Types of Contact Lenses
Contact lenses are a convenient and effective way to correct vision, offering an alternative to glasses. We offer various types of contact lenses. Our opticians can help you find the most suitable, depending on your lifestyle and prescription.
Lenses for Daily Wear
Lenses for daily wear are contact lenses designed for comfortable, everyday use. They come in two main types: daily disposables and monthly or two-weekly lenses. Both types provide clear vision and comfort.
Daily disposables offer ultimate convenience and hygiene, while reusable options are more cost-effective.
Daily Disposable Lenses
Daily disposable lenses are single-use contact lenses designed for maximum convenience and hygiene. They are ideal for both occasional and everyday wearers, providing the ultimate convenience. With a fresh pair every day, there's no need for cleaning or storage, reducing the risk of eye infections.
Monthly and Bi-Weekly Lenses
Monthly and bi-weekly lenses are reusable contact lenses designed for regular wear. They offer a cost-effective option for daily contact lens users, requiring regular cleaning and proper storage. They're ideal for those who prefer a consistent routine and are comfortable with lens maintenance.
Lenses for Specialist Prescriptions
Lenses for specialist prescriptions are designed to address specific vision needs beyond standard corrections. These include toric lenses for astigmatism, multifocal lenses for presbyopia, and rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses for clearer vision.
Each type is tailored to unique eye conditions, offering precise vision correction and improved quality of life for those with complex prescriptions.
Toric Lenses
Toric lenses are specialised contact lenses designed to correct astigmatism. They are shaped to maintain a specific orientation on the eye, ensuring consistent vision correction. They come in various types, including soft and rigid gas-permeable options, and can be prescribed as daily disposables or reusable lenses.
Multifocal Lenses
Multifocal lenses cater to those with presbyopia, a condition that affects near and far vision. These contact lenses combine prescriptions within a single lens for near, intermediate, and distance vision, allowing wearers to see clearly at various ranges without switching between different pairs of glasses.
Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses
RGP lenses are durable contact lenses which offer exceptionally clear, crisp vision and are particularly beneficial for complex prescriptions or irregular corneas. RGP lenses are long-lasting, resistant to deposit buildup, and allow more oxygen to reach the eye compared to traditional soft lenses. They may require an initial adaptation period. RGP lenses are available in standard, toric, and multifocal forms, making them versatile options for various vision correction needs.
Lenses for Dry Eyes
Lenses for dry eyes are specially designed contact lenses that prioritise moisture retention and comfort for individuals with dry eye syndrome. These include hydrogel and silicone hydrogel lenses and specific daily disposable lenses.
These lenses aim to reduce irritation and discomfort associated with dry eyes, allowing for longer, more comfortable wear times.
Hydrogel and Silicone Hydrogel Lenses
Hydrogel and silicone hydrogel lenses are designed with high water content, offering comfort and ease of use. Silicone hydrogel lenses incorporate silicone to allow more oxygen to reach the cornea, making them suitable for extended wear. Both are available in various designs to correct different vision problems.
Daily Disposable Lenses
Daily disposable lenses are also a great option for dry eyes, as they minimise the risk of deposit buildup, that can exacerbate dry eye symptoms, and provide a fresh, comfortable experience every day. By eliminating the need for cleaning and storage, they minimise exposure to potential allergens and irritants.
Overnight Wear Myopia Management Contact Lenses
Overnight wear myopia management contact lenses, like Ortho-K, are specialised lenses designed to slow the progression of myopia (nearsightedness) in children and young adults. They not only correct the current vision but also aim to control myopia progression, potentially reducing the risk of high myopia-related eye health issues in the future.
These lenses offer a non-invasive alternative to traditional myopia correction methods.
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Lenses
Ortho-K lenses are specially designed to be worn overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea. They gently flatten the center of the cornea, allowing for clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses. They are primarily used for myopia correction and management, but can also address mild astigmatism and hyperopia.
Extended Wear Lenses
Extended wear lenses are designed for continuous wear, including overnight use. They can be worn continuously for 6 to 30 days. While convenient, they require professional approval and may carry higher risks than daily wear lenses. Not all eyes are suitable for this type of lens, so a thorough eye examination is essential.
Usage Guidelines
It's crucial to follow your eye care professional’s recommendations when using contact lenses for safe and effective lens wear. They typically include proper handling, cleaning, and disinfection procedures, as well as recommended wear times and replacement schedules.
These guidelines also cover important dos and don'ts, such as avoiding water exposure and not sleeping in lenses unless approved. Following these guidelines helps maintain eye health, prevent infections, and ensure optimal comfort and vision while wearing contact lenses.
FAQs Contact Lenses
There's no single "best" type of contact lens, as the ideal choice depends on individual needs, preferences, and eye health. When choosing contact lenses, consider factors such as comfort, convenience, cost, eye health, and your lifestyle needs.
Each type of lens offers unique benefits, so it's important to find the one that best suits your individual requirements.
We recommend having a contact lens check-up at least once a year. Regular check-ups ensure your lenses are still fitting well, and your eye health is maintained.
Unless you have specific wear lenses prescribed by your optometrist, it's not recommended to sleep in your contact lenses. Doing so can increase the risk of eye infections and corneal damage.
Yes, many children can successfully wear contact lenses. The right age to start depends on the child's maturity and ability to handle lens care. Your optometrist can help determine if your child is ready.
The duration of a contact lens appointment varies depending on the type of visit. A Contact Lens Check or Refitting appointment typically takes about 30 minutes. However, for a Contact Lens Initial Consultation and Fitting or a combined Contact Lens Check & Ultimate Eye Exam, the appointment can last up to one hour.
Yes, contact lens prescriptions are different from eyeglass prescriptions. They include additional measurements like lens diameter and base curve.
To get started with contact lenses, simply book a contact lens appointment with us. We'll assess your eyes, discuss your needs, and help you choose the best lenses for your lifestyle.