Frequently Asked Questions: Contact Lenses

Many patients who have worn eyeglasses for their entire life are curious about the basics of contact lenses, while other patients who already wear contacts often wonder how they can optimize the benefits and convenience of contact lenses. Our eye doctors are here to share their answers to the most frequently asked questions they receive about contact lenses.

Contact Lens FAQ

Can a contact lens get inside or behind my eye?

No. The anatomical structure of your eye prevents the contact from getting into or behind your eye.

Can I sleep in my contacts?

It depends largely on the type of contact lens you wear, the composition of the tear film your eyes produce, the general health of your eyes, and other factors. Your eye doctor can help you decide if sleeping in extended wear contacts is right for you.

I wear bifocal glasses. Can I wear contacts?

Yes! Just like bifocal glasses, multifocal contacts help you see near and far. In the early days of contact lenses, people had to wear a contact lens that corrects near vision in one eye and a lens that corrects far vision in the other. Today’s multifocal contacts provide close-up, mid-distance and faraway vision in one lens.

I have astigmatism. Can I wear contacts?

Great news – you can wear toric contact lenses if you have astigmatism, which is an imperfection in the curvature of your eye that causes blurred vision in one area of your visual field. The special shape of the toric lenses corrects the blurred areas.

Are disposable contacts better? 

Disposable contacts provide the same great vision correction as other types of contact lenses, but provide a number of advantages over other lenses. Because you throw them away at the end of the day, there is less of a chance for bacteria and protein to accumulate on your lenses, which makes them a cleaner choice. Disposable contacts are more convenient too, in that you never need to clean and store them. You also never have to buy contact lens solutions to clean and disinfect them.

Are contacts right for me?

Contact lenses are available for nearly all prescriptions. Our eye care professionals can help you determine if contact lenses are right for you.

For more information about contact lenses, contact Illinois Eye Center at (309) 243-2400. Our team of eye care professionals is always ready to answer your questions.