With all the latest technological advancements, most refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia can be corrected with contact lenses.
The vast majority of people requiring vision correction can wear contact lenses without experiencing any problems. The flexibility and convenience of contact lenses are attracting a great number of people.
Seeing as there is now a wider range of disposable and frequent replacement lenses as well as an increase in the range of products available for those who want to wear contacts daily or occasionally, more and more people are opting for the convenience and ease of contact lenses.
As there are so many contact lens options, it is important to discuss your options with your Optometrist. An eye care professional will consider your overall vision problems, the health of your eyes, your specific visual needs and lifestyles. Don’t forget to ask your Optometrist about contact lenses; they may fit your lifestyle just right!
- Type of lenses
- Suggested lifespan
- Lens care
- Follow professional advice
Type of lenses
Spherical lenses correct nearsightedness (myopia) and farsightedness (hyperopia).
Toric lenses correct astigmatism.
Bifocal lenses are recommended for presbyopia, the loss of ability to focus on reading or close-up activities.
Suggested lifespan
Disposable: Single-use, daily wear lenses are designed to be worn for a single day, discarded at night and replaced with a brand new pair the next day. Typically no lens care is required as the daily wear regimen assures fresh and clean lenses when replaced. These lenses are perfect for the active lifestyle.
Daily Wear: These lenses are prescribed for daily wear and are to be worn during waking hours only, usually up to a maximum of 18 hours. Daily wear lenses are to be removed at night, cleaned and disinfected after each removal. Each daily wear lens has a specific longevity depending on their type; monthly, weekly and bi-weekly.
Extended Wear: These lenses are great for extended periods of time; they may be worn day and night for up to 7 consecutive days (six nights). Extended wear lenses should only be worn on the advice of your Optometrist. They require regular cleaning and disinfecting and should be discarded as recommended.
Lens Care
Wearing contact lenses requires special care in order to rid them of all deposits, tear residue and/or micro-organisms on the eye from the environment and daily handling.
Cleaning, sterilizing and storing you contact lenses with the appropriate solutions allows for a clear and precise vision while reducing the risk of eye infection. Since different systems use different types of chemicals, it is not advisable to mix or substitute solutions from other systems. Doing so could lead to discoloured lenses, eye discomfort or eye injury.
Recommendations and specifications offered by your optometrist and their staff regarding lens care must be followed rigorously. In particular, rigid lens solutions should not be used to clean or disinfect soft lenses as the chemicals can damage the soft lens material.
If irritation occurs due to a chemical component in your solution, you optometrist will prescribe an equally effective and safe maintenance system.
If you wish to change your lens care regimen or try a new lens care product, it is best to discuss this with your Optometrist first. Your Optometrist will ensure that you select products that are compatible with each other, your type of lenses and your eyes. A quick and simple phone call is all you need to obtain this information.
Follow Professional Advice
- Only wear your contacts for the length of time recommended, even if they feel comfortable.
- Remove, clean and disinfect your lenses as indicated.
- Have your eyes checked regularly.
- Avoid sleeping or napping while wearing your contact lenses unless specifically indicated.
- Avoid using eye medication without consulting your Optometrist.
We carry the major brands:
