Real Questions, Straight Answers from Vision Care Center
We get it. Contact lenses sound convenient, but they also come with a lot of questions. People stop by or call us here at Vision Care Center in Long Beach, CA all the time asking if contacts are right for them, if they’ll be uncomfortable, or how much of a hassle they’ll be. So we figured—why not just answer the most common stuff right here?
Whether you’re thinking of ditching your glasses full-time or just curious, here’s what you should know.
“Do they hurt?”
Short answer? Not really. The first few times might feel a bit odd, sure—it’s not something most people are used to. But once they’re in, most folks forget they’re even there. Today’s lenses are softer and thinner than ever, and they’re made to sit right on the eye without irritating it.
If you’re unsure, the best thing to do is try them out. Everyone’s eyes are different, and part of our job here is helping you figure out what’ll work for yours.
“Can I even wear them?”
More than likely, yeah. People are sometimes told they can’t because they’ve got astigmatism or their eyes get dry, but those things don’t usually rule out contacts anymore. There are so many types now—daily, extended wear, multifocal—you name it. What you need is a proper contact lens exam near you, which we do right here in the office.
and Dr. Justine Gonzalez walk you through everything—what kind of lenses make sense, how to put them in, take them out, and all the stuff you didn’t know you’d need to know.
“What’s the care like?”
Contacts don’t take a ton of effort, but you can’t ignore them either. Wash your hands first, always use fresh solution, and don’t stretch the wear time longer than you're supposed to. That last part’s big—if they’re dailies, toss them after a day. If they’re monthlies, mark your calendar. And don’t sleep in them unless they’re designed for it. Your eyes need air just like the rest of you.
“How much do they cost?”
It depends on the type, but honestly, a lot of insurance plans help out. And when you look at the cost of replacing glasses all the time—or how often kids lose them—contacts can be a pretty solid option. If you're trying to price out contact lenses near you, we can help sort through brands and pricing without making your head spin.
“Where do I start?”
Start with the exam. A standard eye test won’t cut it if you’re going into contact lenses. You’ll need a contact lens exam, which checks things like the shape of your eye and tear production. It helps make sure you don’t end up with lenses that feel off or don’t fit right.
If you’re in Long Beach and looking for an optometrist near you, come by. We’ve been doing this for a while now, and we’ll take the time to make sure you’re comfortable and know what to expect. At Vision Care Center, it’s not just about eye care—it’s about helping you see your life more clearly, however that looks for you.
Want to book an appointment? Call (562) 437-1276 and we’ll get you set up with a visit.