Finding the Best Contact Lenses in 2023 - Reviews and Buying Guide

Finding the Best Contact Lenses in 2023

Contact lenses have come a long way in recent years. With so many options available, choosing the right contacts can be overwhelming. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to find the best contact lenses in 2023.

Types of Contact Lenses

There are a few main types of contact lenses to choose from:

• Soft lenses - Made of soft, flexible plastics. These tend to be more comfortable for all-day wear.
• Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses - Made of rigid, oxygen permeable plastic. Hold their shape better than soft lenses.
• Hybrid lenses - Have a rigid center and soft outer skirt. Combine comfort of soft lenses with stability of RGPs.
• Extended wear lenses - Approved for overnight wear for multiple nights in a row.
• Bifocal and multifocal lenses - Correct presbyopia and allow clear vision at all distances.
• Cosmetic lenses - Change eye color and come in creative designs for Halloween.

Key Factors in Choosing Contacts

Here are some of the most important factors to consider when picking contact lenses:

Your Prescription

Your contact lens prescription is specific to your individual vision needs. Be sure to get your eyes examined and ask for your pupillary distance (PD) measurement as well. This ensures optimal vision correction.

Material

Common contact lens materials include:

• Silicone hydrogel - Most breathable, allows a lot of oxygen to reach your eyes. Good for extended wear.
• Hydrogel - Traditional soft lens material, less breathable than silicone hydrogel.
• Gas permeable - Rigid plastic that transmits oxygen well. Holds shape better.

Replacement Schedule

How often do you need to throw contacts out and use a fresh pair? Options include:

• Daily disposables - Only worn once before being thrown out.
• Two-week disposables - Worn for one or two weeks.
• Monthly disposables - Worn for one month.
• Annual or quarterly replacements - Can be worn for a year or a quarter before replacement.

Your Eyes

Consider your eye health and needs:

• Dry eyes - May benefit from daily disposables.
• Allergies - Look for hypoallergenic materials.
• Astigmatism - Need toric lenses to correct vision.
• Need for reading vision - Bifocal or multifocal contacts.

Brand Reputation & Reviews

Stick to contact lens brands with a good reputation and high customer satisfaction scores. Read reviews and ask for recommendations from your optometrist.

Cost

Compare costs across different retailers. Consider club stores or online retailers for potential savings.

Where to Buy Contacts in 2023

You can purchase contact lenses from a variety of sources:

Eye Doctor's Office

Many optometrists and ophthalmologists sell contacts directly to patients. This option provides convenience, professional advice, and sometimes more personalized customer service. However, prices may be higher than online or big box retailers.

Online Retailers

Buying contacts online often provides significant cost savings compared to other options. Leading online sellers include:

• 1-800 Contacts - Extensive selection, competitive pricing, fast shipping.
• Lens.com - Discount prices with occasional coupons and rewards program.
• GlassesUSA - Large contact lens inventory. Frequent sales and special offers.
• LensDiscounters - Low prices on brands like Acuvue, Air Optix, and Dailies.
• Costco - Bulk pricing on contact lenses for members.

Big Box Retailers

Major retailers like Target and Walmart sell contacts at affordable prices. Selection is more limited than online-only sellers.

Club Stores

Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam's Club offer contacts at discounted bulk pricing for members.

Reviews of the Best Contact Lens Brands

With your specific vision needs and preferences in mind, compare top contact lens brands to choose the right option:

1. Acuvue

Acuvue by Johnson & Johnson Vision is one of the most popular and well-known contact lens brands worldwide. Key benefits include:

• Leading brand trusted by eye doctors
• Innovative designs maximize comfort and breathability
• Options for astigmatism, presbyopia, sensitive eyes, and more
• Daily, biweekly, and monthly replacements available
• Consistent high ratings for comfort, clarity, and health

Top Acuvue lenses include Oasys for comfort, Vita for a healthy lens-eye relationship, and Moist for dry eye relief.

2. Air Optix

Air Optix lenses by Alcon provide exceptional oxygen transmission for healthy eyes. Standout features include:

• Made from a proprietary silicone hydrogel material
• Allows 5x more oxygen to eyes than traditional soft lenses
• Minimizes dryness, irritation, and redness
• Seamless edge design increases comfort
• Available in spherical, toric, and multifocal styles

Air Optix Plus HydraGlyde and Air Optix Night & Day are among the top choices in their lineup.

3. Dailies Total1

Dailies Total1 daily disposable lenses consistently earn rave reviews for crisp, stable vision and all-day comfort. Benefits include:

• Ultra-thin bio-inspired design
• 100% water content keeps eyes moist
• Absorbs UV light and filters harmful blue light
• Packaged in convenient daily blister packs
• Ideal option for infrequent wearers

The Total1 Multifocal also corrects presbyopia for clear near and distance vision.

4. Bausch + Lomb Ultra

Bausch + Lomb Ultra contact lenses feature excellent breathability. Key upsides:

• Silicone hydrogel material allows high oxygen permeability
• Moisture-rich design enhances comfort
• Minimizes dry spots and deposits on lens surface
• Available as spherical and toric lenses
• 90-day replacement schedule

Ultra For Astigmatism and Ultra For Presbyopia stand out for specialized vision needs.

5. CooperVision Biofinity

Biofinity lenses by CooperVision are a customer favorite for their comfort. Pros include:

• Balanced silicone hydrogel material
• Constant moist surface and smooth edge design
• Maintains 98% of moisture for a full 16 hours
• Clears deposits and proteins quickly
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.