Introduction: The Shift From Glasses to Contact Lenses
If you're someone with a high eye power and tired of wearing thick, heavy glasses, you're not alone. Many of my own patients come to me frustrated by the inconvenience and aesthetics of spectacles. The question that often comes up is: “Can I wear contact lenses instead?”
The answer is a resounding yes. In fact, today’s contact lens technology has advanced so much that even very high prescriptions can be comfortably and safely corrected. In this guide, I'll walk you through the best contact lenses for eyesight correction, especially if you're dealing with high myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism.
We'll cover every angle—from the types of lenses, materials, brands, and fitting process, to cost and care tips. By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly what to choose and what to expect.
Why People With High Power Struggle With Glasses
Before diving into lenses, let’s address the pain points of high prescription glasses:
-
Heavy Frames: Higher prescriptions mean thicker lenses, which add weight to your frame.
-
Distortion: Objects can look smaller or warped, especially with high minus power (myopia).
-
Nose & Ear Marks: The pressure of glasses can leave impressions and discomfort.
-
Poor Peripheral Vision: Glasses don’t offer the full 180° field of view.
-
Fogging & Weather Limitations: Glasses fog up during temperature changes.
These problems make contact lenses an appealing, often liberating, solution.
Types of Contact Lenses Suitable for High Power Eyesight
Let’s explore the best types of contact lenses based on correction needs:
1. Soft Contact Lenses
✅ Best For:
-
High Myopia (up to -12.00D)
-
Moderate Hyperopia (+6.00D)
-
Low-to-Moderate Astigmatism
📦 Popular Brands:
🩺 Doctor Insight:
Soft lenses are comfortable and easy to adapt to. For high power, custom-made soft lenses may be recommended to get the perfect fit and prescription.
2. Toric Contact Lenses
✅ Best For:
-
Astigmatism with high cylindrical power
📦 Popular Brands:
-
Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism
🩺 Doctor Insight:
Toric lenses are a game-changer for those with astigmatism. If your cylinder power is above -2.25D, custom toric lenses are often required.
3. Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses
✅ Best For:
-
High astigmatism
-
Irregular corneas
-
Higher precision
📦 Popular Brands:
-
Paragon HDS 100
🩺 Doctor Insight:
Though RGPs take time to adapt, they give crisp and sharp vision unmatched by soft lenses—ideal for extreme prescriptions.
4. Hybrid Contact Lenses
✅ Best For:
-
Irregular cornea shapes (keratoconus, post-surgery)
-
Patients who want RGP clarity + soft lens comfort
📦 Popular Brands:
-
UltraHealth Hybrid
🩺 Doctor Insight:
These are excellent for high astigmatism with corneal distortion. They center well and stay put during blinking.
5. Scleral Contact Lenses
✅ Best For:
-
Very high myopia/hyperopia
-
Keratoconus or corneal scarring
-
Dry eyes + high power
📦 Popular Brands:
-
BostonSight SCLERAL
🩺 Doctor Insight:
Sclerals vault over the entire cornea and rest on the white of the eye (sclera). They offer unmatched stability and hydration, especially for complex cases.
How to Choose the Best Contact Lenses Based on Power
Let’s break this down:
🔹 High Myopia (Nearsightedness)
-
Up to -6.00D: Standard soft lenses work.
-
-6.00D to -10.00D: Choose high oxygen-permeable silicone hydrogel lenses.
-
Beyond -10.00D: Custom soft, RGP, or scleral lenses are recommended.
🔹 High Hyperopia (Farsightedness)
-
Up to +4.00D: Regular lenses suffice.
-
Beyond +4.00D: You need custom-made soft or hybrid lenses for better fit and clarity.
🔹 High Astigmatism
-
Cylinder above -2.25D: Go for toric RGP or custom soft toric lenses.
-
Irregular astigmatism: Hybrid or scleral is the best route.
Best Contact Lenses for Eyesight Correction in India (and Globally)
1. Acuvue Oasys
-
Available in high powers up to -12.00D
-
Great for dry eyes
-
Bi-weekly disposable
2. Bausch + Lomb Ultra
-
Ideal for high minus power
-
MoistureSeal technology keeps eyes comfortable
-
Monthly wear
3. Biofinity XR
-
For extended ranges of power
-
Monthly wear with high oxygen transmissibility
4. Air Optix Plus HydraGlyde
-
Affordable and widely available
-
Monthly disposable
-
Can go up to -12.00D
5. SynergEyes Duette Hybrid
-
Combines GP center with soft skirt
-
Perfect for those who couldn’t tolerate RGP alone
6. Boston XO (RGP)
-
Tailor-made for extreme prescriptions
-
Long-lasting and ultra-clear vision
Custom Contact Lenses: The Best Bet for High Power
If your prescription is outside the normal range, don’t worry—custom lenses can be made precisely for your eyes.
✅ Benefits:
-
Better fit
-
Sharper vision
-
Higher comfort
-
Fewer complications
Ask your eye doctor for topography-based fitting. This maps your cornea for a lens that’s truly personalized.
The Fitting Process: What to Expect
-
Refraction Test: Determines your power (sphere, cylinder, axis).
-
Keratometry/Topography: Measures corneal curvature.
-
Trial Lens: Doctor places sample lenses in your eye.
-
Assessment: Fit, movement, vision quality, and comfort are checked.
-
Order: Once the perfect lens is found, it's ordered.
-
Follow-up: A review after a few days of wear.
Important: Never skip the fitting process. High power users need exact lens fitting to avoid corneal issues or discomfort.
Cost of High Power Contact Lenses in India
| Lens Type | Average Cost per pair/month |
|---|---|
| Soft Daily Disposable | ₹1500–₹2500 |
| Monthly Disposable | ₹1000–₹2000 |
| Toric Lenses | ₹2000–₹3500 |
| RGP Lenses | ₹3000–₹6000 (can last 1–2 years) |
| Hybrid Lenses | ₹8000–₹12,000 |
| Scleral Lenses | ₹15,000–₹25,000 (custom-made) |
📌 Pro Tip: Always budget for lens solution and a spare pair.
Contact Lens Care Tips for High Power Users
-
Strict Hygiene: Wash hands before touching lenses.
-
Never Overwear: Follow wear schedule to prevent oxygen starvation.
-
Use Proper Solution: Avoid tap water or homemade rinses.
-
Replace on Time: Monthly lenses are not for three months!
-
Avoid Sleeping in Lenses: Unless specifically approved.
-
Routine Eye Exams: Every 6 months to monitor changes.
Can High Power Contact Lens Replace Glasses Permanently?
Yes, but with a few considerations:
-
Regular Use Possible? ✔️
-
Safer Than LASIK? Depends on your cornea and lifestyle.
-
Any Risks? Only if poor hygiene or overuse.
👓 Some users keep a pair of glasses as backup, especially for nighttime wear or emergencies.
FAQs
Q. Are contact lenses safe for very high power?
Absolutely. With proper fitting, they are often safer than thick glasses.
Q. Can I wear contact lenses daily?
Yes, daily wear is fine—but remove them at night unless extended wear is approved by your eye doctor.
Q. Will they work if I have power in plus (farsighted)?
Yes. Special lenses are available for hyperopia as well.
Q. Are there colored contact lenses for high power?
Yes! Brands like FreshLook and Air Optix Colors offer power + color.
Internal Links You Might Like:
Final Thoughts: Best Lens for Best Life
If you’re wearing glasses with a high prescription and you’re tired of the limitations—contact lenses can change your life. Whether you’re into sports, work long hours, or just want a new look, the right lenses will make you forget you ever wore glasses.
As an optometrist, I can tell you one thing clearly: Don’t settle for discomfort or poor vision. Modern contact lenses are safe, effective, and customizable.
💬 Ready to Make the Switch? Let’s Talk.
Still unsure which lens is right for your power?
Leave a comment below with your current prescription and I’ll help you figure it out—or talk to your eye doctor today about a trial.
Keywords :
high power contact lenses, contact lenses for myopia, toric contact lenses, custom contact lenses India, scleral lenses, gas permeable lenses, eyesight correction without glasses, best lenses for nearsightedness
