|
Contact lenses come in an array of brands, materials, wearing schedules and power/prescription availabilities. Below is a brief explanation of the different lens types available to give you a general idea. If you are interested in contact lenses, it is advisable to have an eye exam first if you have not had one for a while and then book in for our free of charge ‘Contact Lens Consultation’. At this appointment we will discuss with you your prescription, your needs, your lifestyle and the different lens types availabl. Between us, we will decide on the best lens for you. We will also discuss costs and fitting procedures so that at the end of this appointment, you will be confident that you are making an informed choice about contact lenses. Contact Lens Materials Soft lenses (Hydrogel) Soft lenses are made from gel-like plastics, usually with a high water content. They are soft to the touch, very comfortable to wear and easy to get used to. With the new ultra-thin soft lenses, users often find that they can be worn comfortably for most of the day. Soft lenses (Silicone Hydrogel) Silicone Hydrogel is a relatively new material that has taken the contact lens market by storm. It offers a much greater oxygen transmission to the eye which results in greater comfort enabling longer hours of wear, whiter healthier eyes and maximised vision and fit. Some designs in this material can enable the wearer to sleep in the contact lenses continuously for up to 29 nights. This can offer the freedom from glasses that is only rivalled by laser surgery. Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses RGP lenses are also known as oxygen permeable lenses as they allow oxygen to pass to the surface of the eye. They are durable made to order lens and we recommend yearly replacement. They offer crisp, clear vision and are easier to handle than soft lenses. However, as they are made from firmer plastics they can take a while to get used to before they sit comfortably on the eye. They are particularly suitable for people with high degrees of astigmatism whose prescription is not suitable for soft lenses. Contact Lens Replacement Schedules (soft lenses) Disposable lenses "Disposable lenses" is a term used to describe soft lenses that are of a ‘stock’ power range and replaced frequently. This might be daily, weekly, twice-weekly or monthly. Most lenses with the exception of dailies and ‘sleep in (extended wear) lenses’ are taken out each evening and cleaned with a lens cleaning solution. Despite regular cleaning, proteins can build up on a contact lens, which can affect comfort, eye health and vision. Therefore, the more frequent a lens is replaced, the better the results. More frequent replacement does however mean higher overall costs. Daily Disposable lenses are very popular as they are simply thrown away at the end of each day and replaced with new ones the next day. They do not require care products such as solutions which improves convenience and reduces costs. With advancements in technology and manufacturing, the cost of disposable lenses is now comparable with soft and RGP lenses. Some people wear this lens type full time, and others choose to wear their glasses as their main vision correction and save their contact lenses for special occasions and / or sports. Durable / made to order The availability of disposable lenses is constantly improving. Sometimes a more complex prescription means a lens is out of ‘stock range’ and needs to be made to order. The increased cost of this option means that they are normally replaced 3 monthly, 6 monthly or very occasionally yearly. As above, for a better contact lens experience, more frequent replacement is advised where possible. Lens Designs Different types of prescriptions may require different lens designs. A Toric lens may be needed when a person’s prescription includes a correction for astigmatism. If a prescription is needed for distance and reading, contact lenses are available as a ‘multifocal’ which is basically a varifocal contact lens. Other options include wearing a lens in one eye for distance and a lens in the other eye for reading. This technique is called monovision. Others choose to wear contact lenses to correct their distance prescription and wear reading glasses on top for close work. Some lenses are available with coloured tints that change the colour of the eye. This option has a limited range and is not available in all designs / materials / replacements. Coloured lenses are also available for people who don’t need correction and want them just for fun. |
|
 |
