Contact Lenses Explained
Have you ever thought about trying Contact Lenses? Whether you’re looking for crisp all-round vision, a natural look without frames obscuring your eyes or the freedom to be more active, contact lenses are a great alternative to glasses. There are many options available and our expert practitioners will help you decide which lenses will complement your eyesight and lifestyle best.
Daily Disposable
If you are looking for the ultimate in convenience and comfort then Daily Disposable Contact Lenses are for you. There’s no cleaning involved as you simply wear a fresh new lens every day. This makes them an ideal choice for sport, for social and occasional wear, or for use when travelling.
Extended Wear
Made from ultra-breathable materials, extended or continuous wear lenses can be worn day and night without removal for up to a month. Like re-usable lenses, these may be suitable if you rarely wear glasses or if your lifestyle or occupation mean you need longer or flexible hours of daily wear.
Re-usable
For the frequent lens wearer, re-usable lenses are a cost-effective option. Instead of disposing of your lenses at the end of the day, you clean and store them using the recommended solutions ready to wear again. Lenses are changed either fortnightly or monthly.
Multifocal
As you age, the lens in your eye slowly loses its flexibility leading to a gradual decline in ability to focus on near objects. Known as Presbyopia, this is a normal and expected change which affects almost everyone. Like multifocal (or progressive) glasses, contact lenses are available which allow you to see both near and far.
Tinted and Coloured
These contact lenses can enhance or completely change the colour of your eyes and are the ultimate fashion or costume accessory – you don’t even need a prescription to wear them! Ask at your local practice to see the options.
Toric
Prescribed to correct astigmatism, a common condition resulting in blurry vision at all distances, Toric lenses are designed to fit the irregular curve of your cornea. Disposable, re-usable, gas permeable and bifocal or multifocal lens designs are all available.
Gas Permeable Lenses
Rigid lenses which normally require daily cleaning and storing overnight, gas permeable lenses provide a healthier and more cost effective option for long-term full-time wear. Compared to soft lenses they also provide crisper vision, are better at correcting irregularly shaped eyes and are more durable, so are usually replaced every 6 or 12 months. Unlike many contact lens practices, Haine & Smith see a large number of gas permeable wearers so you can be assured you’re in good hands. Find out more here.
Almost all prescriptions can now be corrected with contact lenses including astigmatism and presbyopia.
Interested in Trialling Contact Lenses?
Arrange an appointment with one of our experienced Contact Lens Opticians, to go through all of your options. You can trial several different lens types before you commit to your perfect fit.