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Hakim Optical Contact Lens Guide
Contact Lens Guide
This contact lens guide explains common lens types, fitting considerations and safe wear and care. Daily, monthly, multifocal and toric lenses serve different needs, and the right option depends on your prescription, eyes and routine. Contact lenses should be professionally prescribed and fitted, with follow-up as recommended.
Start With Your Prescription, Fit and Routine
Contact lenses are medical devices worn directly on the eye. Choosing an appropriate lens involves more than selecting a brand or replacement schedule.
Your prescription, eye measurements, vision needs, comfort and intended wearing routine can all influence which contact lens options may be suitable.
A qualified eye-care professional can prescribe and fit contact lenses and recommend follow-up based on your individual needs.
Compare Common Contact Lens Options
Different lens designs and replacement schedules address different vision and lifestyle needs. Availability depends on your prescription, fitting and the products carried by the location.
Daily Contact Lenses
Daily disposable lenses are worn for one day and discarded after use, with no overnight cleaning or storage for that pair.
Monthly Contact Lenses
Monthly lenses are reusable and require the cleaning, disinfection, storage and replacement routine prescribed for the product.
Multifocal Contact Lenses
Multifocal designs can support near, intermediate and distance vision within one contact lens.
Toric Lenses for Astigmatism
Toric contact lenses are designed to correct astigmatism while maintaining the orientation needed for the prescribed correction.
Daily Disposable or Reusable Contact Lenses?
Replacement schedule is one of the main differences between contact lens options.
Daily disposable lenses are used once and discarded after the wearing day. Reusable lenses are worn again during their prescribed replacement period and need appropriate cleaning, disinfection and storage between uses.
Neither schedule is automatically the right choice for everyone. Your prescription, eyes, wearing frequency, handling preferences and available lens designs should all be considered during fitting.
Essential Contact Lens Care Habits
Proper contact lens handling and care can help reduce the risk of irritation, contamination and other complications.
Follow the instructions for your specific lenses and care system:
- Wash and dry your hands: thoroughly clean your hands before inserting, removing or handling contact lenses.
- Follow the prescribed wearing time: do not wear lenses longer than recommended by your eye-care professional.
- Care for reusable lenses correctly: clean, disinfect and store them according to the instructions for the lenses and solution.
- Do not use tap water or saliva: Health Canada advises against using either to clean contact lenses.
- Do not reuse old solution: use fresh solution according to the instructions for your care system.
- Follow overnight-wear instructions: sleeping in contact lenses is associated with increased infection risk, including lenses approved for extended wear.
A Contact Lens Prescription Is More Than an Eyeglass Prescription
Contact lenses sit directly on the eye, so professional fitting and follow-up are important parts of safe and effective wear.
Prescription
The eye-care professional determines the vision correction needed for the contact lenses.
Lens Fit
The selected lens can be assessed for position, movement and how it interacts with the eye.
Comfort and Vision
Vision and comfort can be reviewed after the lenses are placed on the eyes and during follow-up when recommended.
Tell Your Eye-Care Professional How You Plan to Wear Contacts
Your everyday routine can help guide the fitting discussion. Explain whether you expect to wear contacts every day, only occasionally, for work, travel, sports or specific activities.
Mention previous contact lens experience, comfort concerns, handling difficulties or changes in your vision so they can be considered when selecting an option.
Find Professional Eye Care →Remove Contact Lenses if You Develop Concerning Symptoms
Do not continue wearing contact lenses when your eyes are painful or your vision changes unexpectedly.
Eye Pain
Remove your contact lenses if you develop eye pain while wearing them.
Blurred or Hazy Vision
Unexpected blurred or hazy vision is another reason to remove the lenses and monitor your symptoms.
Persistent or Worsening Symptoms
Contact an eye-care professional promptly if symptoms do not improve or become worse.
Follow Recommended Eye Exams and Contact Lens Follow-Up
Health Canada recommends having contact lenses prescribed and fitted by a qualified eye-care professional and participating in recommended follow-up care.
If your prescription, comfort or vision has changed, arrange appropriate professional care rather than switching lenses or extending wear on your own.
Find & Book an Eye Exam →Continue With the Contact Lens Guide
Explore the lens type most relevant to your needs or find a nearby location for product availability and professional eye care.
Fresh Lenses Each Day
See how daily disposable contact lenses work and when they may fit your routine.
Reusable Lens Options
Learn about monthly lenses and the regular cleaning, storage and replacement routine they require.
Vision at Multiple Distances
Explore multifocal contact lenses for near, intermediate and distance vision needs.
Astigmatism Correction
Learn how toric contact lenses are designed for prescriptions that include astigmatism.
Ready to Explore Contact Lens Options?
Arrange professional eye care for a contact lens prescription and fitting, or visit a Hakim Optical store to ask about available contact lens options.