For many people who wear corrective lenses, there comes a time when they consider going over to the dark side. Yes, we all feel the call of contact lenses. While being able to see without wearing frames might sound attractive, the idea of putting something into your eye can be daunting. So what is the process of becoming a wearer of contact lenses?
If your corrective prescription is up to date, you will need to book a contact lens assessment, where you eyes will be checked by an optician to ensure you are able to wear contacts. This will be looking for scars or issues with blood vessels on your eye, which may mean that contact lenses are not for you. If all is fine with your eyes, which is the case for most people, then you will be given a pair of lenses to try. You may be worried about having someone putting a foreign body in your eye, but fear not. Your optician will be skilled at doing so, and if you just relax you’ll find they slip in far easier than you’d expect. Once the lenses are in, you’ll be shocked at how liberating contact lenses can be. Suddenly you can see everything, and not through the box of your frames.
What types of contact lenses are available? Daily Disposables are the ultimate in convenience with no hassle, no cleaning as they can be replaced on a daily basis making them the best option for people who only want to wear their lenses part time. They are ideal for sport, going out and travelling. Silicone Hydrogels enable you to wear contact lenses longer periods as they let more oxygen through to the eyes. They are great for sports and active lifestyles. Regular Replacement Lenses are replaced either weekly or monthly and are commonly worn to give adaptable and personalised prescription vision correction. Annual Replacement Lenses are usually gas permeable lenses that allow the eyes to breathe more easily because they are worn for longer periods. These lenses are more rigid, durable and provide exceptional optical quality. Toric Contact Lenses are designed for astigmatism. Instead of being spherical, like standard contact lenses, toric lenses are shaped like a slice of a torus (similar to a ring doughnut) allowing the lens to have different optical powers and focal lengths on the vertical and horizontal orientations. Multifocal Contact Lenses have multiple prescriptions all in one lens. There is typically a prescription for very close objects, for normal objects viewed at a distance and for intermediate distances. These lenses are usually prescribed to people with presbyopia, a condition that happens as we age that affects our ability to focus on objects that are near. So there will be a contact lens solution for everyone.
At Queens Crescent Eyecare we always keep Clarti One Day Lens in stock (minus powers only) but can also supply;
- Clarti One Day Multi-Focals, and Torics (lenses that correct astigmatism).
- Clarti Elite monthly disposables, also monthly toric and multi-focals.
We also supply the complete range of lenses from all of the main suppliers;
Johnson & Johnson (accuve family of lenses). Coopervision, Alcon; Focus & Total Dailies, all of their monthly range as well. Plus Bausch and Lomb lenses, as well as Gas Permeable lenses from a range of suppliers.
To make an appointment for a contact lens assessment call 0207 485 3389 or you can book online.
Mik Scarlet is a broadcast journalist and columnist, as well as an expert in the field of access and inclusion for disabled people. You may have seen him on TV! He also has a passion for eyewear.