Types Of Contact Lenses
Contact lenses come in several types, and each one is made for a specific prescription, wearing schedule, or vision need.
The best choice depends on what your eye doctor prescribed, how your lenses fit, and how you plan to wear them. It also helps to know the care routine for each lens type, since some contacts are thrown away daily while others need cleaning and storage.
Browse the products shown on this page to compare types of contact lenses that fit your prescription, comfort needs, and everyday routine.
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How To Compare Types Of Contact Lenses
The easiest way to compare contact lens types is to start with the lens your eye doctor prescribed. A daily disposable lens, toric lens, multifocal lens, colored lens, RGP lens, and monthly lens are not interchangeable. Each type is made for a different fit, vision need, wearing schedule, or care routine.
Even if two lenses look similar online, they can feel different on your eyes or require different prescription details.
Use these steps when comparing types of contact lenses:
- Check the exact product name listed on your contact lens prescription.
- Review whether your lens is soft, RGP, toric, multifocal, colored, or another type.
- Check the power for your right eye and left eye.
- Match the base curve and diameter if those details are listed.
- Check cylinder and axis values if you wear toric lenses.
- Check ADD power if you wear multifocal lenses.
- Confirm the replacement schedule, such as daily, bi-weekly, or monthly.
- Review whether the lenses need cleaning and storage.
- Compare box count based on how you wear contacts.
- Ask your eye doctor first if you want to switch to a different contact lens type.
The right contact lens type should match your prescription, feel comfortable during wear, and fit your daily routine. If you want fewer care steps, sharper correction, or lenses for a specific vision need, your eye doctor can help you compare the options that fit your eyes.
What Are The Different Types Of Contact Lenses?
Contact lenses can be sorted by how they feel on the eye and what kind of vision support they give. Some are soft and flexible, while others are firmer or made for more specific eye needs. Knowing the basic groups can help you understand product pages better and avoid choosing a lens that doesn't match your prescription. Your eye doctor's fitting should still guide the type of contact lenses you order.
Soft Contact Lenses
Soft contact lenses are flexible lenses that rest directly on the eye. They're used for a wide range of prescriptions, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, presbyopia, and eye color change. You can find soft lenses in daily, bi-weekly, and monthly options. They're also the type of new contact lens wearers usually hear about first because they can be easier to get used to.
Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lenses
Rigid gas permeable contact lenses, also called RGP lenses, are firmer than soft contacts. They keep their shape during wear, which can help give sharper vision for certain prescriptions or eye shapes. RGP lenses need a more detailed fitting because they sit and move differently on the eye. If your prescription is for RGP lenses, don't switch to soft contacts unless your eye doctor says it is okay.
Specialty Contact Lenses
Specialty contact lenses are made for eyes that need a more customized fit or a more specific type of vision correction. This group can include scleral lenses, hybrid lenses, and other lenses fitted for certain corneal shapes or comfort needs. These lenses usually require a closer fitting process and follow-up care. If your eye doctor prescribed a specialty lens, follow the exact lens details and care instructions when ordering.
Explore Contact Lens Types by Wearing Schedule
Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism
Biofinity
Acuvue Oasys 1-Day with Hydraluxe
Dailies Total 1
Biofinity Toric
Air Optix Night & Day Aqua
Dailies AquaComfort Plus
Air Optix plus HydraGlyde
Which Type of Contact Lens Fits Your Routine?
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Average Cost per day
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Contact Lens Type
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Contact Lens Manufacturer
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Contact Lens Material Type
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Contact Lens Water Content Percentage
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Contact Lens Blocks UV
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Each Box Contains
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Average Star Rating
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| Acuvue Oasys | $0.14 | Weekly | Johnson & Johnson | Silicone Hydrogel | 38% | 12 lenses, a 6-month supply |
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| Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism | $0.19 | Daily | Johnson & Johnson | Silicone Hydrogel | 38% | 6 lenses, a 3-month supply |
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| Biofinity | $0.06 | Monthly | CooperVision | Silicone Hydrogel | 48% | 6 lenses, a 6-month supply |
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| 1-Day Acuvue Moist | $0.31 | Daily | Johnson & Johnson | Hydrogel | 58% | 30 lenses, a 1-month supply |
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| Biofinity Toric | $0.10 | Daily | CooperVision | Hydrogel | 48% | 6 lenses, a 6-month supply |
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| Air Optix Night & Day Aqua | $0.12 | Monthly | Alcon | Silicone Hydrogel | 24% | 6 lenses, a 6-month supply |
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| Acuvue Oasys 1-Day with Hydraluxe | $0.48 | Daily | Johnson & Johnson | Silicone Hydrogel | 38% | 90 lenses, a 3-month supply |
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| Air Optix plus HydraGlyde | $0.09 | Monthly | Alcon | Silicone Hydrogel | 33% | 6 lenses, a 6-month supply |
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| Dailies Total 1 | $0.76 | Daily | Alcon | Silicone Hydrogel | 33% | 90 lenses, a 3-month supply |
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| Precision1 | $0.49 | Daily | Alcon | Silicone Hydrogel | 51% | 90 lenses, a 3-month supply |
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| 1-Day Acuvue Moist for Astigmatism | $0.63 | Daily | Johnson & Johnson | Hydrogel | 58% | 30 lenses, a 1-month supply |
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| Biofinity Multifocal | $0.16 | Daily | CooperVision | Silicone Hydrogel | 48% | 6 lenses, a 6-month supply |
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| Acuvue VITA | $0.14 | Monthly | Johnson & Johnson | Hydrogel | 41% | 12 lenses, a 12-month supply |
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| Dailies AquaComfort Plus | $0.25 | Daily | Alcon | Hydrogel | 69% | 90 lenses, a 3-month supply |
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| Air Optix Colors | $0.44 | Monthly | Alcon | Silicone Hydrogel | 33% | 6 lenses, a 6-month supply |
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How to Save on Different Types of Contact Lenses
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box rebate
Rebate amount with a 4 box purchase
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box rebate
Rebate amount with a 8 box purchase
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Contact Lens Manufacturer
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Contact Lens Type
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Contact Lens Material Type
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Contact Lens Water Content Percentage
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Contact Lens Blocks UV
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Each Box Contains
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Average Star Rating
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| Acuvue Oasys | $145 | -- | Johnson & Johnson | Weekly | Silicone Hydrogel | 38% | 12 lenses, a 6-month supply |
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| Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism | -- | $220 | Johnson & Johnson | Daily | Silicone Hydrogel | 38% | 6 lenses, a 3-month supply |
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| Biofinity | $135 | -- | CooperVision | Monthly | Silicone Hydrogel | 48% | 6 lenses, a 6-month supply |
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| 1-Day Acuvue Moist | -- | $290 | Johnson & Johnson | Daily | Hydrogel | 58% | 30 lenses, a 1-month supply |
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| Biofinity Toric | $145 | -- | CooperVision | Daily | Hydrogel | 48% | 6 lenses, a 6-month supply |
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| Air Optix Night & Day Aqua | $105 | -- | Alcon | Monthly | Silicone Hydrogel | 24% | 6 lenses, a 6-month supply |
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| Acuvue Oasys 1-Day with Hydraluxe | -- | $290 | Johnson & Johnson | Daily | Silicone Hydrogel | 38% | 90 lenses, a 3-month supply |
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| Air Optix plus HydraGlyde | $85 | -- | Alcon | Monthly | Silicone Hydrogel | 33% | 6 lenses, a 6-month supply |
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| Dailies Total 1 | -- | $160 | Alcon | Daily | Silicone Hydrogel | 33% | 90 lenses, a 3-month supply |
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| Precision1 | -- | $290 | Alcon | Daily | Silicone Hydrogel | 51% | 90 lenses, a 3-month supply |
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| 1-Day Acuvue Moist for Astigmatism | $85 | $290 | Johnson & Johnson | Daily | Hydrogel | 58% | 30 lenses, a 1-month supply |
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| Biofinity Multifocal | $145 | -- | CooperVision | Daily | Silicone Hydrogel | 48% | 6 lenses, a 6-month supply |
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| Acuvue VITA | $145 | -- | Johnson & Johnson | Monthly | Hydrogel | 41% | 12 lenses, a 12-month supply |
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| Dailies AquaComfort Plus | -- | $290 | Alcon | Daily | Hydrogel | 69% | 90 lenses, a 3-month supply |
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| Air Optix Colors | $85 | -- | Alcon | Monthly | Silicone Hydrogel | 33% | 6 lenses, a 6-month supply |
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What Makes RGP Contact Lenses Different?
RGP contact lenses are firm lenses that hold their shape on the eye. That steady shape can help give sharper, more stable vision for certain prescriptions, especially when soft contacts don't give the clarity your eyes need.
They can feel different at first because they don't bend like soft lenses. Some wearers need time to adjust, but the fit should still feel manageable and give clear vision once the lenses settle.
RGP lenses also need their own cleaning and storage routine. Your eye doctor will check how the lens moves, centers, and works with your tear film during the fitting.
If an RGP lens feels uncomfortable, moves too much, or gives vision that keeps changing, your eye doctor should check the fit. When reordering online, use the exact RGP lens details listed on your prescription.
Which Contacts Are Made For Astigmatism?
Toric contact lenses are made for people with astigmatism. Astigmatism happens when the eye's curve keeps light from focusing evenly, which can make vision look blurry, stretched, or shadowed. This is why regular spherical contacts don't always give clear enough vision for astigmatism.
Toric lenses use extra prescription details called cylinder and axis. The cylinder shows the amount of astigmatism correction, while the axis shows where that correction should sit on the eye. These values work together, so both need to match your prescription exactly.
The lens also needs to stay in the right position for vision to stay clear. If the lens rotates too much, your vision can shift or blur during the day. If your prescription lists cylinder and axis values, choose the exact toric lens product your eye doctor prescribed.
Which Contact Lenses Help With Presbyopia?
Presbyopia affects near vision and shows up when reading small text starts to feel harder. If you already wear contacts, your eye doctor might discuss lens options that help with both near and distance vision.
The right choice depends on your prescription, how your eyes work together, and how much adjustment time feels manageable. Your prescription should show the exact lens design, powers, and any ADD value needed for online ordering.
Multifocal Contact Lenses
Multifocal contact lenses use different power zones to help you see at more than one distance. They can help with reading, computer work, and distance vision without switching between contacts and reading glasses.
Some people need a short adjustment period while their eyes adapt to the different viewing zones. When ordering, match the product name and ADD power listed on your prescription.
Monovision Contact Lenses
Monovision uses one eye for distance vision and the other eye for near vision. This setup needs an eye doctor's fitting because your eyes and brain have to work together in a different way.
Don't guess this setup when ordering contacts online. Your prescription should show the exact lens details for each eye, including which eye is set for distance and which one is set for near vision.
Multifocal Toric Contact Lenses
Multifocal toric contact lenses can help if you have both astigmatism and presbyopia. These prescriptions can include power, cylinder, axis, and ADD values.
Since more prescription details are involved, each field needs to be checked carefully before checkout. If you're unsure which values go with each eye, ask your eye doctor before placing an order.
How Do Replacement Schedules Change Your Contact Lens Routine?
Your replacement schedule tells you how often to throw away your contact lenses and what care steps you'll need between wears. Daily disposable lenses are worn once, then thrown away at the end of the day, so there's no overnight cleaning or storage.
Bi-weekly and monthly lenses are reused based on the schedule your eye doctor prescribed. These lenses need fresh contact lens solution, proper storage, and a clean lens case after each wear.
Extended wear lenses are different because they're designed for longer wear, but only if your eye doctor approves that schedule for your eyes. Follow the replacement timing on your prescription so your lenses stay comfortable, clear, and safe to wear.
What Should New Contact Lens Wearers Ask?
If you're new to contacts, the choices can feel a little overwhelming at first. Your eye doctor can help you understand which lens type fits your prescription, how to wear it safely, and what routine you'll need at home.
Use these questions during your exam or fitting:
- Which type of contact lens is listed on my prescription?
- Is this lens daily disposable, bi-weekly, monthly, or another replacement schedule?
- Do I need toric lenses for astigmatism?
- Do I need multifocal lenses for near vision?
- Are these soft, RGP, scleral, or specialty lenses?
- What cleaning or care products should I use with this lens type?
- How long should I wear the lenses each day while adjusting?
- What symptoms mean I should remove my lenses right away?
- Can I reorder the same lenses online after the fitting is complete?
- Do I need a follow-up visit after trying the lenses?
Asking these questions can make your first contact lens experience feel less intimidating. It also helps you leave the appointment with clearer instructions for wearing, cleaning, replacing, and reordering your lenses.
What Should You Know About Colored Contact Lenses?
Colored contact lenses can change the look of your eye color, and some can also correct your vision. You'll find options for subtle enhancement, bolder color changes, and plano wear, which means the lenses don't have corrective power.
Even plano colored contacts still need a valid contact lens prescription in the U.S. Colored lenses sit directly on your eyes, so your eye doctor still needs to check the fit, lens size, and eye health before you wear them.
Be careful with sellers who don't ask for prescription details. If you want colored contacts, order the exact product your eye doctor approved so the color, fit, and prescription details are right for your eyes.
Which Contact Lens Type Fits Your Wearing Routine?
The contact lens type that works best for you depends on how often you wear contacts, how much care you want to take, and what your prescription requires. Someone who wears contacts every day may need a different lens than someone who only wears them for workouts, trips, or special events.
Your eye doctor's prescription should guide the lens type first. From there, you can compare comfort, replacement schedule, care routine, and box count so the lenses fit your day-to-day life.
Everyday Wear
If you wear contacts most days, comfort and consistency are big parts of the experience. Daily disposable lenses can keep things simple because you start with a fresh pair each day and throw them away after use.
Reusable lenses can also work well if you're comfortable cleaning and storing them after each wear. Your eye doctor can help you compare daily, bi-weekly, or monthly lenses based on your eyes, wearing time, and comfort history.
Part-Time Wear
If you wear contacts only on certain days, daily disposable lenses can be a practical choice. You can open a fresh pair when you need them, then go back to glasses on other days.
This can work well for sports, weekends, travel, events, or days when glasses feel inconvenient. Check the box count before ordering so your supply matches how often you plan to wear contacts.
Specialty Wear
Some eyes need contact lenses with a more specific fit or design. This can include toric lenses for astigmatism, multifocal lenses for presbyopia, RGP lenses, scleral lenses, or hybrid lenses.
Specialty lenses often require a closer fit and follow-up visits. If your prescription calls for one of these lens types, order the exact product and details your eye doctor approved.
What Lens Care Steps Depend On The Contact Lens Type?
Your lens care routine changes based on the type of contacts you wear. Daily disposable lenses don't require overnight cleaning, whereas reusable soft lenses, RGP lenses, and specialty lenses often require specific care steps after each wear.
Follow the care routine your eye doctor gave you for your exact lens type:
- Throw away daily disposable lenses after one use.
- Clean and store reusable soft lenses with fresh contact lens solution after each wear.
- Use the cleaning, wetting, and storage products recommended for RGP lenses.
- Follow your eye doctor's filling and insertion instructions for scleral lenses.
- Keep your lens case clean and replace it based on your eye doctor's advice.
- Keep contacts and lens cases away from tap water.
- Sleep in contacts only if your eye doctor prescribed that wearing schedule.
- Don't wear lenses that are damaged, torn, chipped, or painful.
- Use only rewetting drops approved for contact lens wear.
- Call your eye doctor if redness, pain, discharge, or blurry vision doesn't go away.
The right care routine helps your lenses stay comfortable and safe to wear. If you're not sure which products or steps match your lens type, ask your eye doctor before changing your routine.
Can You Switch From One Contact Lens Type To Another?
You shouldn't switch from one contact lens type to another without your eye doctor's approval. Daily disposable, monthly, toric, multifocal, RGP, and colored contacts can all fit and feel different on the eye.
Even when the power looks the same, the lens material, curve, diameter, design, or replacement schedule can be different. A lens that works well for someone else may not sit the right way on your eyes.
Switching without a fitting can lead to discomfort, blurry vision, dryness, or irritation. If you want to try a different contact lens type, ask your eye doctor to check whether it fits your prescription, eye shape, and eye health.
References
Types Of Contact Lenses. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/contact-lenses/types-contact-lenses. Accessed May 26, 2026.
Buying Contact Lenses. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/contact-lenses/buying-contact-lenses. Accessed May 26, 2026.
About Contact Lens Types. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/contact-lenses/about/about-contact-lens-types.html. Accessed May 26, 2026.
About Cleaning, Disinfecting, And Storing Contact Lenses. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/contact-lenses/about/about-cleaning-disinfecting-and-storing-contact-lenses.html. Accessed May 26, 2026.
Preventing Eye Infections When Wearing Contacts. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/contact-lenses/prevention/index.html. Accessed May 26, 2026.
Types Of Contact Lenses. American Optometric Association. https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/vision-and-vision-correction/types-of-contact-lenses. Accessed May 26, 2026.
Contact Lenses For Vision Correction. American Academy of Ophthalmology. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/glasses-contacts/contact-lens-102. Accessed May 26, 2026.
Contact Lenses: Types And How They Work. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/10737-contacts. Accessed May 26, 2026.
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