Contact Lens Information
This page aims to answer some of the questions most commonly asked by prospective contact lens wearers.
As each patient has individual requirements in contact lens wear and each patient varies in tear production, eye shape and spectacle prescription, the answers given are only guidelines. More detailed information will be given at the initial eye examination.
Q. What type of lenses are there?
A. There has never been a wider range of lens type available to suit all types of prescription. We most commonly fit soft monthly or daily disposable lenses, but also have available toric lenses to correct astigmatism, bifocal contact lenses, two weekly disposables, lenses for up to 30 days continuous (including overnight) wear, gas permeable lenses, colour tinted lenses and other more complex types.
Q. Which ones would be best for me?
A. This depends very much on your prescription, the shape of the front of the eye and how often the lenses are to be worn. In general, daily disposable contact lenses are better for those who require wear two or three times a week or who find care and cleaning of conventional lenses a nuisance. Other lens types have various advantages and disadvantages.
Q. How much will they cost?
A. We have an up to date price list - please ask for a copy - but the choice of lens type must be dictated by suitability as well as cost!
Q. What if I lose one?
A. We have a replacement scheme for standard lenses which is £25 to join for a year. Lenses can then be supplied with a discount of £10 and generally arrive within a couple of days of ordering. One of the advantages of disposable lenses is that a spare is always to hand.
Q. How much will solutions cost?
A. The cost again will depend on the lens type and solution system recommended, but they range between nothing (daily disposable lenses) and £12 per month.
Q. Are they safe?
A. All contact lens wear involves an increased risk of eye infections, but with good hygiene and sensible use the risk can be minimised. If you wish to discuss this in detail feel free to do so when you have the initial trial.
Q. But how do I know if I'm "suitable"?
A. There is no test to determine if anyone is able to wear contact lenses successfully long term. The normal procedure is to carry out and ordinary eye examination and then, after carefully checking the health of the eye, to wear a trial pair of contact lenses for half an hour or so to gain some impression of how the lenses feel and so the fit of the lenses can be assessed. If the trial is successful the first supply of lenses are then ordered. Contact lens wearers require more frequent checks than spectacle wearers (the cost of the visits usually being included in the lens cost for frequently replaced lenses). The next step if you are interested in contact lens wear is to book a routine eye examination and discuss contact lenses in more detail.
For further information, visit the British Contact Lens Association website
