All about contact lenses

How does a contact lens work?

They’re hard to see, but can have an almost miraculous effect on your quality of life. But how do contact lenses work, exactly

What types of contact lenses are available?

Contact lenses can be a wonderful blessing, but the variety can seem confusing. Here’s a quick explanation of the types of lenses available and what each one does.

Why different types of contact lenses?

It seems that there are dozens of types of contact lenses available, but choosing the best ones for your eyes isn’t as difficult as it might seem.

How to insert your contact lens

Some people are a little squeamish about sticking a little piece of plastic into the eye. Here’s how to put your contact lenses in without tears.

How to remove your contact lenses

Once the contact lens is in the eye it can be removed only by shaking you head vigorously or sneezing with your eyes open, right? Wrong.

At what age can I begin to wear lenses?

The variety of lenses available means that more people are able to wear them than ever before. But can someone be too young to wear lenses?

Should I wear contact lenses or glasses while playing sport?

Contact lenses or glasses? And if I wear contact lenses, which ones? It all depends on the sports, according to optometrists.

Can they damage my eyes?

If you’ve never used contact lenses before, putting a piece of plastic into your eye can seem rather daunting. But they're unlikely to harm you if you follow basic cleaning steps.

How can I check if my contact lens is inside out?

Contact lenses are small, apparently fragile little things. How can you be sure you haven’t inverted the lens before popping it into your eye? Here’s how.

What if the lens goes around the back of the eyeball?

If you’ve ever had an eyelash or a piece of grit stuck under your eyelid, you’ll know that it’s one of the least favourite activities known to humankind. So what happens when a lens disappears into the depths of your eye? Luckily, not much.

I have astigmatism – can I wear contacts?

Many people with astigmatism are under the impression that they can’t wear contact lenses. But with the toric lenses available nowadays that’s no longer true. Soft and rigid gas permeable toric lenses are available.

I have dry eyes - can I wear contact lenses?

Dry eye is a fairly common problem, but it needn’t necessarily preclude you from wearing contact lenses. Here's some advice.

Should I get my lenses from an optometrist or an ophthalmologist?

Both have long, complicated names. Both are professionals. So which one should you go to?

Glasses and Contact Lenses

Lenses for glasses are tougher and thinner than ever before and can be coated with anti-glare tints. Contact lenses can be hard, soft, disposable or even tinted or coloured.