Whether you're a contact lens newbie or looking to switch to a new brand, we've undoubtedly got the perfect match for you. Unsure of where to begin? No worries at all - as the UK's no.1 online supplier of contact lenses, eye care products and solutions, we're here to guide you every step of the way - promise! Of course, only buying contact lenses that have been prescribed by your optometrist is essential, but we can help you take care of the rest.

Determining the most suitable wearing pattern for you is a good starting point, and you can pick from:

• Daily disposable

• Two-weekly

• Monthly

• Extended wear

• Toric (for those with astigmatism)

• Multifocal (for those with presbyopia)

• Coloured

Whilst there are many different techniques to put in soft contact lenses, you should always use the method that feels most comfortable to you. Before you start, ensure your hands are clean and dry.

Remove the lens from the packet, place it on the tip of your finger, and make sure it is in the correct position.

Using your other hand, you'll need to hold your eye open with one finger on the lower lid and another on the upper eyelid.

When ready, look straight ahead and insert the lens.

Finally, you may need to adjust the lens for comfort by moving the lens using your finger to ensure a comfortable fit.

For more information, watch our video tutorial here.

Ordering your contact lenses online with Vision Direct is fast and simple. Once you're ready to order make sure you have your contact lens box or unopened lenses handy.

1. Find your contact lens brand and type

2. Enter your prescription found on the side of your contact lens box or the top of your contact lens packet (make sure to check both eyes, as you might have a different prescription for each)

3. Add these to your basket and proceed through checkout

Our award-winning customer service team are available to assist you on live chat with any vision-related question you might have.

Place your order by 10pm, and your order will arrive the very next day - FREE for orders over £59! We have the largest warehouse in the UK and stock 94.9% of standard prescriptions, so we can ensure your order gets to you as soon as possible. We also ship internationally. You can find out more about ordering your contact lenses here.

Contact lenses vary in wearing patterns, cost and material. Daily contact lenses are a great option for those with active lifestyles as they can be disposed of after use. Monthly and two-weekly contact lenses are a more affordable option but require a bit more care and maintenance. There are also toric and multifocal contact lenses that help to correct eye conditions such as astigmatism and presbyopia.

Daily contact lenses

Daily disposable lenses are easy to use and throw away; no need to worry about storing them overnight or rinsing them in solution. Popular with active and busy people, daily disposable contact lenses are more suited for those who work long hours - for instance, shift workers. Sporty individuals often prefer dailies too, as they're more hygienic than monthlies, and can be worn during sport and discarded straight after use. Many people, especially those who suffer from dry eyes, find dailies to be more comfortable and convenient, as they don't need rewetting and there's no worry over dirt or makeup building up on the lens surface and causing infection.

Many leading brands of dailies are available at Vision Direct, including 1-Day Acuvue Moist, Focus Dailies All Day Comfort, everclear ADM and 1-Day Acuvue Trueye.

Two weekly contact lenses

Two-weekly contact lenses, also known as bi-weeklies, are designed to be worn for two weeks and then replaced. They are best suited to people who seek a compromise between the convenience of dailies and the cost-effectiveness of monthlies, plus they're more hygienic than monthlies, as they are disposed of more often. When you wear two-weekly lenses, you'll need to store, clean and rinse them each night in contact lens solution, to keep them moist and fresh.

Vision Direct stocks Acuvue two-weekly contact lenses, made from breathable silicone hydrogel.

Monthly contact lenses

Monthly contact lenses are stored and reused for up to 30 consecutive days, making them an affordable option with less waste than dailies. When you wear monthlies it's important to choose a powerful and effective solution to rise and clean them in, like everclear Multipurpose Solution.

Monthly contact lenses at VisionDirect: Air Optix Aqua, Biofinity, Proclear, PureVision, Air Optix Night & Day Aqua and many more.

Extended wear

Extended wear contact lenses can be worn continuously for a week or a month, depending on the type. Most are made from silicone hydrogel, a very comfortable and breathable material. Always check with your optician to determine if your eyes are suitable for this wearing pattern before purchasing extended wear lenses.

Extended wear lenses available at Vision Direct include: Air Optix Night & Day, Biofinity and more.

Coloured contact lenses

Whether you wear prescription lenses or not, most people can wear coloured contacts for cosmetic reasons. If you don't need vision correction just select 0.00 power in the prescription field. Coloured lenses can really refresh your look and let you try out a new style, whether you want to wear them every day or purchase a daringly different pair to wear for a Halloween or fancy dress party.

Vision Direct stocks FreshLook Colorblends contact lenses from Ciba Vision, a special type of lens built for comfort, which brings out a whole new tone and depth to your eye. You can choose from subtle shades of hazel, soft blue and honey, or opt for a strikingly different lens in emerald green, turquoise, or bright blue. FreshLook lenses are monthly lenses, and they can be worn for a period of up to 30 days before needing to be changed (they should be stored overnight in a good multipurpose solution). The lenses are made from 55% water and 45% Phemfilcon A, making them ultra-breathable and comfortable to wear.

There are special types of contact lenses available to address specific vision problems such as astigmatism and presbyopia. Toric lenses are suitable for those with astigmatism and multifocal lenses are available for those with presbyopia. Even if your lens is not in stock, we can order it in for you, and once you've ordered a few times we'll make sure to stock your lens, meaning shorter delivery times.

Toric contact lenses for astigmatism

Toric contacts help to correct vision problems caused by an irregularly shaped cornea and will fit more comfortably than regular lenses if you suffer from astigmatism. They also help to prevent blurring and hazy vision which can be caused by astigmatism. If you're not sure whether you need a standard for myopia (short-sightedness) or hyperopia (long-sightedness) or toric contact lens, you can refer to your prescription or give us a call and check your prescription with us.

Toric contact lenses for astigmatism from Vision Direct: Focus Dailies Toric, 1 Day Acuvue Moist for Astigmatism, Biofinity Toric, PureVision Toric & more.

Multifocal contact lenses

You can wear multifocal contact lenses to correct presbyopia, without having to wear bifocal or varifocal glasses. Contacts offer you the freedom to enjoy daily life and sporting activities without glasses, which you might not have realised was possible if you previously wore varifocal or bifocal glasses. Vision Direct stocks soft multifocals made from breathable silicone hydrogel and materials that enhance comfort during use. If you're unsure whether multifocals are right for you, or what sort of lens you need, it's best to check with your optician before wearing them.

Vision Direct stocks a wide range of multifocal lenses from leading manufacturers, including Focus Dailies Progressive, Proclear 1 Day Multifocal, Air Optix Aqua Multifocal, Proclear Multifocal & more.

Maintaining good lens care can protect your eyes from damage and eye infections. For daily contact lens wearers, ensure that you dispose of your contacts after each wear. If you use monthlies, two weekly, or extended wear contact lenses, make sure you correctly store and clean your contacts. We recommend handling your lenses with dry, clean hands, using a cleaning solution - not water - if you take them out to clean them.

Keep your lenses in a clean contact lens holder when you're not using them, and fill it with fresh disinfecting solution. Try to keep your lens cases clean, rinsing and drying them between each use. Once a week you should also clean your cases with saline solution and a dedicated toothbrush to ensure optimum eye health. After three months, throw your lens cases away and replace them.

The most popular contact lenses at Vision Direct

As the UK's largest and most trusted online supplier of contact lenses, we sell a lot of lenses and know which ones are the most popular! Whether you need dailies or monthlies, standard or torics, you can see which brands are most popular for your type of prescription.

• Europe's largest and most trusted online contact lens supplier. See why: read our Trustpilot reviews

• UK next day delivery, free on orders over £59

• Huge variety of leading brands in stock, the UK's widest lens range online

• Up to 45% cheaper than high street opticians

• 3-click reorders and automatic order reminders

• No prescription needed - order without prescription verification