FAQ’s
1. If disposable contact lenses are still comfortable after the manufacturer’s recommended wearing time has expired, can they still be worn?
Wearing the lenses past the manufacturer’s recommended wearing time increases the risk of infection, thus negating the benefits of disposable contact lenses. The very nature of disposable contact lenses means that you will continually have clean contact lenses upon replacement.
2. Can my contact lenses be worn without removal?
Certain contact lenses have been approved for 30 day extended wear. Wearing these lenses sleeping slightly increases the risk of microbial or infectious corneal ulcer. Wearers of these lenses must have their eyes checked at least every six months. Normal contact lenses should not be worn on an extended wear basis.
3. How do I know if my contact lenses are ‘worn out’?
Blurred vision, ocular discomfort and lens discoloration and deposits are common signs that a lens is approaching the end of its life. This can lead lens intolerance. Frequent replacement lenses should prevent these problems before they occur.
4. Is there any age limit for wearing contact lenses?
Contact lenses are usually used starting from age 11-12 years, because children of that age are already able to handle and take care of the lenses independently. There are some exceptions when lenses are used by younger children but it is not common.
5 Can I swim while wearing my contact lenses?
Yes, however, it would be prudent to wear swimming goggles and disinfect the lenses after swimming. Because of the higher risk of microbial keratitis, contact lenses should not be worn in a spa.
6. Is it OK to play sports while wearing contact lenses?
Wearing contact lenses for sports is a more flexible and stable form of eye correction than spectacles. In fact contact lenses give more peripheral vision than spectacles. If your sport involves vigorous exercise, a soft contact lens is an appropriate choice. If contact lenses are only worn occasionally, then use of a one-day lens, such as Acuvue 1 Day , Proclear 1 Day or Focus Dailies Aqua Comfort Plus lens, is most convenient.
7. How often should I have an eye examination?
It is recommended that an annual eye examination is conducted to check your vision and evaluate the health of your eyes
8. Can contact lenses come out of the eye with blinking?
Once you have adapted to them, correctly fitted contact lenses should stay in position. However, they can come out under certain conditions. Rubbing your eye carelessly may result in a lost lens or you may push the lens under your eyelid.
9. I am currently pregnant and am experiencing difficulty with my contact lenses. Is this normal?
Pregnancy causes a change in hormone levels, which may impact upon your eyesight. Hormones can affect tear function, resulting in reduced or blurry vision. It is common to have a transient intolerance to contact lenses, particularly in the third trimester. The problem should resolve itself after childbirth. If the deterioration in vision persists, even after inserting new lenses, you should consult your eye care practitioner at once.
10. Can contact lenses be worn while travelling by aeroplane without discomfort?
Generally no. The low humidity and lower oxygen content in the cabin air, causes the symptoms of dry eye and often results in contact lens discomfort. It may help to put lubrication drops in your eyes before you enter the aeroplane or during the flight. Generally short flight times (2-3 hours) should not result in these symptoms. However, if symptoms persist or become severe, it will be easier and more comfortable for you to wear spectacles.
11. Can patients with ‘dry eye’ problems wear soft contact lenses?
Yes. However, you may have a reduced wearing time than someone with normal tear secretion. You can increase the comfort of your lenses by inserting eye lubrication drops. As always, it is best to consult your eye care practitioner for the best advice regarding whether you should wear contact lenses and what type of lenses may be suitable.
12. Can a contact lens disappear behind my eye?
No. It is impossible for a lens to disappear behind the eye, however a contact lens may displace under the eyelid. If this occurs, try looking in the direction of the lens to move it back to the correct position. If you wear hard gas permeable lenses, you may need to manipulate a displaced lens through the eyelid.
13. Can I wear soft contact lenses if I have astigmatism?
Astigmatism (a condition whereby the cornea is slightly egg-shaped) can be corrected with a special type of soft contact lens called a toric lens. These lenses are available in a smaller range of parameters than regular spherical lenses.
14. I wear bifocal or multifocal glasses, can I wear contact lenses?
Several options are available. Bifocal contact lenses such as AirOptix Multifocal, SofLens Multifocal or PureVision Multifocal are available. Alternatively your practitioner may decide on monovision, whereby one eye is fitted with a distance lens and the other eye with a reading lens. This has a success rate of 70-80%. The final alternative is to wear a pair of distance contact lenses with reading glasses over the top.
15. How often should contact lenses be changed?
Depending on such factors as the mode of manufacture and lens material, the recommended life of disposable soft contact lenses varies from 1 to 30 days. Conventional contact lenses usually last 6-12 months. As with any medical device you should follow the prescribed wear and care instructions given by the manufacturer.
16. Is a prescription needed to wear contact lenses to change my eye color and not to correct my vision?
Yes. You still need to be fitted for the lenses even if you don’t need vision correction. This is because contact lenses are medical devices and wearing them can affect the health of your eyes.
17. I have dark eyes, can I change my eye color using contact lenses?
Yes. They are called opaque contact lenses as opposed to enhancer tints which work only on light colored eyes. Conventional daily-wear opaque contact lenses are available in many different colors and shades. Opaque contact lenses such as Freshlook Colorblends, FreshLook Colors, Expressions Colors and ColourVUE BigEyes are available.
18. Do you stock opticians own brand lenses?
A common problem – the Opticians try to tie you into ‘Own Brand’ lenses to make it difficult for you to re – order your replacement lenses from elsewhere. You can’t then benefit from the great deals that we can give you on replacement contact lenses and are forced to pay expensive prices! The lenses that the high street chains have supplied to you are EXACTLY THE SAME as the lenses supplied by us – but have simply been repackaged. You can contact Customer Support with the details of your lenses and high street chain, and we will tell you the exact replacement lenses that we can supply to you at discount prices.