Contact lenses have come a long way.
For many people, they provide clear, comfortable vision without needing to wear glasses all day. They can be particularly convenient for sport, exercise, social occasions, travelling or simply for people who prefer the freedom of not wearing frames.
But choosing contact lenses isn’t quite as simple as picking a box off the shelf.
Your prescription is only one part of the decision. The shape and health of your eyes, tear film, lifestyle, how often you plan to wear contact lenses and even how comfortable you are handling them can all influence which type will suit you best.
Some people prefer the simplicity of daily contact lenses that are worn once and discarded. Others find fortnightly or monthly contact lenses more practical for regular wear. There are also specialised contact lenses for astigmatism, presbyopia and more complex prescriptions.
At First Choice Vision in St Albans, we primarily work with established contact lens manufacturers including ACUVUE® by Johnson & Johnson Vision and Alcon, with CooperVision options also available where appropriate. Rather than choosing a lens based on the brand name alone, the aim is to find a lens that provides the right combination of vision, fit, comfort and practicality for your eyes.
In this guide, we’ll explain the main types of contact lenses, the difference between daily and reusable lenses, how a contact lens fitting works, and the habits that can help you wear contact lenses safely and comfortably.
Contact lenses are thin lenses designed to sit directly on the surface of the eye.
Like prescription glasses, they can correct common vision problems including:
Because a contact lens moves with your eye, it can provide a wide field of vision without a spectacle frame around the edges.
That can make contact lenses particularly useful for people who play sport or exercise regularly, and for anyone who simply prefers not to wear glasses all the time.
Modern contact lenses are available in many different materials, designs and replacement schedules. Most lenses fitted today are soft contact lenses, although rigid gas-permeable and other specialised lenses also have important roles for particular patients and eye conditions.
The Better Health Channel notes that contact lenses can correct several common vision problems, but also emphasises that they are medical devices that require appropriate fitting and care.
Before starting contact lenses, a comprehensive eye examination can help determine your prescription and assess the health of your eyes.
A lot of people assume their prescription is too strong, they have too much astigmatism, or they’re simply “not suitable” for contact lenses.
That’s not necessarily the case.
Modern contact lenses are available in a much wider range of prescriptions and designs than they once were.
Depending on the individual, contact lenses may be suitable for people with myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and presbyopia. There are also specialised options for people whose eyes cannot be adequately managed with standard soft lenses.
However, contact lenses aren’t right for everybody.
Your optometrist may need to consider factors such as:
This is why someone else’s contact lenses shouldn’t simply be copied because they happen to have a similar glasses prescription.
Contact lenses need to fit the eye as well as correct the vision.
This is probably one of the first questions people ask when considering contact lenses.
Neither option is automatically better for everyone.
The best choice depends on how often you wear your lenses, your eyes, your lifestyle and how comfortable you are with a cleaning routine.
Daily disposable contact lenses are designed to be worn for one day and then thrown away.
The following morning, you start with a completely fresh pair.
There’s no lens case and usually no cleaning solution required.
That simplicity is one of their biggest advantages.
Daily contact lenses can be particularly convenient for:
They can also reduce some of the hygiene issues associated with storing and repeatedly handling reusable lenses, although good hand hygiene and correct wear remain essential.
Reusable contact lenses are worn repeatedly for their prescribed replacement period.
Depending on the particular lens, this might be fortnightly or monthly.
Unlike daily disposables, reusable contact lenses must be properly cleaned, disinfected and stored after use using the recommended contact lens solution.
They shouldn’t simply be taken out at night and left in the case until morning.
Reusable lenses can make sense for people who wear contact lenses very regularly and are comfortable maintaining the required cleaning routine.
ACUVUE’s Australian patient information, for example, describes daily lenses as single-use lenses discarded at the end of the day, while reusable lenses require regular cleaning and storage.
Not necessarily.
For one person, daily lenses may provide the ideal combination of convenience, hygiene and comfort.
For another, a reusable lens may fit better, provide excellent vision and make more sense for their regular wearing pattern.
The best contact lens is the one that fits your eye properly, provides good vision and comfort, and suits the way you actually live.
Replacement schedule is only one part of choosing contact lenses.
The optical design also matters.
Standard spherical contact lenses are commonly used to correct short-sightedness and long-sightedness.
They’re available across many prescriptions and in daily and reusable designs.
Toric contact lenses are designed for people with astigmatism.
Astigmatism means the optical system of the eye focuses light differently in different directions.
Because of this, the contact lens needs more than just the correct prescription — it also needs to maintain the correct orientation on the eye.
Modern toric lenses use stabilisation designs to help keep the lens positioned appropriately as you blink and move your eyes. ACUVUE, for example, offers toric daily and reusable designs specifically for astigmatism.
Once we reach our 40s, focusing on close objects usually becomes more difficult because of presbyopia.
Reading menus, messages and small print may gradually require more effort.
Glasses aren’t the only solution.
Multifocal contact lenses are designed to provide useful vision across more than one distance, helping some wearers see at near, intermediate and distance ranges without constantly reaching for reading glasses.
We’ll explain these in more detail shortly.
Not every eye is best suited to a standard soft lens.
Rigid gas-permeable and specialised contact lenses may sometimes be used for irregular corneal shapes, high prescriptions or certain corneal conditions.
These require individual assessment and more specialised fitting.
A common misconception is:
“I have astigmatism, so I can’t wear contact lenses.”
For many people, that’s no longer true.
Toric contact lenses are specifically designed to correct astigmatism.
The challenge is that a toric lens needs to remain relatively stable on the eye. If it rotates too much, vision can fluctuate.
That’s why fitting is particularly important.
During a contact lens assessment, your optometrist can evaluate how the lens sits, moves and rotates on your eye, as well as checking the quality of your vision.
Sometimes two lenses with apparently similar prescriptions can behave quite differently on the same eye.
That is one reason we don’t choose contact lenses based on prescription numbers alone.
For some people, yes.
Presbyopia is the normal age-related reduction in the eye’s ability to focus at close distances. It commonly becomes noticeable during our 40s.
Multifocal contact lenses use multiple optical powers within the lens to provide vision across different distances.
They may be particularly appealing if you want freedom from glasses for activities such as:
However, multifocal contact lenses don’t feel exactly the same as having perfect distance vision plus perfect reading glasses simultaneously.
The brain needs to adapt to the optical design, and there can be a compromise between distance and near clarity.
That’s why the fitting process sometimes involves adjusting the lens power or trying different designs until we find the best balance for your everyday needs.
Modern multifocal designs are available from manufacturers including ACUVUE, Alcon and CooperVision. ACUVUE, for example, currently offers multifocal designs intended to provide vision across near, intermediate and distance ranges.
If you’d rather continue wearing glasses, progressive lenses are another option for managing distance, intermediate and near vision in one pair.
Having dry eyes doesn’t automatically mean contact lenses are impossible.
But it does mean the reason for the dryness deserves attention.
Contact lens comfort depends heavily on the surface of the eye and the tear film.
Symptoms can include:
Sometimes the answer is a different contact lens material or replacement schedule.
Sometimes wearing lenses for fewer hours helps.
And sometimes the underlying dry-eye problem needs to be managed before contact lens wear becomes comfortable.
Simply trying one random lens after another isn’t always the best approach.
If your contact lenses regularly become uncomfortable, the problem may not be the prescription itself. Conditions affecting the tear film and ocular surface can make contact lens wear more difficult. Learn more in our guide to dry eye disease, its symptoms, causes and treatment options.
A contact lens prescription is not simply your glasses prescription printed onto a contact lens box.
During a contact lens consultation, your optometrist considers both vision and fit.
Depending on your eyes and the type of lens being considered, this can include:
We determine the correction required for clear vision and whether you need spherical, toric or multifocal contact lenses.
The front surface of the eye is assessed to make sure contact lens wear is appropriate.
Once a trial lens is placed on the eye, your optometrist assesses how it centres and moves.
A contact lens shouldn’t simply “feel okay”. It needs to behave appropriately on the eye.
We check whether the lens provides the expected clarity and make adjustments if necessary.
A technically good lens isn’t very useful if you don’t want to wear it.
Your comfort matters.
If you’re a first-time wearer, we’ll teach you how to safely put your contact lenses in and take them out.
It can feel awkward initially.
That’s normal.
Most people become much faster once they’ve practised.
If you’re using reusable contact lenses, you’ll also need to understand the correct cleaning, disinfection and storage routine.
When properly prescribed, fitted, worn and cared for, contact lenses can be a safe and effective way of correcting vision.
But they are not completely risk-free.
A contact lens sits directly on the surface of your eye. Poor hygiene, inappropriate wear or exposure to contaminated water can increase the risk of complications, including potentially serious corneal infections.
Australian guidance emphasises following the prescribed wear and replacement schedule, maintaining good hygiene and attending regular follow-up care.
A few simple habits make a big difference.
If you remember only one part of this article, make it this section.
Always wash your hands before touching your contact lenses or eyes.
Dry them thoroughly with a clean, lint-free towel.
Tap water isn’t sterile.
Don’t rinse contact lenses or lens cases with tap water unless specifically directed by an eye-care professional using an approved protocol.
Optometry Australia specifically advises against using tap water to rinse or store contact lenses.
Putting a lens in your mouth to “clean” it is not safe.
Your mouth contains microorganisms that don’t belong on the surface of your eye.
For reusable lenses, use the solution recommended for your lenses.
Don’t simply top up yesterday’s solution with a little fresh solution.
Optometry Australia’s guidance recommends fresh solution rather than mixing new solution with used solution.
A monthly lens isn’t a lens you wear until it becomes uncomfortable.
Follow the replacement schedule prescribed for that particular lens.
Contact lenses are personal medical devices.
Never wear somebody else’s lenses or let another person wear yours.
For most everyday contact lens wearers, the safest simple rule is:
Take your contact lenses out before sleeping unless your optometrist has specifically prescribed lenses and a wearing schedule that allows overnight wear.
Sleeping in inappropriate contact lenses can increase the risk of eye complications and infection.
Better Health Channel and Optometry Australia both advise against sleeping in contact lenses unless an optometrist or ophthalmologist has specifically advised otherwise.
And yes — that includes accidentally falling asleep on the couch.
If it happens once, don’t panic. But if your eye becomes painful, very red, light-sensitive or your vision changes after sleeping in contact lenses, remove the lenses and seek prompt professional assessment.
This one surprises people.
Contact lenses and water are not a good combination.
That includes:
Water exposure can introduce microorganisms to the contact lens and eye. Some infections associated with water exposure, although uncommon, can be extremely serious.
Optometry Australia specifically recommends avoiding showering and swimming in contact lenses and avoiding tap water contact with lenses.
If you need vision correction while swimming, talk to your optometrist about safer options, which may include prescription swimming goggles.
This is one area where contact lenses can be particularly useful.
Contact lenses don’t have spectacle frames around the edge of your vision, don’t fog in the same way as glasses and won’t slide down your nose when you’re sweating.
They can be useful for activities such as:
Contact lenses also allow you to wear non-prescription protective sports eyewear over them where appropriate.
But remember: contact lenses are not protective eyewear.
If your activity requires eye protection, safety glasses or sports goggles may still be necessary.
Putting something directly onto your eye sounds strange when you’ve never done it before.
For many first-time wearers, insertion and removal are actually the hardest parts — not wearing the lenses themselves.
The first few attempts can take time.
You might blink.
The lens might fall onto your cheek.
You might put it inside out.
That’s all part of learning.
A proper contact lens fitting should include instruction on:
Don’t feel embarrassed if it takes a while.
We’ve all seen first-time wearers who need several attempts before suddenly getting the hang of it.
There are many good contact lenses available today.
At First Choice Vision St Albans, the brands we work with most frequently include ACUVUE® from Johnson & Johnson Vision and contact lenses from Alcon.
We also use CooperVision contact lenses where they suit the individual’s prescription and needs.
These manufacturers offer different options across categories such as:
But we don’t believe choosing contact lenses should start with:
“Which brand is best?”
A better question is:
“Which contact lens is best suited to my eyes?”
A lens that works beautifully for your friend may not provide the same fit, vision or comfort for you.
That’s why we consider the prescription, lens fit, eye health, comfort, lifestyle and wearing schedule before recommending a particular contact lens.
For example, ACUVUE’s Australian range includes daily, reusable, toric and multifocal designs, illustrating just how much contact-lens technology can vary even within one manufacturer.
We’re an optometry practice that fits contact lenses — but that doesn’t mean everyone needs to wear them.
For some people, glasses remain the simplest and most comfortable solution.
You may prefer glasses if:
And you don’t necessarily have to choose one or the other.
Many of our patients use both.
They might wear glasses most days and contact lenses for sport, weekends, special occasions or particular activities.
Others wear contact lenses during the day and glasses in the evening.
Having both options can actually be very convenient.
Don’t try to “push through” significant eye symptoms just because you need your contact lenses that day.
Remove your lenses and seek professional advice if you develop symptoms such as:
Although serious contact lens complications are uncommon, infections involving the cornea can threaten vision and need prompt assessment.
ACUVUE’s Australian safety information similarly advises wearers experiencing discomfort, excessive tearing, vision changes, redness or other eye problems to remove their lenses and contact their eye-care professional.
If you’re unsure, it is safer to remove the lens and have the eye assessed.
Choosing contact lenses should be about more than finding the correct number on a box.
At First Choice Vision St Albans, we consider your prescription, eye health, lifestyle, comfort and how often you plan to wear contact lenses before recommending an option.
Whether you’re:
we can assess your eyes and discuss the options that may be suitable.
Contact lenses can be a great option when they are properly fitted, comfortable and suited to the way you use your vision every day.
For some people, daily contact lenses are the easiest choice because they are simple, convenient and require no reusable-lens cleaning routine. Others prefer monthly or other reusable contact lenses because they fit better with regular wear and their everyday routine.
People with astigmatism may benefit from toric contact lenses, while people experiencing presbyopia may be suitable for multifocal contact lenses. The right choice depends on much more than prescription alone.
A good contact lens experience comes from getting the prescription, lens design, fit, comfort, eye health and wearing schedule working together.
At First Choice Vision St Albans, we take the time to assess how contact lenses sit on your eyes, how clearly you see through them and how comfortable they feel. We primarily work with established contact lens ranges from ACUVUE by Johnson & Johnson Vision and Alcon, with CooperVision options also available where appropriate.
And if the first lens you try does not feel quite right, that does not necessarily mean contact lenses are not for you. Sometimes a different material, design, prescription or fit can make a significant difference.
If you are thinking about trying contact lenses for the first time, comparing daily vs monthly contact lenses, or finding that your current lenses are no longer as comfortable as they used to be, a professional assessment is the best place to start.
Book an eye examination at First Choice Vision St Albans and talk to our optometry team about the contact lens options that may be suitable for you.
This article is provided for general educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalised eye care or professional advice from an optometrist, ophthalmologist or other qualified healthcare professional. Contact lens suitability, prescription, fit, wearing time and replacement schedule vary between individuals. Always follow the instructions provided by your optometrist and the manufacturer of your prescribed contact lenses. If you experience significant eye pain, redness, light sensitivity, discharge, sudden changes in vision or persistent discomfort while wearing contact lenses, remove the lenses and seek prompt professional assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Contact Lenses
Neither is automatically better.
Daily contact lenses offer the convenience of a fresh lens each day without a reusable-lens cleaning routine. Monthly or other reusable lenses can work very well for regular wearers who are comfortable following the required cleaning, disinfection and replacement schedule.
Your optometrist can recommend an option based on your eyes, prescription, lifestyle and wearing habits.
Often, yes.
Toric contact lenses are specifically designed to correct astigmatism. Whether they’re suitable for you depends on your prescription, eye shape and how the lens fits and stabilises on your eye.
Absolutely.
Presbyopia doesn’t automatically mean you have to give up contact lenses. Multifocal contact lenses and other prescribing strategies can help manage distance and near vision for suitable patients.
Don’t sleep in contact lenses unless your optometrist has specifically advised that your particular lenses and wearing schedule are suitable for overnight wear.
Sleeping in lenses when you shouldn’t can increase the risk of eye complications.
It’s best to avoid it.
Contact lenses should be kept away from tap water because water exposure can increase the risk of serious eye infection. Optometry Australia specifically advises contact lens wearers not to wear lenses in the shower.
Optometry Australia advises avoiding swimming in contact lenses because of the infection risk associated with water exposure. Ask your optometrist about alternatives such as prescription swimming goggles.
They can contribute to discomfort in some people, particularly if the tear film or eye surface is already compromised.
However, dry-eye symptoms don’t automatically rule out contact lens wear. The cause of the dryness should be assessed, and a different lens design, material, replacement schedule or dry-eye management strategy may help.
You shouldn’t assume that your spectacle prescription is automatically your contact lens prescription.
Contact lens power can differ from spectacle power, particularly with stronger prescriptions, and a contact lens also needs to fit your eye appropriately.
There isn’t one correct number for everybody.
Safe and comfortable wearing time depends on the particular lens, your eyes and your optometrist’s recommendations.
If lenses become persistently uncomfortable, don’t simply keep wearing them for longer.
It’s a good idea to have an up-to-date pair of glasses even if you normally wear contact lenses.
There will be times when your eyes need a break from lenses, when you’re unwell, or when you need to remove your contact lenses because of irritation.
There isn’t one brand that’s best for every eye.
We primarily work with ACUVUE/Johnson & Johnson Vision and Alcon, with CooperVision also available where appropriate. The most suitable lens depends on your prescription, eye health, lens fit, comfort and lifestyle.
Medically reviewed by the First Choice Vision Optometry Team
This article has been reviewed by the optometrists at First Choice Vision for clinical accuracy and to ensure the information is consistent with current Australian optometry guidance and evidence-based practice.
Last reviewed: August 2026
For further reliable information about contact lens wear and safety, readers can visit Optometry Australia – Contact Lens Care and the Victorian Government’s Better Health Channel – Contact Lenses. For information about ACUVUE lens types and product-specific instructions, see the official ACUVUE Australia contact lens information.
These sources are useful for general information, but your own optometrist’s instructions should take priority because contact lens recommendations vary between individuals.