Contact Lenses

Welcome to the only guide you will need when it comes to contact lenses.

Whether you’re considering contact lenses for the first time or simply looking for more information, we’re here to answer your most common questions and provide helpful tips.

At Book An Eye Test, we’re all about helping you make the best choices for your eye care and eyewear. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about contact lenses from understanding the different types of contact lenses to knowing what to expect during a contact lens fitting appointment to caring for them.

We hope this guide will help you make the most of your contact lens experience. Should you have any further questions, feel free to reach out to us directly.  We’re here to support you every step of the way.

1. Are Contact Lenses Right for Me?
2. Types of Contact Lenses
3. What to Expect during the Contact Lens Fitting?
4. How to Care for Your Contact Lenses
5. Frequently Asked Questions
6. Benefits of Buying Lenses from Your Optician

ARE CONTACT LENSES RIGHT FOR ME?

No matter your age or prescription, there’s likely a contact lens out there that’s perfect for you, giving you the freedom to enjoy all the things you love. In fact, 99.96% of glasses wearers have a contact lens available in their prescription¹. People choose contact lenses for a variety of practical and personal reasons. Here’s some of the reasons we hear the most often and why they might work for you:

• Clear vision without obstructions: No frames or lenses blocking your ability to see things outside your direct line of sight.
• Comfort in various weather conditions: They don’t fog up in the cold or get splattered by rain.
• Freedom during sports and activities: Stay securely in place.
• Aesthetic appeal: Some people enjoy having the choice of wearing either contact lenses or glasses.
• Quality-of-life benefit for pre – teens (8-12 years) and teens (13-17 years)²: Research has shown both groups report feeling happier with their vision correction, can join in activities more easily, and like how they look when they wear contact lenses
• Flexibility: Easily switch between glasses and contacts depending on the occasion.
• More natural look: Contact lenses can maintain your natural appearance.

TYPES OF CONTACT LENSES

Contact lenses come in two main materials: soft and rigid. Each material has its own benefits, and we’ll help you find the best option for your eyes and lifestyle. There are several types of contact lenses available, each designed to meet different vision needs and preferences. Below is an overview of the most common types.

Daily Disposables

Daily disposable lenses are single use, meaning they are designed to be worn for one day and then discarded. These lenses are perfect for those seeking maximum convenience, as they don’t require any cleaning or storage. Knowing you can wear a fresh pair every day for your usual activities, sport or special occasions, daily disposable contact lenses offer comfort and simplicity, making them an excellent choice for busy lifestyles.

Monthly / Weekly Lenses

Reusable lenses, available in both 2-weekly and monthly varieties, offer a reliable option for those who prefer a consistent schedule, and can be great value for money. These lenses must be cleaned and stored properly between uses but are a great choice for those comfortable with a regular lens care routine.

Toric Lenses

Toric lenses are specifically designed for eyes with astigmatism, a common condition that causes blurry or distorted vision due to the irregular shape of the cornea. These lenses are available in both daily and reusable varieties, and they work by correcting the uneven curvature of the eye to provide clearer vision. Toric lenses are great choices for anyone with astigmatism who wants sharp, stable vision without glasses.

Multifocal Lenses

These lenses are perfect for people with presbyopia. Presbyopia is a natural part of aging where your eyes gradually lose the ability to focus on nearby objects. Imagine trying to read a book or look at your phone, and the words start to look blurry. This usually starts to happen around the age of 40 and it is a natural part of aging. Multifocal lenses allow you to see clearly at all distances.

Speciality Contact Lenses

Speciality contact lenses are made for people with unique vision needs that regular lenses can’t fix.

Ortho-K

Ortho-K contact lenses are a fantastic option for short-sighted (myopic) adults and children, in other words for those who can see nearby objects clearly, but distant objects appear blurry. They are worn overnight while you sleep, and they gently reshape the front surface of your eye. When you wake up, you can take them out and enjoy clear vision without needing glasses or contact lenses during the daytime. This also makes them perfect for those who enjoy playing sport.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR CONTACT LENS FITTING

Your Optometrist or Contact Lens Optician wants to ensure that the lenses you choose are comfortable, effective, and tailored to your eye and vision needs. Here is some information on what is involved, starting with why an up-to-date eye exam is essential:

Up-to-Date Eye Exam

Firstly, you need an eye exam, which assesses the overall health of your eye and determines your vision needs. At the end of your eye exam, you will be issued with a spectacle prescription. This prescription forms the basis of the contact lens fitting and will be used by the Optometrist or Contact Lens Optician to decide the best contact lenses to keep your eyes healthy and ensure you can see clearly. If you do not have an up-to-date prescription, you will be booked in for an eye exam as well as a contact lens fitting which may require a slightly longer appointment or two separate appointments.

Initial Consultation - Lens Selection, Trial, and Fitting

During this visit, you’ll discuss your lifestyle, preference and any previous experiences with contact lenses. This helps your us understand your needs and recommend the most suitable contact lens options. Your Optometrist or Contact Lens Optician will measure the curvature of your cornea and if necessary, will take additional measurements specific to your needs.  These measurements ensure that the lenses fit your eyes properly, providing comfort and clear vision. Based on these measurements and your eye exam prescription, you’ll be given trial lenses to wear. The lenses may already be in the practice, in which case you can try them on the same day. This allows you to experience how the lenses feel and how well you can see with them. After wearing the trial lenses for a few days, you’ll have a follow-up appointment to assess the fit and make any necessary adjustments to your contact lens specification or lens type.

How to Apply and Remove your Contact Lenses

If you’re new to contact lenses, you will be guided by a trained team member how to apply, remove and, in the case of reusable lenses, care for them.  You’ll get some time to practice applying and removing the lenses with their help and they will share useful tips. It is a relaxed and supportive session, and you can ask any questions you may have. You will be given a leaflet to take home with you and the practice team will be on hand if you need additional support.

How to Care for your Contact Lenses

Our experts will explain how to take care of your contact lenses. If you have reusable lenses, you will be advised which contact lens solution is best and how to use it. Don’t worry, there are no difficult contact lens care routines! You will also be reminded of the replacement schedule and check-up frequency that the Optometrist or Contact Lens Optician has recommended for you.

Your contact lens specification includes all the important details like the lens design, material and power to enable you to buy the specific lenses you have been fitted with.  This is important as other contact lenses may not be the optimum fit or be as healthy for your eyes.

Check-Ups

Once everything is confirmed to be working well, your Optometrist or Contact Lens Optician will schedule regular check-ups to monitor your eye health. The length of time between each visit can vary from just a month to 2 years and will be dependent on your eye care needs.

This is an opportunity for your Optometrist or Contact Lens Optician to check the contact lenses are delivering the best possible experience for you and to make any adjustments, if needed.

CONTACT LENSES FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When it comes to contact lenses, it’s natural to have questions. Below are answers to some of the most common queries people have about wearing and caring for contact lenses:

Is it safe to wear contact lenses?

Contact lenses are a popular and effective way to correct your vision, and the good news is that issues are thankfully very rare. Contact lenses are easy to manage and if you stick to the advice you were given about wearing schedules, replacement frequency, cleaning and storing (if applicable) and check-up frequency you are unlikely to experience any issues.  There are however some things you must not do:

• Don’t use your lenses for swimming, hot tubs or water sports.
• Don’t sleep in your lenses, unless specifically advised by your Optometrist or Contact Lens Optician
• Don’t use tap water, or any type of water, on your lenses or lens case

Can I use water to store my contact lenses?

Always keep tap water (or any water) away from your lenses and lens case, no matter what type of lenses you use. Make sure to dry your hands thoroughly after washing them before handling your lenses.

Can I still wear make-up with my contact lenses?

Sure, you can, but it’s best to apply your contact lenses before applying you make up and take your lenses out before removing your make up.

Do I have to have short fingernails to wear contact lenses?

You might find it easier to handle the lenses with shorter fingernails, but we can show you methods suitable for those with longer nails.

Can the contact lens get lost behind my eye?

No, a contact lens cannot get lost behind your eye. Thankfully, the anatomy of the eye prevents this from happening.

How long can I wear contact lenses each day?

The length of time you can wear contact lenses each day depends on the type of lenses and your eyes health. Most soft contact lenses are suitable for 8 to 12 hours or wear per day, and there are even some lenses that are suitable for overnight wear, but your optician will provide specific guidelines based on your lenses and needs.

How often should I replace my lenses?

The replacement schedule for contact lenses varies depending on the type you use:

• Daily Disposables should be discarded after one use.
• Bi-weekly lenses need to be replaced after 2 weeks of use.
• Monthly lenses are designed for 30 days of wear.

Sticking to your replacement schedule is critical for eye health, as wearing lenses longer than recommended can lead to the build-up of protein deposits, bacteria, and other particles that can irritate your eyes or lead to infections.

Can I sleep in contact lenses?

Most contact lenses are not designed to be worn while sleeping. Sleeping in lenses that are not approved for extended or overnight wear can reduce the amount of oxygen reaching your eyes, increasing the risk of infections, dryness, and discomfort. However, some lenses are designed for overnight wear and are safe to sleep in, but only under the guidance of your Optometrist or Contact Lens Optician.  If you’re interested in this option, ask your Optometrist or Contact Lens Optician if extended-wear lenses are a suitable choice for you.

Do contact lenses hurt?

No, contact lenses should not hurt. If your contact lenses feel uncomfortable, it might be because the contact lens is damaged, or you are coming down with a cold. If they do hurt, you should remove them and talk to your Optometrist or Contact Lens Optician as soon as possible.

Is there any point in trying contact lenses if they didn’t work for me in the past?

It’s worth giving contact lenses another try as contact lens technology has come a long way in terms of comfort and fit. There is every chance that there is a contact lens that will suit your eyes better.

BENEFITS OF BUYING CONTACT LENSES FROM YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT OPTICIAN

Contact lenses should only be supplied under the supervision of a GOC (General Optical Council) regulated practitioner. Purchasing contact lenses directly from your GOC regulated independent practice offers several distinct advantages that contribute to better eye health and overall satisfaction.

Personalised Fitting: Professional Care and Advice

Your Optometrist or Contact Lens Optician provides a personalised fitting to ensure that your contact lenses match the unique shape and needs of your eyes. This custom fit helps maximise comfort and effectiveness, reducing the risk of discomfort or vision issues. Your Optometrist or Contact Lens Optician also offers expert advice on the best lens options for your lifestyle and vision requirements, ensuring you receive lenses that are tailored specifically to you.

Follow-Up Care: Support for Any Issues or Adjustments

When you buy lenses from your Optometrist or Contact Lens Optician, you benefit from ongoing support and follow-up care. Regular check-ups are key to keeping the front part of your eye, known as the anterior eye, healthy and happy.  Plus, regular check-ups with your Optometrist or Contact Lens Optician can catch any potential issues early, so you can enjoy clear and comfortable vision every day.

Quality and Safety

Opticians offer high-quality lenses that have been tested for safety and effectiveness. Purchasing from a registered optician ensures you are buying contact lenses regulated by the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Buying from a registered business who are regulated by the GOC (General Optical Council) means that you can be assured that the regulations on contact lens supply are being followed and you are purchasing a genuine product manufactured to the standards of the European market. This is important because contact lenses purchased from sources not governed and regulated by the GOC may not undergo the same stringent safety checks on their supply chains.

1. CVI data on file, 2021. Rx coverage database n=101,973 aged 14 to 70 years
2. Walline JJ, Gaume A, Jones LA, Rah MJ, Manny RE, Berntsen DA, Chitkara M, Kim A, Quinn N. Benefits of contact lens wear for children and teens. Eye Contact Lens. 2007;33(6 Pt 1):317-321. 

BOOK A CONTACT LENS APPOINTMENT AT YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT OPTICIANS

Find your nearest contact lens professional (optician) who will be able to provide you with the correct contact lens prescription for your unique vision needs.

We also encourage you to book an appointment with your local specialist!