Being someone who has worn contact lenses for close to a decade now, it is safe to say that I have had my fair share of playing around with different brands of contact lenses because I refuse to wear glasses 24x7, a choice I make every single day. With this choice also comes tonnes of questions and confusion, which have been continuously resolved by my optician, Shah Rukh Khan, the owner of Hind Opticals in Lucknow. Mr. Khan has over 30 years of hands-on experience and is dedicated to providing the finest prescription glasses, sunglasses, contact lenses, and cosmetic lenses to his valued customers with a legacy spanning over 67 years!
While rounding up the best contact lens brands and busting myths, it is no wonder that I turned to him to further guide us. Here's what he had to say:
Types Of Contact Lenses
Colored Contact Lenses
When it comes to vibrant and diverse coloured contact lenses in India, there are several top brands to consider. Brands like FreshLook, Bausch & Lomb, Olens, and Dahab offer a wide range of colours to suit different eye tones and styles. These lenses are perfect for those who want to enhance their natural eye colour or completely transform their look.
Prescription Contact Lenses with Power
For individuals who require vision correction, there are trusted brands that offer high-quality prescription contact lenses. Brands such as Bausch & Lomb, CooperVision, Alcon, and Johnson & Johnson's Acuvue series provide clear vision with a variety of options, including daily disposables, bi-weekly, and monthly lenses. Prices can vary based on the type and brand, so it's essential to consult with an eye care professional for the best fit.
Coloured Contact Lenses with Power
The intersection of fashion and vision correction is where brands like FreshLook Colorblends and Air Optix Colors shine. These lenses offer a range of stylish colours while also catering to corrective power needs. It's an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy both style and clear vision.
Toric Lenses
Toric contact lenses are designed to correct astigmatism, a common vision condition where the eye's cornea or lens has an irregular shape. Unlike regular contact lenses, toric lenses have different powers in different meridians to address this distortion, providing clearer and more comfortable vision for those with astigmatism. Brands like Biofinity, PureVision, and SofLens are some reputable brands people can turn to for specialised toric options. However, it's crucial to consult with an eye care professional to ensure you choose the most suitable toric lenses based on your unique needs.
Multifocal Contact Lenses
Multifocal lenses are a game-changer for individuals who need both near and distance vision correction, commonly known as presbyopes. Not many people are aware of these lenses, but brands like Proclear Multifocal and Bausch + Lomb Ultra for Presbyopia provide a seamless solution for multifocal vision needs. They allow you to see clearly at various distances without the need for reading glasses.
Best Contact Lens Brands In India
Bausch & Lomb
Their most popular lens is the Soflens 59, which is a monthly disposable lens and is priced at INR 1,499 for a box of six lenses. Their high-end silicone hydrogel lenses are also gaining popularity, like the Ultra Monthly and daily disposables, priced at INR 3,750 and INR 3,200 for a 30 lens pack, respectively.
Acuvue
Acuvue sells the largest amount of daily disposable lenses in the world! Their best seller is their monthly disposable, Acuvue Oasys, priced at INR 2,195 for a six lens pack and Acuvue Moist Dailies at INR 1,995 for a 30 lens pack.
Cooper Vision
Cooper Vision is number one globally, specialising in toric lenses. They offer two types of monthly toric lenses, namely Aspire Air Toric (INR 2,075) and Aspire Pro Torics (INR 2,795). They also have one of the best and most reasonable multifocal lenses, Clariti Multifocal monthly lenses, priced at INR 3,900.
Alcon
If it's cosmetic lenses that you're looking for, then look no further than Alcon; they make the best cosmetic lenses. In fact, the popular Freshlook lens is by Alcon only. Freshlook lenses are available in two different modalities: monthly colorblends (INR 1,095 for a pair) and daily colorblends (INR 990 for a 10 lens pack). They have recently launched a new range of dailies by the name of Freshlook CC Lens (INR 1,575 for a 10 lens pack), which is slightly more prominent and vibrant than their old colorblends dailies.
Purecon
Purecon Contact Lenses
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Purecon is one of the oldest and most reputed Indian brands; they specialise in annual and RGP lenses (rigid gas permeable lenses, or semi soft as we call them). They have the widest range of lenses and are pretty reasonably priced too. The best part is that they have their own labs here, and they can customise lenses according to your measurements and needs. This means you get a lens as per your exact diameter and base curve, according to your corneal measurements. Their annual lenses start from INR 1,800 onwards, and their annual toric is INR 3,500.
FRPs, FAQs, & Busting Myths
FRP’s can be divided into dailies, weeklikes, monthlies, quarterly, and annual. The choice of lens type depends on your lifestyle and preferences. Daily disposable lenses, such as 1-Day Acuvue Moist, offer convenience and hygiene. Weekly and monthly lenses, like Biofinity and Air Optix, are cost-effective options. Quarterly and annual lenses require more maintenance. The best lens type for you depends on your specific needs and preferences, and various brands excel in each category.
Can Contact Lenses Get Lost in the Eye?
Contact lenses cannot get lost in the eye. They are designed to stay in place on the surface of the eye. However, they can sometimes move around and get temporarily stuck under the eyelid, but with proper technique and care, this can be easily corrected.
Is it Safe to Sleep with Contact Lenses On?
It's generally not safe to sleep with contact lenses on, especially if they are not designed for extended wear. Sleeping with lenses can reduce oxygen supply to the cornea, increasing the risk of eye infections. Always follow your eye care professional's recommendations for wear and removal.
Are Contact Lenses Secure While Riding a Bike?
Contact lenses are a secure choice for bikers. They provide an unobstructed field of vision and don't fog up like glasses. However, ensure your eyes are well-moistened, especially on long rides. You may consider using lubricating eye drops if needed.
Can Contact Lenses Melt in Your Eye in the Kitchen While Cooking?
Contact lenses do not melt in your eyes. They are made from safe, biocompatible materials. However, when cooking, be cautious around heat, steam, and chemicals. It's advisable to protect your eyes and use appropriate eyewear when needed.
