Prescription Contact Lenses: What You Should Know Before Switching

Thinking about trading in your glasses for contact lenses? You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of people across Brampton and the GTA make the switch for clearer vision, comfort, and lifestyle flexibility. But contact lenses aren’t just a cosmetic change — they’re a medical device, and understanding how they work is key to a successful transition.

Here’s what you need to know before you make the move.

What Are Prescription Contact Lenses?

Prescription contact lenses are thin, curved discs made of soft or rigid material that sit directly on your eye’s surface to correct refractive errors. Just like glasses, they’re designed to help you see clearly — but they do so by sitting on the eye instead of in front of it.

They’re available for common conditions such as:

• Myopia (nearsightedness)

• Hyperopia (farsightedness)

• Astigmatism

• Presbyopia (age-related near vision loss)

At EyeXpert Optical, we offer custom fittings and a wide range of brands to suit your prescription, lifestyle, and budget.

Benefits of Contact Lenses

Why do so many people prefer contacts over glasses?
Here are a few reasons:

• Wider Field of Vision: Contacts move with your eye, offering seamless peripheral vision without the obstruction of frames.

• No Fogging: Unlike glasses, they won't fog up during workouts or in cold weather.

• Active Lifestyle Friendly: Ideal for sports, dance, and jobs that require movement.

• Freedom of Style: Wear sunglasses without prescription inserts or bulky over-glasses.

And let’s be honest — for many people, it’s simply nice to go glasses-free sometimes.

Are Contacts Right for Everyone?

Here’s the honest answer: not always.

While most prescriptions can be fitted with contact lenses, certain factors can affect your options:

• High or complex prescriptions may require specialty or toric lenses.

• Severe dry eye, corneal irregularities, or allergies may make lens wear uncomfortable.

• Poor hygiene habits or lack of compliance with wear schedules can increase risk of eye infections.

That’s why a proper contact lens exam and fitting is essential — not just for vision, but for long-term eye health.

At EyeXpert Optical in Brampton, our licensed optometrists assess your eye shape, tear film quality, and lifestyle to recommend the best lens type for you. If contact lenses aren’t ideal, we’ll explain why — and offer alternatives that work.

Types of Contact Lenses Available

At our clinic, we fit a variety of lens types based on your needs:

• Daily Disposables: Great for convenience and hygiene

• Biweekly & Monthly Lenses: Cost-effective for regular wearers

• Toric Lenses: Designed for astigmatism

• Multifocal Lenses: For both distance and reading vision

• Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP): For certain high prescriptions or corneal issues

• Custom/Scleral Lenses: For complex conditions like keratoconus

Our team will walk you through how to insert, remove, and care for your lenses during your fitting.

Common Questions We Hear at EyeXpert Optical

Q: Can kids or teens wear contact lenses?
Yes, but it depends on the ability to maintain proper hygiene. Our optometrists assess each case individually and guide families through safe use.

Q: Can I sleep in my contact lenses?
No — we strongly advise against sleeping in contact lenses. Even lenses labeled “extended wear” increase the risk of eye infections, corneal ulcers, and oxygen deprivation. Your eyes need time to breathe. Always remove your lenses before going to sleep unless specifically advised otherwise by an eye care professional — and even then, with caution.

Q: Will my insurance cover contact lenses?
Many plans do! We offer direct billing to most major providers to make it hassle-free.

Visit EyeXpert Optical in Brampton for Your Contact Lens Fitting

Switching to contacts isn’t just about clearer vision — it’s about finding the right solution for your eyes. Whether you're new to contact lenses or looking to upgrade your fit and comfort, our experienced team is here to help.

We’re proud to be Brampton’s trusted choice for contact lenses, eye exams, and all your vision needs.

📞 Call us or walk in today for your contact lens consultation.
📍 Located conveniently in Brampton with direct insurance billing.