Contact lens are pieces of transparent material shaped to cause light rays to bend in a particular way as they pass through the lens. This may cause them to converge on, or diverge as if they came from, a point in space.

Contact lenses are available in soft and rigid (gas permeable) varieties. Some are daily disposable (removed and thrown away each day).

1. They correct your vision

If you are not seeing clearly, contact lenses can help. Before you consider them, you must have a comprehensive eye exam and fitting by an experienced eye care professional. Contact lenses are not fashion accessories and should only be worn according to an accurate prescription.

They sit right on the cornea and bend light so it focuses directly on the retina at the back of the eye, producing clear vision. The lens is designed to match the curves of your corneas, so they stay in place despite blinking or moving.

There are soft and hard contacts, daily disposables and extended-wear lenses that you can wear overnight and replace on a schedule recommended by your eye doctor. Some types of contact lenses correct both up-close and distance vision.

2. They are convenient

Contact lenses are small and relatively easy to fit, clean, and replace. They are available in a wide range of colors and styles, including cosmetic lenses for non-corrective purposes that can change eye color or create a smoky, cat-eye look. It is important to have a proper fitting and adherence to the prescribed lens-wearing schedule and replacement dates in order to reduce your risk of complications.

Newer technology has also made it possible to offer multifocal contact lenses, which are a great alternative to bifocal eyeglasses. These lenses correct both near and far vision, but require more time for initial fitting and may need additional fitting help from an experienced eye doctor in Park Slope.

3. They are easy to clean

Contact lens care varies depending on the type of lenses you wear and your schedule. Daily disposables are discarded at the end of each wearing period and don't require routine cleaning. Other types of lenses need regular cleaning to remove surface contaminants and prevent infection.

Wash and dry your hands before handling your contact lenses. Doing so prevents the bacteria that stick to your finger from transferring to the lens and irritating your eye.

Rub your contact lenses with solution to clean them. Never use water or saliva (spit) to clean your contacts or store them. This can cause serious eye infections like giant papillary conjunctivitis. The best way to protect your eyes is by following a hygienic routine of washing, rinsing, disinfecting and storing your contact lenses according to your doctor's instructions.

4. They are affordable

There are plenty of affordable options for contact lenses. However, the most important thing is to have an eye exam with a doctor and get a prescription before you buy any contacts.

This is because the delicate surface of your eyes can be damaged by contact lenses that don’t fit correctly. You should also avoid buying colored contacts without a prescription. A South Carolina man ended up blind in one eye after an infection from a pair of $20 colored contacts.

After you have a prescription, shop around to find the best deals on your lenses. Look for discounts, coupons and return policies before making a purchase. You can also save money by purchasing monthly disposables instead of daily contacts. These are more likely to last a month and reduce the risk of tearing and other problems.

5. They are safe

Contact lenses are safe as long as the wearer follows an eye care professional’s instructions for care and maintenance, returns to their practitioner for regular follow-up examinations, and avoids unsafe behaviors. These include wearing decorative (also known as cosmetic, colored, fashion or plano) lenses purchased without a valid prescription from street vendors, flea markets, novelty stores or online sources; using saliva to wet a lens; and sleeping in contact lenses that are not prescribed for this use.

Wearing contact lenses with dirty hands significantly increases the risk for eye infections. Always wash your hands with a mild soap and thoroughly dry them before touching your contact lenses or eyes. Also, be sure to never touch your contacts with tap water as this can introduce germs that can cause serious eye infections such as Acanthamoeba keratitis.