Are you one of those who feel you cannot wear contact lenses or are not inclined to explore this option based on things you have heard? Did you arrive at this decision years or even decades ago? If so, then it is time to take another look at the possibilities because there have been some significant changes made concerning styles, types, and comfort of contact lenses—many occurring in just the last few years.

It is easy to stick to the old prejudices against contact lenses when the only information you rely on is hearsay or based on old and outdated facts. Major advances have been made since the days when all contacts were rigid plastic. The most important has been the development of hydrogel soft contact lenses, which allow much-needed oxygen to permeate to the cornea. They also retain the moisture required to provide longer and healthier wear.

Improvements in comfort have lessened the difficulty during the initial ‘breaking in’ period of getting used to the lenses. This adaptation period is usually brief and, once completed, most feel as if they are not wearing contacts at all. In most cases, any discomfort beyond adaptation is quickly remedied when the cause is determined. Other concerns such as lenses ‘popping out’ (minimized to near zero due to lens improvements and innovations) or ‘sticking’ to the eyes (lenses can always be removed) are groundless. Eye doctors and staff are expert in teaching simple methods to insert and remove contact lenses—millions of satisfied wearers attest to it. In addition, mindfully following doctors’ instructions in regards to use and care significantly reduce chances of any serious eye problems. Among the safest and convenient lines of contacts promoting eye health are daily disposables, which are discarded at the end of day and replaced the next morning.

Today, you are not limited to buying contact lenses through your eye doctor. Now you have the right to know your lens prescription and the freedom to purchase contacts where you wish. So, if cost is one of your worries, then quick surfing of Internet contact lens retailers will put your mind at ease almost immediately. There is an online vendor that will satisfy any budget—no matter what type or brand of contact lens you are looking for.

And do not feel that you have grown ‘too old’ to wear contact lenses because you may have put off exploring this option for so long. There are contacts that can be prescribed for almost any condition, including those associated with age (i.e. presbyopia, dry eye, astigmatism, etc.). At the other end of the spectrum, studies have recently shown that conscientious pre-teens can also successfully wear contacts.

Begin the process of enjoying the benefits that come with wearing contacts by scheduling a consultation with your eye doctor. Now that some misconceptions have been cleared up, there is no reason not to give contact lenses a second look.