FAQ's

Q	Can anyone wear contact lenses?
A	Millions of people across the world do. And 96% of patients fitted with contact lens find them a complete success. Chances are, you'll be able to wear them comfortably and happily, almost indefinitely. In the very unlikely event of your eyes being unsuitable, your contact lens Practitioner will tell you, and explain why.
Q	I can't bear anything in my eye, will I ever be able to wear contact lenses?
A	Surprisingly, yes. Many successful contact lens wearers have said this previously and are now happy wearing their lenses. You will be slightly aware that the lenses are there at first, but it is not at all uncomfortable. if lenses are not cleaned properly & dust or debris is left on them, they may cause temporary irritation. This can usually be resolved by thoroughly rinsing the lenses before re-inserting them.
Q	Are contact lenses visible to others while I am wearing them?
A	No. Modern technology has meant that contact lenses are very thin and sit discreetly on the eye.
Q	Are there any disadvantages to wearing contact lens?
A	It will probably take a few weeks to get used to wearing contact lens, but it is worthwhile to persevere! Remember too, that we will provide all the support & advice you need at CONTACT LENS CENTRE. Your contact lens yes" must be cleaned carefully everyday so you should get into a regular routine of looking after them. You may sometimes experience temporary discomfort with your lenses in smoky, dusty, windy or some air-conditioned atmospheres. Generally you will be unable to feel your lenses in place once you are accustomed to wearing them. Remember : Routine checks at the intervals recommended by your Contact Lens Practitioner are essential to long term success with contact lenses & healthy eyes. Regular replacement of lenses and scrupulous attention to cleaning is essential.
Q	Can anyone of any age wear contact lenses?
A	Yes. Whether you're young or old , you can probably wear lenses successfully. Your contact lens Practitioner will give up to date advice.
Q	Are there people who can't wear contact lenses?
A	Some rare conditions might prevent you from wearing contact lenses successfully. If you have a reduced tear flow, your eyes may be too dry for contact lenses to be worn comfortably. Your eyes & lids may be too sensitive if you suffer from certain allergies. However, very few people do not succeed with contact lenses.
Q	Are contact lenses safe to wear?
A	Your eyes are ten times more sensitive than the rest of your body & the tissues in & around your eyes are delicate & unique. So it is very imp. That you are scrupulous about hygiene when handling your lenses, & that you clean them thoroughly & properly using the care regime recommended by your contact lens Practitioner. Some people are particularly prone to eye infections & they may be wise to give up contact lenses & return to spectacles on the advice of their contact lens Practitioner. Serious problems associated with wearing contact lens are extremely rare, usually as a result of inadequate contact lens hygiene.
Q	Are contact lenses safe for sports?
A	Contact lenses are excellent for sport. They give you an unrestricted view, won't mist over when you get hot, or get smeared with raindrops when it's wet, and they can't be knocked off your face and broken. Discuss your sporting activity at you contact lens consultation to help decide the best type for you. For example, soft lenses may be best for those who participate in active sport eg tennis, riding, cricket, football, rugby or squash, as they are unlikely to become dislodged. Contact lenses are not recommended for swimming without a well-fitting mask or goggles.
Q	Can I still wear eye make-up?
A	Yes. In fact, many people find it easier to apply their make-up wearing contact lens - because they can see exactly what they are doing! You should put in the lenses first so you can see clearly & so you don't get eye make-up on them while inserting. It is best to avoid powdery & metallic shadows, or mascara with fibres, in case particles get onto your lenses. You should also take your lenses off before removing make-up & avoid using greasy cleansers. Several brands of eye make-up have been specially developed for contact lens wearers & for people with sensitive eyes.
Q	Is cleaning important? Do I need to clean my lenses even if I change them every month?
A	It's essential to clean your lenses every day to avoid deposits accumulating & this keeps your contact lenses clear & comfortable. Cleaning also helps to prevent the risk of infection. Yes. It's just as imp. To clean your frequent replacement contact lenses every day. Deposits can begin to build up after only a short period of wear & will need to be removed daily.
Q	My eyes are astigmatic - can I wear contact lenses?
A	Yes. In most cases astigmatism is a condition where the surface of the eye is an irregular shape, so the image is distorted onto 2 separate points of focus on the back of the eye. Depending on the degree of your astigmatism, your contact lens Practitioner will advise either soft, gas permeable or toric lenses.
Q	I normally wear bifocal spectacles can I wear contact lenses?
A	Bifocal contact lenses are available, but they are more expensive than other types & because of the way the different prescription bands are incorporated into lens, many people have difficulty getting used to them. There are however several options. Several people wear a lens of different prescription in each eye - one for distance & one for reading - & the combined effect gives clarity of vision for both. You might wear contact lenses each day for your distance prescription & have a pair reading spectacles for close work. You may also like to consider having a pair of lenses to your distance prescription just for occasional wear, for leisure & social events when you can manage without your reading prescription.
Q	Can children wear contact lenses?
A	Small children are sometimes fitted with contact lenses for medical reasons. Otherwise they can be fitted with contact lenses on recommendation of a contact lens Specialist. Generally, children must be old enough & sensible enough to handle contact lenses & care for them properly with minimal adult supervision.
Q	How difficult is it to insert & remove them? Can contact lenses get lost in the eye?
A	You will be taught how to handle your lenses by one of our trained instructors, who will show you how to insert & remove them. You will discover it is much easier than you thought & as your confidence grows you will find it takes only a couple of seconds. And you never need directly touch the surface of your eyes. Contact lenses cannot get lost behind your eye. It is possible for them to slip out of place. If this happens, simply close your eye & gently massage it back into position.
Q	How long does it take to get used to wearing contact lenses? Will I need my spectacles any more?
A	Your contact lens Practitioner will give you a timetable to increase gradually the length of time you wear your new contact lenses, starting with a few hours a day. It can take up to a fortnight to reach maximum wearing time with gas permeable lenses, but can be much quicker for soft lens wearers. Contact lenses offer tremendous advantages but it makes sense to always have a pair of spectacles with an up to date prescription in case you lose or damage your lenses. Also there may be times when your eyes become tired and you would prefer to wear your spectacles.
Q	What if I don't get on with them after a few months?
A	Your contact lens practitioner will explain the need for a rigorous hygiene routine, regular replacement and continuous care. Your progress will be closely monitored at your aftercare appointments but it will be up to you to manage your contact lenses in conjunction with your specialist. If you have been assessed as being suitable for contact lenses at your contact lens consultation and follow all the advise given to you, you will be very unlucky indeed not to succeed with contact lenses. However if this is the case, we will return you to wearing spectacles.