More BrandsGlossary for Frequently Used Contact Lens Terminology
Astigmatism
This is when the cornea is unevenly shaped which causes your vision to be distorted, especially at night. Toric contact lenses can be used to correct this anomaly.
Bifocal (mulficoal)
A contact lens with near and distance correction all in one product.
Cleaning solution
A special solution designed for cleaning the delicate surface of your contact lenses without causing damage, but powerful enough to remove bacteria and debris from the surface. Some solutions are available as a 'no rub' product which reduces the risk of damaging your contact lens whilst cleaning it. Always check the label, not all solutions are recommended for storing lenses whilst not in use.
Contact lens technician
Also know as contact lens dispenser - someone who will fit you with contact lenses after your initial eye examination.
Cornea
Is a curved transparent tissue which covers the pupil and iris and if healthy and clear allows light to enter the eyeball.
Daily wear lens
A lens which is worn during the day, and removed at night.
Disposable contact lens
A contact lens to aid vision correction but one which must be replaced with a new lens after a set period of time, weekly, 2 weekly, monthly. It is very important not to over wear disposable contact lenses as this can result in a low grade bacterial eye infection which in some cases can lead to permanent vision loss.
Dry eye syndrome
A condition of the eye where too few tears are produced.
Emmetropia
Normal Vision
Enzyme cleaner
A powerful cleanser to remove debris from contact lenses such as excess protein. Available for both hard and soft contact lenses.
Extended wear contact lens
A contact lens designed for continuous wear of 30 days and nights without the need to remove it. Once removed the lens must be discarded and replaced with a new one.
Farsightedness
Short flat eyeball resulting in poor near vision but good distance vision
RGP or Hard contact lens
A small hard lens which provides excellent optics and vision correction.
Iris
Coloured portion of the eyeball responsible for regulating the pupil size and eye colour.
Keratoconus
An abnormality of the cornea causing it to become cone-shaped, resulting in distorted vision. Custom made contact lenses are required to correct this.
Myopia
Long steep eyeball resulting in poor far vision but good near vision.
Ophthalmologist
An eye specialist able to perform surgery on the eye.
Optometrist
A doctor of optometry trained to perform eye examinations for vision and able to diagnose health problems, they can prescribe spectacles, fit contact lenses, prescribe some ophthalmic medications and take part in pre- and post-operative care.
Orthokeratology (ortho-k)
A non-surgical procedure which changes the shape of the eye's cornea.
Presbyopia
An inability to focus clearly at all distances, age related.
PRK (photo refractive keratectomy)
A surgical procedure, to correct refractive error. Similar to LASIK
Progressive addition lenses
Lenses which provide clear vision at all distances: near, intermediate, and far.
Pupil
The small black hole in the center of the eye to allow light to enter.
Refraction
The measurement of the eyeball to determine visual acuity.
Refractive surgery
LASIK and PRK surgery to correct visual impairment.
Retina
Back of the inside of the eyeball that receives light from the pupil via the lens and transmits impulses via optic nerve to the brain to decode into images.
Rewetting solution
Eye drops to moisten the eye and keep it comfortable.
Saline solution
Sterile liquid for cleaning and storing lenses, it can be used to rinse out the eyes.
Toric contact lens
A contact lens design for correcting astigmatism.
Trifocal lens
A lens with three focal areas.