Most people who need glasses are also able to wear contact lenses.  There are two main types of contact lenses

Soft lenses which mould to the shape of your eye and are made of a sponge like material - most contain over 50% water.

Rigid gas permeable lenses (RGP) which are fitted closely to the shape of the eye but are less flexible.  They are made of a harder material which allows oxygen to pass through to the cornea.

The majority of contact lenses fitted in the UK are soft lenses and these are available as single use daily lenses, monthly contact lenses and less often as a specialist lens which is designed to last for longer.  RGP lenses generally last longer than soft lenses and would usually be replaced every 2 years. If you wear a reusable contact lens you would need to use special cleaning and disinfecting solutions, so the lenses are safe to put back into your eyes.  Daily disposable contact lenses do not require cleaning as they are just thrown away after use.

Which type of lens is best?

There are several factors to consider – how often will you wear the lenses?

eg, sport, school, work, weekends, holidays or social activities?

Soft lenses are initially more comfortable than RGP lenses so they are ideal for people who only want to wear lenses occasionally.  RGP lenses take a bit more getting used to but last longer and may be better for people who have an irregular shaped eye or astigmatism.

Can I wear contact lenses if I have astigmatism?

Astigmatism is where the cornea (front surface lens of the eye) or crystalline lens (inside the eye) is shaped like a rubgy ball rather than a football.  Specialist soft TORIC contact lenses are available which can correct the astigmatism.  For those with high amounts of astigmatism RGP lenses may be a better option.

Are disposable better than standard lenses?

Single use disposable contact lenses are much more convenient as you simply throw them away after each use.  This is more hygienic than cleaning, disinfecting and re-wearing old lenses, plus you will have a ready stock of spare lenses should you lose or damage one.  Monthly replacement lenses or those worn for longer may be more cost effective, however they need to be cleaned and disinfected so there is an ongoing cost for solutions.  Not all prescriptions are suitable for daily disposable lenses.

Are contact lenses safe?

Modern contact lenses are very safe if you follow your optician's advice about how to wear and look after them.  To reduce the chance of infection you should always thoroughly wash and dry your hands before touching your eyes or contact lenses.  Never rinse or store your lenses with tap water as this may cause a serious eye infection.  We don't recommend swimming or showering in contact lenses as acanthamoeba is an organism which lives in water and can cause a very serious infection if it gets into the eye.  Prescription swimming goggles are available as an alternative.

How long can I wear contact lenses for?

There are many types of lens available and every wearer is different.  Some people can wear contact lenses safely and successfully for most of the day whilst others may just wear them for a few hours.  If you find your eyes are dry, tired, red or sore towards the end of the day there may be a different lens type which is more suitable.  Modern contact lens materials allow more oxygen through to the front of the eye so even if you were unsuccessful with contact lenses previously you may find a modern material is better.

CONTACT LENSES - THE F.A.Q.'s

Not sure if contact lenses are for you? You'll be amazed at the advancements in technology regarding the application and the wearing of contact lenses. We think once you try them you'll be pleasantly surprised at how easy they are to get used to. That's why we' re offering you a free trial.

Call us today on:  01900 606111 and book an appointment to experience vision in comfort , with no boundaries!

Can I sleep in my lenses?

Some contact lenses have been designed for wearing overnight, however research has shown that this increases the risk of infection.  We would recommend that you remove your lenses before going to bed.

Can I have bifocal or varifocal contact lenses?

Most people find that when they reach their mid 40's they need a different spectacle prescription for reading than they do for distance.  This is called presbyopia.  This would require separate distance and reading glasses or bifocal or varifocal glasses.  There are three options for presbyopia with contact lenses.

    1.You can have contact lenses to correct your distance vision and wear simple reading glasses over the top when looking at something close.

    2. You may have a multifocal contact lens which allows both eyes to see at distance and near.

    3.Monovision – this option has one contact lens for distance vision and the other for reading.

Each of the options has advantages and disadvantages and depends upon the individual patient.

How difficult is it to put contact lenses in and out?

As with anything new it takes a little practice, but most people manage fairly quickly.  If you would like to try contact lenses our contact lens practitioner would guide you through inserting and removing your lenses and make sure you know how to handle them safely.  Once we are happy that you are confident at this we will give you a free trial pair of contact lenses to try at home, before you decide whether to go ahead with lens wear.

Can I get lenses that change the colour of my eyes?

Soft contact lenses are available which can change the colour of your eyes.  They are available as prescription lenses or without prescription.

Can I wear make up with my contact lenses?

If you want to wear make up put your contact lenses in first before you put the make up on.  Water soluble make up is better as if it gets into your eyes it will dissolve in the tears and not get trapped under the contact lens.  Don't wear eyeliner on the wet part of the eyelid as it can block the glands which produce part of the tears and this can cause dry eye or infection.  Put eyeliner on the skin on the outside of the eyelashes.

Do I need to have regular check-ups?

It is important to have regular check-ups to make sure your contact lenses are still suitable for you and not damaging your eyes.  Your optician will advise you how often you need to have check-ups.

IF IN DOUBT TAKE THEM OUT – If you experience any signs of redness, pain or loss of vision take your contact lenses out and consult your optometrist or contact lens optician for advice.

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