exam showed my prescription had changed—I got new lenses, and everything is sharp again.”
  • Seriousness: Ignoring blurry vision can lead to headaches, eye strain, and worsening eyesight over time.

Market Share of Leading Contact Lens Brands (2024, %)

This chart presents the market share of the leading contact lens brands in 2024. Acuvue holds the largest share, followed by Bausch + Lomb and CooperVision.

Editorial Advice

Reyus Mammadli, healthcare advisor, recommends choosing lenses based on lifestyle and eye health rather than just cost. “If you suffer from dry eyes, daily disposables may be the best choice. For those with astigmatism, toric lenses provide stability and clarity. Always consult an eye care professional to ensure the best fit and comfort.”

When selecting contact lenses, consider your daily routine, eye condition, and comfort preferences. Investing in high-quality lenses can improve both vision and eye health in the long run.

User Satisfaction Rate (%)

This chart displays user satisfaction rates for different contact lens brands. Acuvue Oasys 1-Day leads in user satisfaction, closely followed by Dailies Total1 and Biofinity.

References

1. American Academy of Ophthalmology – Contact Lenses Overview (aao.org)
2. CooperVision – MiSight 1 Day for Myopia Control (coopervision.com)
3. Bausch + Lomb – Multifocal Contact Lens Innovations (bausch.com)
4. Acuvue – UV-Blocking Contact Lens Technology (acuvue.com)
5. Mojo Vision – Smart Contact Lenses (mojo.vision)
6. CDC – Contact Lens Safety Guidelines (cdc.gov/contactlenses)
7. National Eye Institute – Astigmatism and Toric Lenses (nei.nih.gov)