What Are Nearsighted Contact Lenses?
Have you ever struggled to read a street sign until you were directly underneath it? Or found yourself squinting to see the menu at a café or the whiteboard in class? If so, you might be nearsighted—also known as having myopia. This very common vision condition affects nearly 30% of the U.S. population and often starts in childhood or the teenage years.
The good news? Contact lenses for nearsightedness can be a simple and effective solution to this.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about nearsighted contact lenses: how they work, which types are available, and how to find the best option for your eyes and lifestyle.
What Is Nearsightedness (Myopia)?
Nearsightedness, or myopia, is a vision condition where close-up objects look clear, but things in the distance appear blurry. It happens when the eye is slightly longer than normal, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.
If you’ve ever struggled to see street signs until you’re right beneath them, or found yourself squinting to read the whiteboard in class or a menu across the café, you might be nearsighted—also known as myopic. Nearsightedness is incredibly common, and thankfully, contact lenses can offer a convenient solution to this.
You might already know you're nearsighted if you’ve been given a prescription with a minus sign, like -2.25 or -5.00—that number tells you how much correction your eyes need to focus at a distance.
Nearsightedness can vary from mild to severe, but regardless of where you fall on that spectrum, contact lenses are an excellent option for this condition and a flexible alternative to glasses.
What Are Nearsighted Contact Lenses?
Contact lenses for myopia are specially designed to correct nearsightedness by changing how light enters your eye. Instead of landing in front of the retina, the lenses redirect light so it focuses precisely where it should—on the retina—giving you sharp, focused distance vision.
Types of Contact Lenses for Nearsightedness
There are several different types of contact lenses available to correct nearsightedness. Your eye doctor will help determine which is best based on your vision needs and lifestyle.
1. Soft Contact Lenses
Soft lenses are the most common and popular choice for nearsightedness. They're made from breathable, flexible material that adapts comfortably to your eye.
Daily Disposable Lenses: These are single-use lenses you throw away at the end of each day. They're ideal for people with allergies, sensitive eyes, or busy routines.
Bi-weekly or Monthly Lenses: Reusable options that you clean and store each night. These are more cost-effective and generate less waste if cared for properly.
👉 Shop Soft Contact Lenses at Blue Planet Optics
2. Toric Contact Lenses (For Astigmatism + Nearsightedness)
If you have both myopia and astigmatism, toric lenses can correct both at once. They’re specially shaped to stay in place on your eye and provide clearer, more stable vision.
👉 Shop Toric Lenses at Blue Planet Optics
3. Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses
These lenses are smaller and firmer than soft contacts, and while they may take some getting used to, they offer exceptional vision correction—especially for higher prescriptions or corneal conditions like keratoconus.
4. Ortho-K Lenses (Orthokeratology)
Ortho-K lenses are worn overnight to gently reshape your cornea while you sleep. In the morning, you remove them and can see clearly all day without wearing lenses or glasses. This method is often used in myopia control for kids and teens, but it can be an option for adults, too.
How to Choose the Best Contact Lenses for Myopia
The best way to choose the right contact lenses is by scheduling a contact lens fitting with a licensed eye care provider. Your optometrist will:
Measure the shape and size of your cornea
Determine your exact prescription
Recommend lenses based on your daily routine, comfort preferences, and eye health
Once you have a prescription, you can order contact lenses online at Blue Planet Optics and enjoy fast contact lens delivery right to your doorstep.
Sustainability Tip: Upcycle Your Contact Lens Packaging
We know contact lenses can create a lot of packaging waste. That’s why we created the See It Again™ Program, our free upcycling initiative that helps keep contact lens packaging out of landfills.
♻️ Learn how to upcycle your contact lenses with Blue Planet Optics' See It Again™ Program
FAQ: Contact Lenses for Nearsightedness
Q: How do I know if I’m nearsighted?
If you see nearby objects clearly but struggle with faraway ones, there’s a good chance you’re nearsighted. The only way to know for sure is to get a comprehensive eye exam.
Q: Can I wear contact lenses if I’ve never used them before?
Absolutely! Many people start wearing contacts in their teens or even later in life. Your eye doctor will show you how to insert, remove, and care for your lenses safely.
Q: Which is better: daily or monthly contacts?
It depends on your lifestyle. Daily lenses are great for convenience and hygiene—no cleaning required. Monthly lenses are more budget-friendly and sustainable if you’re diligent about cleaning them.
Q: Can contact lenses correct astigmatism too?
Yes! Toric lenses are specially designed to correct both nearsightedness and astigmatism.
Q: Are there eco-friendly options for contact lens wearers?
Yes! At Blue Planet Optics, our See It Again™ Program lets you upcycle your lens packaging for free. It’s one small but important way to protect our planet.
Q: How do I get started with contact lenses?
Step one: book a contact lens fitting with an optometrist. Step two: come back here to shop for your contact lenses online.
Ready to See Clearly?
Whether you’re new to contacts or looking to switch things up, we’re here for you. Shop nearsighted contact lenses today at Blue Planet Optics!