Contact lenses can be categorised into hard or soft contact lenses. Hard contact lenses also known as Rigid Gas Permeable contact lenses (or RGP for short) are more commonly used for people who have high prescriptions or are prone to allergies. Some hard contact lenses are designed to be worn overnight and correct your vision while you sleep. When you take them off in the morning your vision is clear for the rest of the day, this technique is known as Orthokeratology.
Soft disposable contact lenses are popular amongst most contact lens wearers today and they are available as a; daily disposable, fortnightly, monthly disposable and extended wear contact lens.
Daily disposable contact lenses have to be thrown away after 1 day. The benefit of using a daily disposable contact lens is that you're using fresh new lens every time which makes them the most hygienic form of contact lens wear. Also if you only wear your contact lenses occasionally they are a very cost effective choice. Some of the most popular brands daily disposable contact lenses are Acuvue 1 Day Moist, Aquacomfort Plus and Acuvue 1 Day TruEye.
Fortnightly disposable contact lenses can be worn 14 times within a 30 day period before they have to be thrown away. One of the most popular brands of contact lenses worn today is Acuvue Oasys which is available as a toric lens to correct people who have astigmatism.
Monthly disposable contact lenses are also available as an extended wear lens which is approved for continuous overnight wear for up to 30 days. Extended wear contact lenses may suit those who have a busy lifestyle and want the convenience of leaving their contact lenses in overnight. 3 of the most popular extended wear contact lenses are Focus Night & Day, Purevision and Biofinity.
If you haven't worn contact lenses before but would like to try them, the first thing to do is book in for an eye test. We first have to check your prescription and the health of your eyes before fitting you with contact lenses. Your spectacle prescription may be different from your contact lens prescription which usually includes details of what brand and size of lenses you are wearing. During the initial contact lens consulation, we will ask you questions about your lifestyle and reasons for wanting contact lenses. This helps us make a decision on which type of contact lens to fit you with, be it a daily, fortnightly or monthly lens. The next important step in wearing contact lenses is that you're taught how to properly insert, remove and maintain the lenses. After the consultation you'll be given some trial lenses to take away to practice and use followed by an aftercare consultation. The aftercare appointment is a great chance for you to discuss any problems you may have had with your trial contacts and also for the optometrist to see how your eyes coped with the lenses. If you're keen wearing contact lenses book an appointment with us today.
Don't sweat! We stock a large inventory of contact lenses including brands such as:
Contact lenses don't have to be simply for vision correction - They can change your whole look too! From a subtle colour change to a whole new pattern for costume parties, contact lenses come in many different colours and styles. The invention of coloured contact lenses means the colour of your eyes is up to YOU! Freshlook Colorblends offer a subtle change, while Freshlook Colors will create a bolder look for darker eyes. If you have lighter eyes, you can subtly enhance your eye colour with Dimensions.