Contact lenses adjust how light enters your eye so it’s properly focused on the retina. They come in many varieties.

Most are disposable, meaning they’re removed at the end of the day and replaced with a fresh pair every one to two weeks or a month. You can also find reusable ones.

They correct your vision

Contact lenses adjust the rays of light entering your eyes by focusing them directly onto the retina. They also provide a wider field of view than glasses. The curves of the lens match the curvature of your cornea, which helps create clear, stable vision.

The type of lens that is best for you depends on your eye condition, prescription and lifestyle. Contact lens wearers should carefully follow their provider’s instructions for rinsing, cleaning and storing the contacts. It is important to wash hands thoroughly with soap before handling your contacts. Tissues, towels and even water can transfer lint and debris to the lenses and cause irritation upon insertion.

Avoid purchasing decorative contact lenses from nonprofessional retailers like boutiques, tattoo parlors and beach shops. These are not safe and can lead to serious eye infections, allergic reactions or other complications. Consult your Park Slope optometrist for a professional evaluation and proper lens fitting. He or she will advise you on the ideal wearing pattern, lens material and brands.

They’re easy to wear

While many contact lens wearers experience discomfort or dry eye, most of these issues can be eased with proper care, a good routine and comfort eye drops. You should also avoid rubbing the eyes or using products that contain lanolin or other moisturizing ingredients, as these can irritate your eyes.

It is important to wash your hands thoroughly before handling your contact lenses. Make sure to keep your fingernails short, as long nails are more likely to scratch or damage your contact lenses while putting them in and taking them out. You should also avoid wearing makeup or hairspray as these products can irritate your eyes and contribute to your discomfort.

Contact lenses are often categorized by how long they’re worn, such as daily, monthly, two weekly or extended wear. Each has its own benefits. Lenses that are replaced frequently gather fewer deposits of dirt and debris, which can lead to a more comfortable experience for the wearer.

They’re affordable

The price range for contact lenses varies depending on the type of lens you choose and your eye doctor’s prescription. You can purchase your contacts online from a number of retailers that offer discounted rates and rebates. Some of these companies also have price matching options, so be sure to check out the competition before you buy your contacts.

Buying contact lenses online is easy and convenient. Most stores allow you to order a six- or 12-month supply, which can save you money. Moreover, many of these websites have free shipping and return policies. They will even cover the cost of shipping your contacts back if you’re not happy with them.

Most online retailers offer a variety of lens types including daily disposables, two-week and monthly lenses, as well as colored and specialty lenses for astigmatism. You can even find bifocal and multifocal lenses on these sites. The best part is that they are usually less expensive than buying your lenses at the eye doctors’ office.

They’re safe

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates contact lenses as prescription medical devices. The safest strategies include wearing only the lenses prescribed, following recommended schedules for lens care and cleaning and disinfection, and attending routine follow-up eye exams.

It’s important to wash hands before handling contacts, especially after using makeup and using lash-extending mascara, which can transfer lint to the lenses and irritate eyes. Also, hand lotions and soaps containing moisturizers can make it difficult to grasp the contact lenses.

Wearing contact lenses that are not properly cleaned and stored can lead to a serious eye infection called microbial keratitis. The bacteria that cause the infection can penetrate the cornea, which causes blurred vision and discomfort. It’s also important to use only the recommended type of contact solution for your lenses. Some solutions contain preservatives such as benzalkonium chloride or benzyl alcohol, while others are preservative-free. Preservative-free products are better for people with allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients.