Contact Lenses | Eye Treatments | Seeing Clearly

Contact Lenses

A contact lens is a corrective lens usually placed on the cornea of the eye.

Contact lenses usually serve the same corrective purpose as conventional glasses (spectacles), but are lightweight and virtually invisible to the naked eye.

This makes them very popular to those with eye conditions, as they are less affected by wet weather, do not steam up, and provide a wider field of vision.

Many contact users feel they offer a better cosmetic appeal that wearing spectacles, wearing lenses essentially allows the quality of vision offered by glasses without the need to actually wear them.

It is also worth noting that as the lens site directly on the eye, they are far more suitable when playing sporting activities.

Below are some frequently asked questions relating to contact lenses:

Q. I've seen that disposable lenses should be thrown away after a single use. Can I continue to wear my lenses past the recommended time if they are still comfortable?

A. You should not wear your Lenses for longer than the recommended time period. The reason its lenses are marked disposable is to prevent discomfort, dryness (of the eye), blurred vision and allergic reactions that can result from a build-up of protein and lipid deposits on the lenses.

Whilst the lens may remain comfortable any potential irritation can increase the risk of harmful bacteria building up on the lens.

Q. I suffer from dry eyes. Can I wear contact lenses?

A. It is likely that you'll have less success with contact lenses than someone without the dry eye condition. However this does not mean that you cannot wear contact lenses at all. If you do choose to wear lenses its recommended you wear them for a shorter time period, you can make lens wearing more comfortable by inserting special eye lubrication drops to the lenses.

Q. I've read that wearing contact lenses while travelling by aeroplane can be uncomfortable. Why is this, and what can be done to lessen the discomfort?

A. As aircraft cabins have a low humidity you may find an increased chance of dry eye symptoms which can cause contact lens discomfort. You may find it helpful to put eye lubrication drops in your eyes before you enter the airplane or during flight to help keep them hydrated. If you find dry eye symptoms persist or become worsen, it is recommended to wear eyeglasses when flying.

Q. Is it possible for contact lenses to be "blinked" out?

A. With normal everyday use, contact lenses should stay firmly in position. It is possible for the lens to come out under certain conditions. Anything that can cause the eyes to water and pull the eyelid tight against the eye will increase the chance of lens loss. A physical blow to the head may move the lens causing it to be become dislodged and fall out, also rubbing your eye carelessly may also result in lens loss.

Q. Is it OK to swim while wearing contact lenses?

A. You can only wear your lens underwater if you're wearing goggles with a firm seal. If you don't wear goggles, the contact lenses is likely to float from your eyes and possibly absorb pool water.

Q. Is it OK to play sports while wearing contact lenses?

A. One of the most popular reasons for wearing contact lenses is for sports. Contact lenses offer a much more flexible and stable form of eye correction than glasses. If your sport involves particularly vigorous exercise a soft contact lens is recommended.

Q. Can my contact lens slip behind my eye?

A. In a word no, a very thin yet strong, membrane, lines the inside of your eyelids and curls back on itself to cover the white part of the eye. Lenses cannot pass through it. Your contact lenses could possibly slide under your eyelids or slip from their normal position. If this occurs, its best to try looking in the direction of the lens to get it to move back to the correct position.

Q. What are contact lenses made of?

A. Contact lenses are made from various materials called polymers. Polymers ensure the lens remain comfortable by allowing the eye to breathe normally and keep their shape on the eye.

Q. How long can you store a contact lens after it has been removed from its package?

A. This varies depending on the cleaning and disinfection routine that you use before storing the lens. For specific details consult the package insert of your lens care system.