These are just some of the most asked questions regarding Contact Lenses and are provided for information purposes only.
if you have a problem or concern regarding your contact lenses or your vision consult your eye care professional.

Can I wear soft contact lenses if I have astigmatism?
Yes, you can wear a specially designed type of soft contact lens called a toric lens which will correct your astigmatism. However, these lenses are typically more expensive and there are fewer types available than there are with regular (spherical) lenses. Some of the more popular disposable toric lenses include the Acuvue Advance For Astigmatism , the Purevision Toric and the Proclear Toric . Several manufacturers including Ciba (Focus) and Coopervision (Preference) produce 1-3 month frequent replacement toric lenses.

Can I wear soft contact lenses if I need bifocals?
Yes, there are a number of contact lenses designed for people who need bifocal (multifocal) correction. Some of the more popular disposable toric lenses include the Acuvue Bifocal , the Purevision Multifocal and the Proclear Multifocal.

Is a contact lens prescription different than a glasses prescription?
Yes. When you order contact lenses, you must have a current contact lens prescription which specifies the power of the lenses, the size of the lens, the type and brand of lens. See also How to Read a Contact Lens Prescription.

If my 2 week disposable lenses are still comfortable and in good condition beyond 2 weeks, can I continue to wear the same pair?
In order to maintain optimal eye health and comfort, it is important to adhere to the wearing schedule prescribed by your doctor. The main advantage of wearing disposable lenses is that you are putting a fresh new pair of lenses in your eyes every 2 weeks. Also, the convenient cleaning regimen of a disposable lens is only adequate for a 2 week wearing schedule.

If I only wear my 2 week disposable contacts part time, do I still have to replace them every 2 weeks?
No, the 2 weeks refers to the actual amount of wearing time so they can last longer than 2 weeks if you are not wearing them full time.

My lenses are advertised as 2 week disposable, but my doctor says I can wear them for 4 weeks. Which is correct?
The lens wearing schedules are provided by contact lens manufacturers. However, doctors may decide on a different wearing schedule (shorter or longer) for an individual patient based on wearing habits, lifestyle, cleaning methods etc. You should always follow the wearing schedule prescribed by your doctor.

What's the difference between rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses and soft lenses?
RGPs are smaller and made out of a harder, less pliable material than soft lenses which makes them less comfortable initially. RGPs correct some astigmatism whereas soft spherical lenses do not.

Can I swim with my contact lenses in?
It is best if you don't because there are bacteria in the water that can adhere to your lenses and cause infections. If you do swim in your lenses, you should wear goggles over them and you should disinfect them immediately afterwards.

Why is it necessary for contact lens wearers to have regular eye exams even if their prescription hasn't changed?
Regular eye exams are important not only to check your prescription but also to evaluate the health of your eyes. This is especially important for contact lens wearers because the contacts could be causing damage to your eyes without necessarily causing any obvious symptoms.

I wear contact lenses and in order for me to read, I have to wear reading glasses over them. Are there any other alternatives whereby I don't have to wear glasses at all?
Yes, the most common option is called monovision where one eye is corrected for viewing distant objects and the other eye is corrected for reading and close work. Monovision is a good solution for some people, but not everbody can successfully adapt to the arrangement. Another alternative is bifocal contact lenses which are available in both rigid gas permeable or soft lens designs.

Do colored contact lenses work on dark eyes?
Yes, they are called opaque contacts as opposed to enhancer tints which work only on light colored eyes. Opaque contact lenses will change the color of your eye whereas, enhancer tints only enchance the natural color of the eyes. Year-long (daily wear and extended wear) opaque contacts are available in many different colors and shades. There are also several disposable colored lenses for dark eyes including Freshlook Colors and Acuvue 2 Colors. See Colored Contacts

Do I still need a prescription if I just want contacts to change my eye color?
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.

Can anyone wear contact lenses?
Use of modern lens materials and technology coupled with improvements in lens designs means the vast majority of people can successfully wear contact lenses.

I have dry eye problems. Can I wear contact lenses?
You are less likely to have success with contact lenses than someone who does not have this condition. This does not mean that you cannot wear contact lenses at all. It simply means you may have a shorter contact lens wearing period than normal or that you may choose to wear your lenses only occasionally. You can increase the comfort of your lenses by inserting eye lubrication drops.

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. Optometrists can carry out tests to find out if you have dry eye problems. Biocompatibles Proclear lens has been designed specifically for marginally dry eye problems.

Can contact lenses be "blinked" out?
With normal use, contact lenses will stay firmly in position. However, they can come out under certain conditions. High winds can cause the eyes to water and pull the eyelid tight against the eye, increasing the chance of lens loss. A sharp blow to the head may dislodge rigid gas permeable lenses. And rubbing your eye carelessly may result in a lost lens. Describe to your eye care practitioner all of the circumstances in which you are likely to wear your contact lenses. This will help him or her prescribe a type of lens that is less likely to be dislodged given your activities.

Is it OK to swim while wearing contact lenses?
Only if you’re wearing goggles with a firm seal. If you don’t wear goggles, the contact lenses may float from your eyes and/or they will absorb the pool water, one consequence of which may be that they adhere quite firmly to the eye. If this occurs, it is advisable to leave the lenses alone for 10-15 minutes until the water in them has been replaced by natural tears before trying to remove them. Exposing your contacts to pool water also places you at risk of discomfort due to chlorine and infection from bacteria or other micro organisms.

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 eyeglasses. If your sport involves vigorous exercise, a soft contact lens is an appropriate choice. Many top athletes choose soft contacts lenses for sport. Your eye care practitioner can help determine the best type of lenses based on your sport or activity.

Which type of lens care system is best?
Recently, there has been a strong movement to "one-bottle" systems. These all-in-one solutions are the easiest and quickest to use. However, if you are particularly sensitive to chemicals, it may be better to use a hydrogen peroxide system. In most countries, lens care systems go through rigorous testing to meet government regulations to ensure that they are safe and effective. Your eye care practitioner will recommend the care system most appropriate for you. You should not make your own lens care solutions, nor should you mix different brands of solutions unless instructed by your eye care practitioner.

Can my contact lens be "lost" behind my eye?
No, a thin, but strong, membrane, called the conjunctiva, lines the inside of your eyelids and curls back on itself to cover the white part of the eye. Lenses cannot pass through it. However, your contact lenses may slide under your eyelids or become displaced. If this occurs, try looking in the direction of the lens to get it to move back to the correct position. If you wear soft contact lenses, they will tend to center automatically on the cornea. If you wear rigid gas permeable lenses, you may need to manipulate a displaced lens through the eyelid.

An optometrist can have a look under your lids to try to find the lens, he may need to roll the lid backward to get a better view. Usually if the Optometrist has had a look and not been able to find the lens, it is because it is not there, either because it was not inserted into the eye in the first place, or it has become dislodged and fallen out with all the poking about that has taken place.

Can contact lenses block ultraviolet light?
Although some manufacturers have added UV blocking properties to some lenses, none block all of the harmful UV light. Health organizations state that contact lenses are not a substitute for UV absorbing eyewear such as UV absorbing sunglasses in part because contact lenses cover only a portion of the eye. It is recommended to wear UV absorbing sunglasses over your prescription contact lenses, even if they contain UV blocking properties.

How do I know if my contact lenses are `worn out`?
Typical signs that a lens is approaching the end of its life are hazy vision, discomfort, and lens discoloration and deposits. These can lead to allergies and other complications.Today, frequent replacement lenses, for example daily lenses or monthly soft lenses, are prescribed to be replaced before problems can develop rather than after as sometimes these complications are difficult to reverse. These lenses have revolutionised contact lens wear, and patients have few problems when wearing a frequent replacement lens. It is important that you replace your lenses according to the product labelling or your eye care practitioner`s directions.
If you have trouble remembering when your contact lenses need to be replaced check out the Lens Alert contact lens case. It counts down the number of days left to change your contact lenses and also your contact lens case. Protect your eyes and spend less on replacement contact lenses because you forget how often you've worn your disposable contact lenses. See who stocks contact lens cases

Why does plane travel make my contact lenses uncomfortable?
The low humidity in aircraft cabins contributes to dry eye symptoms and contact lens discomfort. It may help to put lubrication drops in your eyes before you enter the airplane or during flight. If symptoms persist or become severe, it is probably easiest and best to wear eyeglasses when flying.

I wear contacts only occasionally, at most once or twice a week. Which type of contact lens may be best for me?
A soft daily lens is more appropriate for occasional wear - very convenient - no solutions and cases to bother with. Comfort is better from the outset and adapting is easier. See Daily Disposable Lenses

Disposable lenses are supposed to be discarded after a single use. Can I continue to wear my lenses if they are still comfortable after the recommended wearing period?
Lenses should not be worn for longer than the recommended wearing period.The purpose of replacing contact lenses on a frequent basis is to prevent discomfort, dryness, blurred vision and allergic reactions that can result from a build-up of protein and lipid deposits on the lenses. As the deposits age and chemically change on the lens, they contribute to these irritations. The changes in the chemical composition of the deposits also increase the probability that bacteria may adhere to a contact lens, increasing the health risk even without any subjective deterioration in comfort. Check with your eye care practitioner for the lenses and lens replacement frequency that are most appropriate for you.

What`s the difference between daily-wear and extended-wear lenses?
Daily-wear contact lenses are designed to be removed each day for cleaning, and should be taken out before you sleep or nap. Extended-wear lenses can be worn continuously for up to one month before they are removed. Check with your optitian to see if exended wear contact lenses are suitable for you.

Can children wear contact lenses?
Yes they can! Today`s high quality lenses are suitable for young and old eyes alike. Young children and teenagers are usually highly motivated and prove to be ideal candidates for contact lens wear. See article Can Children and Teenagers Wear Contact Lenses

Is it usual to experience discomfort or pain when using contact lenses?
Most first time wearers are delighted with the level of comfort that contact lenses provide - especially with soft lenses. Initial contact lens fittings by professional eye care practitioners can minimize or eliminate any irritation associated with new lenses. After a brief adjustment period, most people report they can no longer feel contact lenses on their eyes.

What is the procedure for inserting soft lenses?
The full procedure is detailed below - however if you are still having difficulty it is often best to return to your eye care practitioner and get them to watch your technique to see if he can suggest any way to improve on it.

Suggested Methods: Wash your hands with a mild soap, rinse completely and dry with a lint-free towel. A wet finger may cause a soft lens to flatten. Avoid using fingernails to handle your lenses. If you’re working near a sink, close the drain. Get in the habit of always working with the right lens first to avoid mix-ups. Pour the lens and storage fluid from the case into your palm. Inspect the lens for particles, deposits or tears. Place the lens, cup side up, on your dry forefinger. Determine if the lens is right side out. If it is right side out, the lens’ edge will appear almost straight up. If inside-out, the edges will flare out slightly. Another test is to place the lens on a crack in the palm of your hand and then cup the hand slightly. This will flex the lens. If the edge of the lens curls inwards, it is the correct way out; if the edge curls outwards and wraps onto the palm of the hand, it is inside out. If it is inside out, reverse it. Insert. Hold the upper lashes (or lids) to prevent blinking. Pull the bottom eyelid down using your middle finger. Look up so the white part of your eye shows. Place the lens onto the exposed white part of your eye. Or, instead of looking up, look straight ahead at the lens and gently place it in the center of your eye. Remove your finger and let go of the lids, bottom lid first, and then top. Look downward to help position the lens, then close your eyes momentarily. Apply one or two drops of lens lubricant (eye drops) if your lenses feel dry or if blurry vision occurs during wear. Follow the same steps to insert the other lens Finally - keep at it, most people succeed eventually! The first two weeks are the worst ;-)

What is the procedure for removing contact lenses?
Step 1:Make sure the lens is centered on your eye before trying to remove it.
Cover the other eye; if your vision is blurred, the lens is either off center or not on the eye at all. Locate the lens with a mirror and re-center it.
Step 2 - Pull Down Lower Eyelid
Look upward, keeping your head level. Pull down the lower lid of your eye with your mddle finger.
Step 3 - Slide Lens Down
While looking up, place the tip of your index finger on the lower edge of the lens and slide it down onto the lower white part of your eye.
Step 4 - Pull Lens Off Eye
Still looking up, squeeze the lens gently between your thumb and index finger. Gently remove the lens from the eye.Persevere - it gets easier after a few tries. If your eye is going red through trying then have a break for an hour and try again. Repeat for the left lens

Are my contact lenses inside out?
It is often difficult to determine if a disposable lens is inside out if the patient can`t see the markings on the lens or can`t judge the edge profile. Here are several ways to tell if the lens is correct. Place the lens in your palm. Aim a steady stream of solution on the lens. If the lens folds on itself, then the lens orientation is correct to go on the eye. If the lens does not fold on itself it is inside out.

Another option is to hold the lens on the tip of one finger, look at the profile of the lens. If the edges of the lens try to curl back on themselves then the lens is inside out. Finally, If the lens feels uncomfortable on the eye and will not settle. It may pay to try it around the other way. Often it settles immediately. You can eventually develop a feel for what is right or wrong when the lens is in your eye.

If you have trouble determining if your contact lenses are the right way, there are a lot of contact lenses available now that have indicators on them so you can tell straight away if your lenses are the correct way round.

Why use sterile saline and not tap water?
There is increasing risk of microbial contamination from tap water, particularily a tough organism named "acanamoeba" which can survive even chlorinated tap water, and although rare, a devestating eye infection.

Why do I need a annual contact lens check up?
Yes. A regular eye examination once per year is essential to check your prescription and to evaluate the health of your eyes. This is important for soft contact lens wearers because wearing lenses can occasionally stress your eyes without necessarily causing any sensitivity or loss of vision.