Choosing the right contact lenses is a crucial part of your eye health and everyday comfort. But what if your needs change or you want to try a new brand? Whether you’re considering switching from daily lenses to torics or looking at multifocals for the first time, it’s important to understand how this process works and why professional guidance makes all the difference.
Why Patients Switch Contact Lenses
Many patients start with one type of contact lens and later realize it no longer meets their needs. You may be experiencing dry eyes, noticing changes in your vision due to aging, or simply want a lens that fits your lifestyle better. Switching from a basic daily lens to something like a multifocal or toric lens is common—and often necessary—as your eyes and vision evolve.
Some patients also want to explore different brands for comfort or affordability. Popular options like Alcon contacts and Bausch & Lomb SofLens provide a wide range of choices, but not every lens works for every eye. This is why a personalized approach matters.
Comfort and Fit Vary by Brand
Contact lenses aren't one-size-fits-all. Each brand uses unique materials and designs, which can affect how the lens sits on your eye and how it feels throughout the day. Even switching from one daily lens to another—like from an Alcon daily to a Bausch & Lomb SofLens daily—can create noticeable differences in comfort and clarity.
Prescription Adjustments May Be Needed
Just because two lenses have the same prescription doesn’t mean they’ll perform the same. Some brands might slightly alter the way the lens corrects your vision or how your eye focuses. A new fitting appointment ensures your vision remains sharp and comfortable after a brand switch.
Transitioning to Multifocal or Toric Lenses
If you’ve been wearing standard single-vision lenses but now need multifocal contacts for presbyopia or toric lenses for astigmatism, the change isn’t as simple as picking a new box. These lenses are designed for specific eye conditions and require custom fitting and fine-tuning.
Multifocals: Seeing Near and Far
Multifocal contacts allow you to see both up close and at a distance without needing reading glasses. Alcon and Bausch & Lomb both offer multifocal options, but they work slightly differently depending on their design. A trial fitting can help determine which brand gives you the clearest, most comfortable vision.
Torics: Correcting Astigmatism
If you’ve been diagnosed with astigmatism, toric lenses are designed to correct the uneven curvature of your cornea. These lenses require precise alignment on your eye, and different brands use different stabilization techniques. Your eye doctor will assess which toric lens—such as Bausch & Lomb SofLens Toric or Alcon Air Optix for Astigmatism—aligns best for your vision.
Don’t Switch Without an Eye Exam
Even if you’ve worn contacts for years, switching brands without an updated eye exam is risky. Your corneal shape, tear production, or prescription could have changed, which can affect how a new lens performs. An in-person evaluation ensures a safe transition and protects your long-term eye health.
Professional Fitting Ensures Success
During your appointment, your eye doctor will take measurements, ask about your lifestyle needs, and let you test different brands before committing. This hands-on approach prevents discomfort, blurry vision, or complications that can arise from trial-and-error switching.
Explore Your Options with Expert Help
At our Chandler eye care office, we’re here to help you make smart, healthy choices about your vision. Whether you’re curious about Alcon contacts, thinking about switching to Bausch & Lomb SofLens, or exploring multifocal or toric lenses, we’ll guide you every step of the way. Our personalized care ensures that your contact lenses match not just your prescription—but your life.
Let us help you find the perfect lens for your eyes. Schedule your contact lens consultation today and take the guesswork out of switching brands!