The overwhelming majority of contact wearers are happiest with the soft type

For many years, soft contact lenses have been the most popular variety. This is so much the case that other types - including rigid and semi-rigid lenses - are rarely used at all except in cases of unique eye problems or corrective requirements. If you are looking to buy contact lenses, consider the soft products.  Soft contacts are convenient, comfortable, and inexpensive.

Easy to fit to any eye shape, soft and comfortable while worn, and readily manufactured, soft lenses are ideal for most users. Since they are so cheaply produced, it is no longer a great concern to lose a contact or rigorously clean your lenses. Simply pop in a new set of lenses every so often, and you'll never have to worry about dirt buildup on your lenses.  This means you'll have to buy contact lenses every so often when your supply runs out, but it is well worth it.

Soft contacts come in a number of different 'flavors.' Depending on your prescription and the lens that your doctor recommends, you may use lenses that are designed to be discarded and replaced every day, week, or several weeks. Monthly disposables are a very common variety, as well - being slightly more durable than daily or weekly lenses, but retaining the convenience of a disposable lens.

Drawbacks of rigid lenses:

• difficult to grow accustomed to wearing

• difficult to fit to the numerous variations in individual eye shape

• early rigid lenses were not as air-permeable as today's variety, either - leading to discomfort after long periods of wear, and even eye problems associated with accumulated dirt

• require regular cleaning

Additional Benefits of Soft Lenses

All soft contacts are gas-permeable, allowing air flow to reach your eyes. Believe it or not, healthy eyes require air contact - and modern soft contacts allow the gases in the air to pass readily back and forth through their thin membrane.

Soft contacts are very easy to put in and take out. Admittedly, the first few days of putting in your lenses may prove a little frustrating, but after that you'll spend just seconds putting in your lenses. Taking them out at the end of the day is even easier. Your doctor will demonstrate how to put in and take out your lenses properly.

Another great benefit of soft contact lenses is their incredible affordability. With glasses, or even with rigid contacts, loss or breakage is a considerable expense and inconvenience. And, if you lose or break a pair of glasses, you could face the problem of being unable to drive, work, or do any of your normal activities until you find a replacement pair. With soft contacts, this is never a problem - just keep an extra pair in the glove compartment or your desk, and you'll never worry about misplacing glasses again.

Drawbacks of Soft Contacts

Of course, there are a few minor drawbacks with soft contacts. Wearers with sensitive eyes may find that dusty environments cause them problems. Also, contacts require a contact case and solution, which, for the forgetful amongst us, could present a problem while traveling. Fortunately, these items are readily available in any drugstore or grocery store. Overall, the convenience of soft contacts vastly outweighs any drawbacks.

Coastal Contacts - Lowest prices on contact lenses guaranteed. - CoastalContacts is committed to creating the absolute best shopping experience possible.  They combine free shipping, a low price guarantee and an express refill service to create a truly smooth and satisfactory experience.  They are also always having some sort of special (ie - win a free trip).

1-800 CONTACTS - FREE SHIPPING, save up to 70% - Safe, easy, reliable shopping.  1 800 CONTACTS has the world's largest inventory.  They also combine all of their specials into one area in their website, which makes it easy to see all of the sales on the site.

Vision Direct - Another great contact lens retailer.  In addition to huge savings and a huge selection, they offer the BillMeLater service.  This means you don't have to pay for your lenses upon purchase if you don't want to.  You can elect to be billed at a later date.  Nice feature.