Quick Summary
- Contact lenses fall into several practical categories: daily disposable, monthly and other planned replacement lenses, toric lenses for astigmatism, and multifocal lenses for presbyopia.
- A contact lens evaluation is different from a standard eyeglass exam because it measures the shape of your eye and confirms how the lens actually performs on your cornea.
- Most contact lens complications trace back to care habits, not the lenses themselves.
- Water and contact lenses do not mix, and sleeping in lenses that were not designed for overnight wear raises your risk of infection.
- Asheville Vision and Wellness carries a full line of daily disposable, multifocal, toric, and monthly lenses from Acuvue, Alcon, Bausch + Lomb, and CooperVision.
Why Contact Lenses Fit Life in Western North Carolina
Contacts make sense for people whose activities work against glasses. Hikers, cyclists, swimmers who wear goggles, and anyone who spends time in a helmet or hard hat often find that contacts remove a daily nuisance. Others simply prefer how they look and feel without frames, and that is a perfectly good reason too.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that roughly 45 million Americans wear contact lenses. That is a large group, and the range of available lens designs has grown right along with it.
The Main Types of Contact Lenses
There is no single best contact lens. There is only the lens that matches your prescription, your corneal shape, your tear film, and your daily routine. Here are the categories our doctors most often discuss with patients.
Daily Disposable Lenses
Daily disposables, sometimes called 1-day lenses, are worn once and thrown away at the end of the day. You open a fresh, sterile lens every morning, which eliminates the buildup of protein, lipids, and debris that accumulates on lenses over time.
Daily lenses tend to work especially well for:
- People with seasonal allergies, since a fresh lens each day means allergens do not carry over
- Part-time wearers who prefer contacts for weekends, workouts, or special occasions
- Teenagers and first-time wearers who benefit from the simplest possible routine
- Anyone who has struggled with comfort in reusable lenses
The tradeoff is cost per lens, though many patients find the difference smaller than expected once they factor in solution and cases. Vision benefits often help here as well, and our team can walk you through what your plan covers on our insurance page.
Monthly and Planned Replacement Lenses
Monthly lenses are worn daily and stored in fresh solution overnight, then replaced on a set schedule. Two-week replacement options follow the same principle on a shorter cycle. These lenses are generally the most economical choice for full-time wearers and are available in a wide range of prescriptions and materials.
Toric Lenses for Astigmatism
Astigmatism means the cornea or lens inside the eye has an irregular curvature, more like a football than a basketball. That shape causes light to focus unevenly, which produces blur or ghosting at both distance and near.
Toric contact lenses correct astigmatism by combining different powers in different meridians of the lens, plus a stabilization design that keeps the lens oriented correctly on the eye as you blink and look around. Because orientation matters so much, toric fittings often require more precision and sometimes a second look to confirm the lens is settling where it should.
Toric lenses are available in daily disposable and monthly formats, so people with astigmatism no longer have to choose between correction and convenience. If you want a deeper explanation of the condition itself, our blog post on what astigmatism is and what can be done about it covers the topic in detail.
Multifocal Lenses
Somewhere in your forties, the natural lens inside the eye loses flexibility and near tasks start to require more effort. This is presbyopia, and it happens to everyone eventually.
Multifocal contact lenses build multiple focal zones into a single lens so your visual system can select the right one for the distance you are viewing. Some patients adapt within days. Others need an adjustment period while the brain learns to prioritize. A monovision approach, where one eye is corrected for distance and the other for near, is another option some patients prefer.
Multifocal fittings usually involve more follow-up than single-vision fittings, and that is normal. Small power adjustments often make the difference between acceptable and excellent.
What Happens During a Contact Lens Fitting
A contact lens evaluation goes beyond determining your prescription. During the contact lens evaluation, your doctor assesses the shape of your eye, your vision correction needs, and how often you plan to wear the lenses. Those three factors drive the recommendation.
A lens that looks correct on paper can still perform poorly on the eye, which is why the trial step matters. Our doctors use advanced diagnostic equipment throughout the exam process, and you can read more about the tools we use on our vision technology page.
Plan on a follow-up visit as well. That appointment confirms the lens is still fitting well after a week or two of real-world wear.
Read our blog about common eye conditions explained.
Caring for Your Contact Lenses
Most contact lens problems are preventable. Care habits are where nearly all of the risk lives, and the good news is that solid habits are simple to build.
Daily Habits That Protect Your Eyes
- Wash and dry your hands thoroughly before touching your lenses or your eyes
- Use fresh solution every time, never topping off what is already in the case
- Rub and rinse reusable lenses even when the solution says no-rub, since mechanical cleaning removes deposits that soaking alone leaves behind
- Insert lenses before applying makeup and remove them before taking makeup off
- Follow your replacement schedule exactly as prescribed
Habits Worth Avoiding
- Sleeping in lenses that were not prescribed for overnight wear
- Swimming, showering, or using a hot tub while wearing contacts, since water carries organisms that can cause serious corneal infections
- Rinsing lenses or cases with tap water or saliva
- Wearing lenses that feel uncomfortable, look damaged, or produce redness
- Buying lenses from unverified sellers who may ship expired or counterfeit product
If your eyes become red, painful, or light sensitive, or if your vision changes suddenly, remove your lenses and call us at (828) 747-9260. We provide medical treatment for eye conditions including infections, inflammation, and allergies.
If your vision feels inconsistent from day to day, you may also want to read our blog on why your vision gets blurry some days and not others for more perspective on how the visual system responds to daily demands.
When Contacts Feel Dry or Uncomfortable
Dryness is the most common reason people give up on contacts, and it is often fixable. Screen use reduces blink rate, indoor heating and air conditioning pull moisture from the tear film, and certain medications including antihistamines contribute to the problem.
Before you decide contacts are not for you, let us evaluate the underlying cause. A different lens material, a change in replacement schedule, or treatment for the tear film itself can transform how your eyes feel by the end of the day. Our dry eye treatment options range from prescription drops and punctal plugs to LipiFlow, a heat and massage treatment that addresses blockages in the meibomian glands.
Buying Contacts You Can Trust
We carry a full line of 1-day disposable, multifocal, toric, and monthly contact lenses from top-quality manufacturers and distributors, including Acuvue, Alcon, Bausch + Lomb, and CooperVision.
If you are unhappy with your lenses for any reason, we will make it right by checking your prescription and replacing the lenses if necessary. We also remind patients when they are due for an annual eye health and contact lens exam, because skipped checkups are behind most contact lens related eye problems. You can browse more about our contact lens offerings or meet the doctors and technicians on our staff page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear contact lenses if I have astigmatism?
Yes. Toric lenses are designed specifically for astigmatism and are available in both daily disposable and monthly replacement formats. The fitting requires extra attention to lens orientation, which is why a proper evaluation matters.
How often do I need a contact lens exam?
Annually. A contact lens prescription expires, and the yearly visit lets your doctor confirm that the lens is still fitting well and that your corneas remain healthy. Wear patterns and eye health both change over time.
Are daily disposable lenses healthier than monthly lenses?
Daily disposables remove the variables of cleaning and storage, which reduces some risks. That said, a monthly lens cared for properly is a healthy option for many patients. Your doctor will recommend it based on your eyes, your habits, and your prescription.
What should I do if a lens gets stuck or folds in my eye?
Do not panic and do not dig at it. Add lubricating drops, blink several times, and gently massage the closed eyelid to work the lens back to center. If you cannot remove it or your eye becomes painful, call our office at (828) 747-9260.
Can teenagers wear contact lenses?
Many teenagers do very well with contacts, particularly daily disposables, since the routine is simple. Readiness depends more on maturity and hygiene habits than on a specific age. Your doctor can help you decide during the exam.
Does vision insurance cover contact lenses?
Coverage varies by plan. Many plans include a contact lens allowance and a fitting fee benefit. Our staff can review your specific benefits before you order.
Ready for Clearer, More Comfortable Vision
Contact lenses work best when the lens, the fit, and the care routine all line up. That takes a conversation, some measurements, and a doctor who takes the time to understand how you actually live. Since 1989, our team has been doing exactly that for patients across South Asheville, Arden, and the surrounding mountain communities.
Our office sits at 559 Long Shoals Road in Arden, just off I-26 at exit 37. Whether you are new to contacts, frustrated with the pair you have, or curious about switching to dailies or multifocals, we are glad to help you find something better.
Schedule your appointment online, or reach us through our contact page with any questions.