Considering Contact Lenses?

By Kristen O'Gorman

Does the thought of touching your eyeballs make your eyes water? Don't fret! Contacts are easier to wear than ever before. We answer your most common questions with help from Dr. Elise Brisco, who works at the Hollywood Vision Center in Los Angeles (yes, she cares for celebrity eyes!). Dr. Brisco, who can wear contacts?

New technology has made wearing contact lenses much more comfortable and healthier than ever, so chances are there's a lens that's right for you. Ask your eye-care professional if you're a good candidate for contact lenses. He or she will determine if your eyes are healthy enough, and find the lens that's best for the shape of your eye. Even if you have allergies or dry eyes, your doctor can find a lens that will work for you.

What if you have astigmatism? (This means the cornea of your eye — which powers your vision — is shaped like a football instead of a baseball.)

There's a common myth that people with astigmatism can't wear contacts, which is untrue. There are special contact lenses for people with astigmatism, like Acuvue Advance for Astigmatism. With astigmatism, your eyes require two different powers. Contacts made for astigmatism are designed to stay put so that your vision doesn't blur.

How can I prepare myself to wear contacts?

If you can apply eye makeup, you can wear contacts, says Dr. Brisco. In fact, it's easier for girls to learn how to wear contacts than boys, because we are used to working around our eyes.

What options are there?

If you're just planning on using contacts for your quince, try one-day disposables. There's essentially no care necessary — you just throw them out at the end of the day. If you think you might want to keep your new look, ask for one- to two-week disposables. With these, you'll remove them each night, clean them, and store them. Talk to your eye doctor to determine which lens is the best option for your lifestyle.

What about color contacts?

Color contacts are a fun way to subtly change your appearance. There are tons of color options available, but the only way to really know how they'll look on you is to try them out. The new color blends with your actual eye color for a custom look, making it easy for everyone to find a color that looks natural on them. [Editor's note: Of course, we say no color will ever be as beautiful as the one you were born with! You can stick to your signature pair of eyeglasses or debut a new pair of contact lenses — as long as you're confident, eyes will still be on you!]