CONTACT LENSES :

Contact Lens examination

- daily wear
- hard/gas permeable
- astigmatic
- bifocals
- cosmetic tints
- disposable
- vision for sport

Frequently asked questions :

Q. Why do people choose contact lenses instead of spectacles?

A. People wear contact lenses for various reasons. Contact lenses may give better vision than spectacles for some visual conditions such as severe shortsightedness, longsightedness or corneal distortion, or after cataract removal. Some people like the wider field of view given by contact lenses as side vision is not blocked by spectacle frames. Contact lenses do not 'fog up' with changes in temperature or from perspiration and they are unaffected by rain.Many people choose contact lenses because they think glasses make them look less attractive or they find spectacles annoying. Sports players and people involved in vigorous activities often find contact lenses more convenient than spectacles, especially for water sports and contact sports.

Q. Can anyone wear contact lenses?

A. Modern technology advances have made it possible for many people to wear contact lenses successfully. However, contact lenses suit some people better than others. Eye diseases or injuries, certain visual defects or unstable amounts or types of tear fluid all work against unsuccessful contact lens wear. Environmental factors such as dust, or dry conditions for example, air-conditioned offices may make contact lens wear more difficult. The best way of assessing whether you can wear contact lenses is to discuss it with your optometrist.

Q. What types of contact lenses are available?

A. Most contact lenses fall into on of two groups: hard lenses which are usually made of rigid gas-permeable plastic and cover only part of the cornea, and soft lenses which are made of a very soft and flexible water-absorbing material which conforms closely to the eye shape. The time taken to become accustomed to wearing the different lens type varies from person to person. People usually adapt to soft lenses in a few days but it can take several weeks to adopt to hard lenses. The soft lenses are larger and more difficult to dislodge than hard lenses and are often worn by sports players for this reason. In general, contact lenses need to be replaced every six to 18 months, depending on the care they are give. Before recommending the lens type best for you, your optometrist will consider he health of your eyes, your vision problems, the type of work you do and your hobbies.

Q. What are disposable contact lenses?

A. 'Disposable' or 'frequent replacement' contact lenses are designed to be discarded after being worn for only a few weeks. Although these disposable lenses may cost more per year than a pair of non-disposable lenses, they require less maintenance and save the wearer some of the cost of cleaning solutions. Your optometrist will discuss with you whether conventional or frequent replacement lenses are best for you.

Q. Can I wear contact lenses all the time?

A. Both hard and soft contact lenses need to be removed, cleaned and disinfected every day. These procedures are simple. Cleaning involves removing tear deposits and other foreign particles which adhere to the lens and could harm the eye. Disinfection is necessary to kill micro-organisms which can cause infections. Your optometrist will explain how to clean and disinfect your lenses.

Q. Can contact lenses damage my eyes?

A. Contact lenses will not damage your eyes if you follow the instructions given by your optometrist and you clean and disinfect the lens regularly. Sometimes a problem can arise without you being aware of it, so regular consultations are essential. If you think you have a problem or your eyes appear red or sore you should consult you optometrist immediately. Successful contact lens wear depends not only on your optometrist's skill in precisely fitting the lenses, but also on your own willingness to devote time to car for the lenses and regular follow-up examinations.