More BrandsContact Lenses are not one size fits all item – they are a medical device and you must be fitted for lenses by a qualified optometrist to ensure a perfect fit and optimum vision correction. Having your contact lenses fit correctly and following the recommend replacement schedule as outlined by your optometrist is the best step to avoid any possible damage to your eyes, which can result in permanent vision loss. When you have your consultation for a contact lens fitting your optometrist will check your vision and the health of your eyes. Your lifestyle preferences will be taken into account by the optometrist and he/she will recommend the most suitable lenses for you and your daily habits. Here are a few options to consider
One Day Contact Lenses, which are a single use disposable lens designed to be discarded after each wear. These lenses are suitable for all lifestyles but recommended for sports, swimming.
Weekly and Fortnightly Lenses can be broken into two categories.
Daily wear lenses with weekly and fortnightly replacement respectively.
7 day overnight wear again with replacement of a new lens every week or fortnight.
Continuous Wear Contact Lenses These are lenses that you can leave in your eyes for a full 30 days without the need to remove them during that time. Simply remove them after 30 days and replace them with a new lens.
If you are prone to protein build up on your lenses you may want to opt for the 1 Day Contact Lens option. All of the above options are suitable if you have a bifocal are astigmatic prescription.
A basic prescription will comprise of a BC , DIA and PWR or SPH
BC (Base Curve) is the curve of the back surface of the contact lens e.g. 8.5 or 9.0
DIA (Diameter) is the size of the contact lens diameter a number between 13.0 and 15.0
PWR or SPH is the strength or correction reflected as a number between +20.00 and -20.00
If you have astigmatism the prescription will have two additional elements;
AXIS Which is a number representing the degree of correction for the cyl a number between 5 and 180
CYL (Cylinder) represents correction at the degree of the axis and is a number between -1.25 and -2.50
If you require bifocal contact lenses your prescription will have an add element
ADD which is an addition vision correction represented by minus or plus; low, medium or high correction and can re written as a plus or minus power.
When you begin wearing eye contacts it is important to develop some good basic habits.
After washing your hands, dry them on a clean lint free towel.
Check the expiry date of your contact lens solution, never use expired solution.
You contact lens case must be clean and always use fresh solution for storing and cleaning your lenses.
