Can I wear soft contact lenses if I have astigmatism?
Astigmatism (a condition whereby the cornea is slightly egg-shaped) can be corrected with a special type of soft contact lens called a toric lens. These lenses are available in a smaller range of parameters than regular spherical lenses. Ciba Vision manufacture the Focus Toric lens and Hydron the Actitoric. A two week disposable contact lens is available from Wesley-Jenssen and called the Freshlook ToCan monthly disposable contact lenses be worn part-time?
Contact lenses can last longer than a month if you are not wearing them full-time. They should not be kept for longer than two months so as to minimise the risk of infection.
If disposable contact lenses are still comfortable after the manufacturer's recommended wearing time has expired, can they still be worn?
Wearing the lenses past the manufacturer's recommended wearing time increases the risk of infection, thus negating the benefits of disposable contact lenses. The very nature of disposable contact lenses means that you will continually have clean contact lenses upon replacement.
What is the difference between hard gas permeable (HGP) and soft contact lenses?
HGP's usually are about a 9mm diameter and made from a non-flexible material. They are initially less comfortable and take several weeks for adaptation. They correct astigmatism. Soft contact lenses are usually of a 14mm diameter and are flexible. They are easier to adapt to and are usually disposable. Toric soft lenses to correct astigmatism are available.
Can I swim while wearing my contact lenses?
Yes, however, it would be prudent to wear swimming goggles and disinfect the lenses after swimming. Because of the higher risk of microbial keratitis, contact lenses should not be worn in a spa.
How often should I have an eye examination?
It is recommended that an annual eye examination is conducted to check your vision and evaluate the health of your eyes. It is important to be proactive in your eye care. Wearers of extended wear silicon hydrogel lenses such as B&L PureVision lenses should have an eye examination every 6 months and discontinue wear if they are suffering from a cold.
Is my eye care practitioner required by law to release my contact lens prescription?
Your practitioner is required to release your prescription once the fitting is complete. Your practitioner is not required to release an expired prescription.
I wear bifocal or multifocal glasses, can I wear contact lenses?
Several options are available. Bifocal contact lenses such as J&J disposable bifocals or Hydron Echelon bifocal contact lenses are available. Alternatively your practitioner may decide on monovision, whereby one eye is fitted with a distance lens and the other eye with a reading lens. This has a success rate of 70-80%. The final alternative is to wear a pair of distance contact lenses with reading glasses over the top.
I have dark eyes, can I change my eye colour using contact lenses?
Yes. They are called opaque contact lenses as opposed to enhancer tints which work only on light coloured eyes. Conventional daily-wear opaque contact lenses are available in many different colours and shades. Wesley Jessen produces Freshlook Opaques which is a 2-week disposable opaque lens. Other disposable opaque contact lenses include Bausch and Lomb Colours.
I am currently pregnant and am experiencing difficulty with my contact lenses. Is this normal?
Pregnancy causes a change in hormone levels, which may impact upon your eyesight. Hormones can affect tear function, resulting in reduced or blurry vision. It is common to have a transient intolerance to contact lenses, particularly in the third trimester. The problem should resolve itself after childbirth. If the deterioration in vision persists, even after inserting new lenses, you should consult your eye care practitioner at once.
Is a prescription needed to wear contact lenses to change my eye colour and not to correct my vision?
Yes. You still need to be fitted for the lenses even if you don't need vision correction. This is because contact lenses are medical devices and wearing them can affect the health of your eyes.
Daily-Disposable lenses are produced to be discarded after a single day's use. Can they be used for another day?
No. These lenses should not be worn for longer than one day. They obviate the need to clean and disinfect the lenses in a storage case saving time, effort and expensive disinfecting solutions.
Can patients with 'dry eye' problems wear soft contact lenses?
Yes. However, you may have a reduced wearing time than someone with normal tear secretion. You can increase the comfort of your lenses by inserting eye lubrication drops. A contact lens by Gelflex called ProClear Biocompatibles has been specifically designed to enhance comfort in dry eye patients. As always, it is best to consult your eye care practitioner for the best advice regarding whether you should wear contact lenses and what type of lenses may be suitable.
Which type of soft contact lens is best for occasional wear once or twice a week?
It is best to use a daily-disposable soft lens. Being a single wear lens, this is more convenient and lessens the chance of contamination. Daily-disposable lenses such as 1-Day Acuvue are ideal for intermittent wear.
Can contact lenses be worn while travelling by aeroplane without discomfort?
Generally no. The low humidity and lower oxygen content in the cabin air, causes the symptoms of dry eye and often results in contact lens discomfort. It may help to put lubrication drops in your eyes before you enter the aeroplane or during the flight. Generally short flight times (2-3 hours) should not result in these symptoms. However, if symptoms persist or become severe, it will be easier and more comfortable for you to wear spectacles.
Can contact lenses come out of the eye with blinking?
Once you have adapted to them, correctly fitted contact lenses should stay in position. However, they can come out under certain conditions. Rubbing your eye carelessly may result in a lost lens or you may push the lens under your eyelid.
Is it OK to play sports while wearing contact lenses?
Wearing contact lenses for sports is a more flexible and stable form of eye correction than spectacles. In fact contact lenses give more peripheral vision than spectacles. If your sport involves vigorous exercise, a soft contact lens is an appropriate choice. If contact lenses are only worn occasionally, then use of a one-day lens, such as the Acuvue 1 Day lens, is most convenient.
Which type of lens care system is best?
Lens care systems consist of three main categories, multi-purpose systems, peroxide-based systems and thermal-based systems. Multi-purpose systems are the most popular lens care regime as these "all-in-one" solutions are the easiest and quickest to use. Peroxide-based systems are best for people with sensitivities and allergies. You should not make your own lens care solutions, nor should you mix different brands of solutions unless instructed by your eye care practitioner.
Is it necessary to use protein remover tablets in additions to my normal daily cleaning procedure?
Protein remover tablets are generally only necessary for conventional contact lenses. They are rarely required for disposable or gas permeable contact lenses. All eyes secrete protein in the tears and accordingly, the need to use protein remover tablets depends on the amount of protein deposits your eyes produce. A contact lens called ProClear Biocompatibles has been specifically designed to be deposit resistant. Alternatively your eye care practitioner may recommend a type of contact lens that you replace more frequently
Can a contact lens disappear behind my eye?
No. It is impossible for a lens to disappear behind the eye, however a contact lens may displace under the eyelid. If this occurs, try looking in the direction of the lens to move it back to the correct position. If you wear hard gas permeable lenses, you may need to manipulate a displaced lens through the eyelid.
Can contact lenses block ultraviolet light?
Yes, but only partially. Because contact lenses only cover part of the eye, it is recommended that you wear UV absorbing sunglasses over your prescription contact lenses.
Can contact lenses be fitted after refractive surgery such as LASIK, PRK or RK?
Yes, however, the refractive surgery will have resulted in a distorted cornea. It is best to consult your eye care practitioner who will usually fit a specialised lens.
How often should contact lenses be changed?
Depending on such factors as the mode of manufacture and lens material, the recommended life of disposable soft contact lenses varies from 1 to 30 days. Conventional contact lenses usually last 12-18 months. As with any medical device you should follow the prescribed wear and care instructions given by the manufacturer.
How do I know if my contact lenses are 'worn out'?
Blurred vision, ocular discomfort and lens discolouration and deposits are common signs that a lens is approaching the end of its life. This can lead lens intolerance. Frequent replacement lenses should prevent these problems before they occur.
Can contact lenses be worn if the eyes are sensitive or tender?
No. Contact lens wearers should adopt a responsible attitude to lens wear. This is best performed by the principle of "Look Good, See Good and Feel Good". Verify after inserting the lenses that your eyes Look Good - they appear white, that they See Good - close each eye and ensure you can see normally, and Feel Good - blink after insertion and confirm there is no discomfort. If you fail any of these tests it would be prudent to remove the lenses and clean them. If upon reinsertion they persist to irritate then discontinue wear and consult your eye care practitioner.
Can my contact lenses be worn without removal?
Certain contact lenses have been approved for 30 day extended wear. Wearing these lenses sleeping slightly increases the risk of microbial or infectious corneal ulcer. Wearers of these lenses must have their eyes checked at least every six months. Normal contact lenses should not be worn on an extended wear basis. |
