New
Wearers Guide
Whether you are interested
in wearing lenses full time or only occasionally, there are lenses
to suit virtually every lifestyle, age group and prescription. At
your appointment our Optometrist will discuss your specific requirements
and arrange a trial.
Click on the questions to learn more about
lenses for children
 What
Are The Different Types Of Contact Lenses?
What’s
The Best Type For Me?
What
Are Disposable Lenses?
Should
I Have Disposable Lenses?
How
Often Should I Change My Lenses?
Can
I Wear Contact Lenses If I Have Astigmatism?
My
Eyes Are Sensitive – Can I Wear Contact Lenses?
Do
Contact Lenses Hurt?
Can
Lenses Damage The Eyes?
I’ve
Been Told I’ve Got Dry Eyes – Can I Still Wear Lenses?
Can
I Sleep In Lenses?
Can
I Wear Lenses While Swimming?
I
Wear Varifocal Glasses – Can I Get Contact Lenses?
Can
Children Wear Lenses? |
|
What
Are The Different Types Of Contact Lenses ?
There
are two main types of lenses Soft & Hard. Hard lenses are also
known as Gas Permeable. |
| |
| |
SOFT |
HARD GAS PERMEABLE |
| Description |
Large
& Floppy – wrap onto the surface covering the whole
of the iris |
Small & Hard – float
on the surface and are smaller than the iris area. |
| Initial Comfort |
Very
Comfortable - hardly felt from the first time they go in |
May
take a few days to get used to. Eventually as comfortable as
soft. |
| Wearing Schedules |
Wear
as frequently or as infrequently as you like |
Usually
for Full time use only |
| Disposable Options |
Daily,
Weekly or Monthly Replacement
|
None
- but Frequent Replacement Schemes available for 3, 6 or 12
month replacement |
| Astigmatism Correction
|
Low
& Moderate astigmatism correctable |
Low,
Moderate & High Astigmatism Corrected. Give sharper
vision than soft. |
| Multifocal Option |
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
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What’s
The Best Type For Me ?
The optometrist will perform a series of tests
to determine the best type for you. The choice of lens is influenced
by:
The condition of the tears, cornea and eyelids.
The eyes shape, size and contour
The prescription strength & type
Lifestyle factors, occupation, sports and hobbies
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What
Are Disposable Lenses?
Disposable
lenses are soft ones which are designed to be thrown away frequently.
They can be replaced every day, every two weeks or every month.
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Should
I Have Disposable Lenses?
Yes-
all wearers should change their lenses regularly for health and hygiene
reasons. Even if lenses are cleaned scrupulously, they still accumulate
deposits which can cause infections and allergies, as they harbour
germs. Deposits also affect comfort and reduce the amount of oxygen
transmitted.
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How Often Should I Change My Lenses?
This depends on factors such as how often
you wear them and how fast they deposit.
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Can I Wear Contact
Lenses If I Have Astigmatis?
Yes
– both soft and gas permeable lenses correct astigmatism, even
high amounts.
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My
Eyes Are Sensitive – Can I Wear Contact Lenses?
Due to the wide range of lens materials available,
these days most people can wear lenses. Some people with very sensitive
eyes opt to wear them only part time for going out or for sports.
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I’m
Squeamish About My Eyes - Do Lenses Hurt?
Lenses
don’t hurt, especially soft. When they go in, they feel just
like an eyelash in your eyes. Gas permeable lenses, are felt a bit
more initially, but as you wear them the sensation disappears.
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Can
Contact Lenses Damage The Eyes?
Serious
problems only occur if people over wear them or don’t clean
them properly. Looked after correctly, lenses are very safe.
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I’ve
Have Dry Eyes – Can I Still Wear Lenses?
Very
severe dry eyes are not suited to lenses, but most people only have
mild to moderate dryness. The Optometrist will perform a series of
tests to gauge just how dry the eyes are. Certain materials are more
suitable for dry eyes, and we will trial you with different types
to find the most suitable lens.
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Can
I Sleep In Lenses?
Yes –
although they must be made of an extremely high oxygen transmission
material. New lens technology has made it possible to wear them continuously
for 30 days and 30 nights.
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Can
I Wear Lenses While Swimming?
Yes,
although daily disposables are really only advised due to the risk
of both infection and losing lenses. Supplies of dailies can be purchased
specifically for swimming, even if your normal lens type is something
else.
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I
Wear Varifocal Glasses – Can I Wear Contact Lenses?
Yes, varifocal contact lenses are available,
as well as a number of other options such as having one eye for distance
and the other for reading. A trial will determine the best type of
correction for you.
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Can
Children Wear Lenses?
Children can wear lenses potentially from as
young as seven although it depend on each child’s individual
maturity and motivation. As long as they are able to insert and remove
them confidently and understand the health and hygiene aspects, it
is perfectly safe for children to wear lenses either full or part
time.
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