Which Types Of Contact Lenses Are Right For Your Eyes?

Let me guess!
You might be here because…

• Someone told you that you have really beautiful eyes, and you want to show them off, without frames in the way

• You are simply done with specs and feel like switching things up

• You are tired of the fog, the constant wiping, and the “clean again” loop

• You cannot deal with the specs and headphones combo, and that annoying pinch behind the ears

• Someone casually said, “Lenses are easier, trust me”, and now you are curious

• Or you are just exploring, because you want to know what options exist, including coloured lenses
  

Whatever the reason, you are here for one thing: to figure out what will actually suit your routine, your comfort, and your eyes. Not what sounds fancy. Not what your friend likes. Not what looks cool in a catalogue. So let’s do this the practical way, like a real conversation. I will ask you a few questions. You answer honestly. Then the right lens type becomes obvious.

Start Here With 4 Quick Questions

Before you scroll into all the options, pause for a second.

1. How often will you wear lenses? Every day, a few times a week, or only for occasions?
   

2. Do you want zero maintenance, or are you okay with a care routine?
   

3. What is your vision need? Basic power, astigmatism, or near vision issues (especially if you are 40+)?
   

4. Why are you really switching? Comfort, convenience, confidence, photos, sport, work, travel?
   

If you can answer these, you are already ahead of most people who buy lenses impulsively and then wonder why they feel “not for them”.

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The First Big Choice Is Wear Schedule

When people search for different types of contact lenses, they often expect a long list. The truth is, the wear schedule is usually the first factor affecting comfort, hygiene, and effort.

Daily Disposables

You wear a fresh pair and discard them at the end of the day. No storing. No cleaning. No “Did I change the solution?” doubt.

This suits you if:

• You want the easiest option with the least routine

• You wear lenses occasionally (dates, events, gym, travel)

• You have sensitive eyes or allergies and prefer a fresh lens each time

Ask yourself:

• Do I want lenses to fit into my life without extra effort?

• Will I realistically remember cleaning every night?

If you want simple, daily lenses are a calm start.

Fortnightly Lenses

These are designed to be worn for up to two weeks when properly cleaned and stored.

This suits you if:

• You wear lenses regularly and can stick to a routine

• You are okay with cleaning them every day without skipping

Ask yourself:

• Am I the kind of person who follows schedules, or do I stretch things “just one more day”?

• If you know you stretch timelines, choose daily or rethink this one.
  

Monthly Lenses

These are worn for up to a month, again with daily cleaning and storage.

This suits you if:

• You wear lenses most days

• You do not mind building a consistent hygiene routine

Ask yourself:

• Can I commit to cleaning, storing, and replacing on time, even on busy days?

Monthly lenses are great when you are consistent. They feel annoying when you are not.

Types of Contacts for Eyes Based on Vision Needs

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Now let’s get into what your eyes actually need, beyond how often you wear lenses. This is where people get confused and end up choosing the wrong category.

If You Only Need a Standard Lens Power

If you have short-sightedness or long-sightedness without complications, you usually fall into standard soft lenses. This is the most common starting point.

Ask yourself:

• Do I just want my glasses vision, without frames? If yes, you are likely in the “standard soft lens” lane.
  

If You Have Astigmatism

Do you ever feel like your vision is “almost sharp”, but not fully settled? Astigmatism is a common, treatable focusing issue in which the eye does not curve evenly, causing objects to appear slightly blurred or shadowed at both distance and up close.
For astigmatism, you usually need toric lenses, which are designed to stay aligned on your eye so your vision stays steady.

Ask yourself:

• Do letters on screens or signboards look a bit stretched, doubled, or shadowed?
  

• Do you keep refocusing throughout the day, even after blinking?
  

If yes, do not guess. Get a proper contact lens fitting and ask about toric options.

If you would like a more detailed breakdown of toric lenses and other lens categories, read our blog on Types of Contact Lenses.

If Small Text Is Becoming a Bit of a Struggle

If you are holding your phone a little farther away lately, or menus look suspiciously small in restaurants, your near vision may be changing. This is common with age, and it is exactly why multifocal contact lenses exist.

Ask yourself:

• Is the distance fine, but the close-up feels harder now?

• Do I keep taking my glasses off to read, then putting them back on?

If so, multifocal lenses may be an option, but they often require trials to determine what feels natural for you.

If You Want Coloured Lenses

If your reason is style, that is valid. You want your eyes to pop. You want a softer look in photos. You want a whole different vibe.

Ask yourself:

• Do I want subtle enhancement or a noticeable colour change?

• Is this for a one-off occasion or regular use?
  

For occasional wear, daily coloured lenses often feel simpler because you do not carry a reuse routine.

Important note: even zero-power coloured lenses still sit on your eye, so hygiene rules still apply.

If Your Eyes Are Sensitive or You Have Special Needs

There are also lenses such as rigid gas-permeable lenses, scleral lenses, and Ortho-K, but these are typically recommended for specific cases and require professional consultation and follow-up.

Ask yourself:

• Have I tried regular soft lenses before and struggled with comfort or clarity?

If yes, that is a reason to get assessed, not a reason to force a random lens choice.

Now Be Honest About Your Lifestyle

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This is where most people make the best decision, because it is not about “which is best”, it is about “which fits me”.

If You Are on Screens All Day

If your eyes are glued to laptops, phones, and meetings, lenses can still work, but comfort becomes your top filter.

Ask yourself:

• Do my eyes feel dry or tired by evening, even with glasses?

• Do I sit in AC for long hours?

If yes, select a schedule and materials that support comfort, and take blinking breaks seriously. Your habits can make or break how lenses feel.

If You Travel Often

You know those days when you are living out of a bag and barely remember where your charger is?

Ask yourself:

• Do I want to carry solutions and cases while travelling?

If that sounds irritating, daily lenses are usually the easiest travel companion.

If You Work Out or Play Sport

Lenses can feel freeing during workouts, but hygiene is more important because sweat, dust, and outdoor exposure can cause discomfort.

Ask yourself:

• Do I want lenses only for gym and sports days? 

If yes, daily lenses often make the most sense.

If Your Specs and Headphones Make You Miserable

That behind-the-ear pinch is real. Especially if you wear over-ear headphones for hours.

Ask yourself:

• Am I switching mainly for comfort during work calls, study sessions, or music?
  
  

Then lenses can be a relief, but only if you choose a type you will actually use regularly.

A Quick Decision Table You Can Screenshot

First-Time Lens Users: Do This Before You Buy

If you are new to lenses, this part saves you money, discomfort, and panic.

• Get a proper eye test and contact lens fitting. Your glasses' power is not always the same as your contact lens power.

• Try trial lenses. Comfort is personal. What feels great for someone else may not suit your eyes.

• Learn insertion and removal properly. Most beginner frustration is technique, not the lens.

• Build a realistic routine. If you hate routines, choose the lens type that matches that reality.

• Keep your glasses as backup. Some days, your eyes simply want a break.
  

The Non-Negotiable Safety Rules

Contact lenses are safe when worn correctly. Problems usually happen when people get casual.

Stick to these:

• Wash and dry your hands before touching lenses

• Never use water to rinse lenses or cases

• Do not sleep in lenses unless an optometrist has approved it

• Do not extend the replacement schedule “just this once”

• Replace your lens case regularly

• If your eyes feel red, painful, unusually watery, or sensitive to light, remove lenses and get checked

See Better, Shop Smarter With Specsmakers

At Specsmakers, we keep eye care simple, whether you are buying online or walking into a store. With 250+ stores across India and eye tests by expert optometrists, you can get clear guidance before you choose what goes on your eyes. If you are exploring contact lenses for the first time, you can also get the right fit and lens recommendations based on comfort, lifestyle, and prescription needs. And if you like trying things before committing, we also offer a home try-on service in Chennai, so choosing feels easier and more confident.

The Bottom Line

If you want lenses to feel easy, choose the type that matches how you actually live. If you are occasional, keep it low-effort. If you are regular, commit to proper care. If your eyes have specific needs, such as astigmatism or near-vision changes, get fitted properly and do not guess. Ready to narrow it down properly? Shop contact lenses online based on your routine, or visit your nearest store for an eye test and a fitting that helps you choose with confidence.

FAQs Related ToTypes of Contact Lenses

What are the main types of contact lenses available?

The most common categories are daily, fortnightly, and monthly soft lenses. Depending on your vision needs, you may also require toric lenses for astigmatism or multifocal lenses for near and distance focus.

Which type should a beginner start with?

Most beginners find daily disposables easiest because there is no cleaning routine, and you start with a fresh lens each time. A fitting and a trial pair help you confirm comfort.

Are monthly lenses safe?

Yes, if you clean them properly every day and replace them on schedule. Monthly lenses work best for people who are consistent with routines.

Can I choose lenses using my glasses prescription?

Use it as a reference, but do not treat it as a final match. Contact lenses sit directly on the eye, so the power and fit often need adjustment during a fitting.

Are coloured lenses safe if they are zero power?

They can be safe when fitted properly and handled hygienically. Zero power still means a lens sits on the eye, so the same rules apply.