Recent market trends show an almost revolutionary boom in the field of contact lenses, not just as a substitute for glasses, but also as cosmetic accessories, such as colored contacts. As the name suggests, the lens comes in direct contact with the pupil do not slip, move, or fall off like glasses.

Contact lenses are seen as more fashionable than most types of glasses. There are a wide variety of contact lenses available including colored contacts, and bifocal contacts.

Contact lenses can be made of different materials and a physician is able to prescribe the most suited one after performing a check up. Although contact lenses suit most people, there are cases where the eye refuses to adjust to the alien body and might result in irritation, itchiness, or other ailments. It is advised to consult a physician before going in for a contact lens fitting. If the contact lenses do not suit the eyes they might result in complications as severe a loss of vision. A physician is able to suggest a correct pair as well as advise on their proper usage.

The three types of contact lenses available are soft, gas permeable, rigid gas permeable (RGP), and hard. Soft and RGP contact lenses are the most preferred even though the hard lenses are also sometimes prescribed. Contact lenses come in different models depending on the usage. Most common are the disposable contact lenses that can be changed either daily or weekly. Also available are monthly disposable ones that can be used for 30 days at a time without needing to be changed. People who cannot afford the disposable ones can go in for the more permanent ones that might last for almost a year or so.

One major thing to consider while shopping for contact lenses is that they are expensive. Glasses do not need the same amount of constant attention that contact lenses require. Contact lenses must be kept clean and washed in solution daily and the user must always be on alert for any irritation or swelling or abrasion due to the lenses. Negligence of such problems might even result in loss of the eye to damage caused to the eye tissue. Also, contact lenses tend to dry the eyes and eye drops must be used frequently to avoid complications in the later stages. This is very important in cases of nightwear or extended wear contact lenses.