Are contacts right for you?

Yes, contacts are a great option for a lot of people. But they’re not the best fit for everyone. 

If you’re wondering “should I get contacts?”, the answer really comes down to your lifestyle, comfort level, and eye health. 

The good news? Most people who need vision correction can wear contacts. You just need the right type—and a routine that works for you. 

How to know if contacts are right for you 

Contacts might be a good fit if you: 

• want clear vision without wearing glasses 

• play sports or stay active 

• don’t like how glasses look or feel 

• want a wider field of vision (no frames in the way) 

They might not be the best option if you: 

• struggle with touching your eyes 

• don’t want a daily care routine 

• have certain eye conditions (like severe dry eye) 

• aren’t able to follow proper hygiene habits 

(Not sure where you fall? You’re not alone—this is exactly what your eye doctor helps with.) 

What are the benefits of contact lenses? 

Contacts can make everyday things a lot easier. 

Here are a few reasons people choose them: 

• natural-looking vision (no frames) 

• better peripheral vision 

• great for sports and workouts 

• no fogging up in cold or humid weather 

• more flexibility with sunglasses 

For a lot of people, it’s mostly about convenience and comfort. 

What are the downsides of contacts? 

Contacts aren’t completely maintenance-free. A few things to keep in mind: 

• you’ll need to keep them clean 

• some types require daily removal and storage 

• they can cause dryness or irritation if overused 

• sleeping in contacts (not designed for it) can increase risk of infection 

(That said, most issues are avoidable with good habits and the right lenses.) 

What contacts should I get? 

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. Most people fall into one of these categories: 

Daily disposable contacts 

• worn once, then thrown away 

• no cleaning required 

• great for convenience and hygiene 

• often a good choice for beginners 

Biweekly or monthly contacts 

• reused on a schedule 

• require cleaning and storage 

• can be more cost-effective 

Specialty contacts 

These are designed for specific needs, like: 

• astigmatism (toric lenses) 

• presbyopia (multifocal lenses) 

• extended wear (for overnight use, if approved by your doctor) 

Your eye care professional will recommend the best option based on your eyes and your routine. 

Are contacts safe? 

Yes, contacts are safe when you use them correctly. 

Most problems happen when people: 

• don’t clean their lenses properly 

• wear them longer than recommended 

• sleep in them when they shouldn’t 

A simple routine goes a long way: 

• always wash your hands before touching your eyes 

• follow the replacement schedule exactly 

• use fresh solution (never reuse old solution) 

• keep your case clean and replace it regularly 

(Quick tip: treat your contacts like anything that goes in your eye—clean and handled carefully.) 

Can you switch between glasses and contacts? 

Yes, and most people do. 

You might wear contacts during the day and switch to glasses at night—or use glasses on days when your eyes need a break. 

Having both options gives you more flexibility and helps keep your eyes comfortable. 

What does it feel like to wear contacts? 

If you’ve never worn contacts before, this is usually the biggest question. 

At first, you might notice them slightly. But once they’re in and settled, you shouldn’t really feel them at all. 

If they feel: 

• scratchy 

• uncomfortable 

• or like something is stuck in your eye 

That’s usually a sign something’s off (like dryness or debris), and it’s best to take them out and check. 

Frequently asked questions about contacts 

Should I get contacts or stick with glasses? 

It depends on your lifestyle and preferences. Contacts are great for flexibility and appearance, while glasses are lower maintenance. Many people use both. 

How do I know if contacts will be comfortable? 

Most modern contacts are designed to be comfortable, especially daily disposables. Your eye doctor can help you find a good fit based on your eyes. 

Are contacts good for beginners? 

Yes. Daily disposable lenses are often the easiest place to start because they require the least maintenance. 

Can I wear contacts every day? 

You can, as long as you follow your doctor’s recommendations and give your eyes a break if they feel dry or irritated. 

What if I don’t like contacts after trying them? 

That’s okay. Contacts aren’t for everyone, and you can always go back to glasses or try a different type of lens. 

 

Contacts can be a great fit (with the right setup) 

Contacts work really well for most people, especially when they fit your lifestyle, and you have the right routine in place. 

If you’re curious, the best next step is an eye exam. Your eye care professional can help you decide if contacts are right for you—and which type will feel the most comfortable. 

Already have a prescription? Renew it with an online vision exam and head to 1-800 Contacts to shop for contacts in the brand your eye care professional prescribed. 

Original publish date: 8/14/2023

Updated date: 6/10/2026