Q: Can I wear soft contact lenses
if I have astigmatism?
A: Yes. There is a special type of soft contact lens called a toric lens which
will correct your astigmatism. However, these lenses are more expensive and
there are fewer types and colors available than there are with regular
(spherical) lenses. Wesley-Jessen has introduced a 2-week disposable toric lens,
the Freshlook Toric Ciba Vision produce Focus Torics a monthly
replacement toric lenses.
Q: Can '2-week' disposable contact
lenses be worn part time?
A: 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. However, they should
not be used for longer than 4 weeks for ideal Healthy
Vision and to prevent infection.
Q: If '2-week' disposable contact
lenses are still comfortable and in good condition beyond 2 weeks, can they be
worn?
A: It is important to adhere to the wearing schedule prescribed by your lens
manufacturer. The main advantage of wearing disposable lenses is that you are
putting a fresh new pair of lenses in your eyes every 2 weeks. This gives better
Healthy Vision.
The convenient cleaning regimen of a 'disposable' lens is only adequate for a
maximum 4-week wearing schedule. Please refer to Healthy
Vision for advice on frequent changes of your storage case at the same
time as your lenses.
Q: Is there a difference between
rigid gas permeable (RGP) and soft contact lenses?
A: Yes. RGPs are smaller and made out of a harder, less pliable material than
soft contact lenses which makes them less comfortable initially. RGPs correct
astigmatism whereas soft spherical lenses do not. Soft toric lenses (see
question below) are now available. Dr. April Wootten. supplies replacement
soft contact lenses.
Q: Can I swim while wearing my
contact lenses?
A: Yes but you should wear tight-fitting goggles. Because there are microbes in
the water that can stick to your lenses, you should disinfect them afterwards.
If you don't wear goggles, the contact lenses may float from your eyes or they
may absorb the pool water, which can result in them adhering 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until the water in them has been replaced by natural tears before trying to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 contact lenses to pool water can be uncomfortable due
to chlorine.
Q: Is it necessary for contact
lens wearers to have regular eye examinations?
A: Yes. A regular eye examination once per year is useful 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. This more
frequently occurs with extended (overnight) wear of lenses which is not
encouraged by No1contactlenses. Make an
appointment!
Q: New bifocal lenses for far
(distant) and near (reading) vision?
A: Presbyopia develops in later life and means that the eye cannot focus
properly on objects close-up. This makes it difficult for middle-aged people to
read easily without wearing spectacles. A good new development is the bifocal
soft contact lens, allowing the wearer to focus on both distant and close-up
objects. Such lenses have been much more expensive in the past but recently
Johnson and Johnson have released their new Acuvue Bifocal lens which is a
2-week disposable bifocal lens that is reasonably priced and becoming very
popular.
Q: Can colored contact lenses be
fitted on dark eyes?
A: Yes. They are called opaque contact lenses as opposed to enhancer
tints which work only on light colored eyes. Year-long daily-wear opaque
contact lenses are available in many different colors and shades but there is
currently only one brand that offers a 2-week disposable opaque lens.
These are Freshlook Opaques by Wesley-Jessen.
Q: Is a prescription needed to
wear contact lenses to change my eye color and not to correct my vision?
A: 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.
Q: Daily-Disposable lenses are
produced to be discarded after a single day's use. Can they be used for another
day?
A: 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.
Q: Can patients with 'dry eye'
problems wear soft contact lenses?
A: Yes. However, 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.
Q: Which type of soft contact lens
is best for occasional wear once or twice a week?
A: It is best to use a daily-disposable soft lens so that there is no need to
disinfect the lens between intermittent wearing sessions when contamination can
occur. Daily-disposable lenses such as 1-Day Acuvue and Focus Dailies are ideal
for sports wear.
Q: Can contact lenses be worn
while traveling by aeroplane without discomfort?
A: No. The low humidity in an aircraft cabin 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 will be easier and more comfortable for you to wear spectacles.
Q: Can contact lenses come out of
the eye with blinking?
A: No. With normal use, and with a proper prescription, 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. Rubbing your eye carelessly may result in a
lost lens or it may move under the eyelid.
Q: Is it OK to play sports while
wearing contact lenses?
A: Yes. Wearing soft contact lenses for sports is more flexible and stable than
use of spectacles. If your sport involves vigorous exercise, the soft contact
lens is the best choice. If contact lenses are not worn apart from sports, then
use of a daily-disposable lens is the simplest and safest way.
Q: Which type of lens care system
is best?
A: Recently, the 'one-bottle' systems have become popular. These 'All-in-One'
solutions are the easiest and quickest ways to 'rinse-and-rub' and then store
and disinfect your soft lenses. However, if you are particularly sensitive to
chemicals, it may be better to use a hydrogen peroxide-based system. The way to
use disinfectants, and the need to change your storage case every month, and to
avoid use of tap water, is given under Healthy
Eyes - please refer to it and also to the manufacturer's instructions..
Q: Is it necessary to use protein
remover tablets in additions to my normal daily cleaning procedure?
A: Only if you are wearing a 'yearly-replacement' lens. The need to use protein
remover tablets depends on the amount of protein deposits your eyes produce.
Protein deposits are normal but they change in chemical composition with age.
These deposits contribute to discomfort and poor vision or toxic allergies. If
these deposits become a problem, your eye care practitioner can recommend types
of contact lenses for you that are replaced more frequently, either on a daily,
two weekly or four-weekly basis. Daily cleaning should be performed with your
multi-purpose solution as recommended by the manufacturer. Those wearing
yearly-replacement lenses may also need to purchase a separate protein-removing
enzyme cleaner to remove deposits from their lenses.
Q: Can a contact lens be
"lost" behind the eye?
A: No. A thin 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 move it back to the correct position. Soft contact lenses tend to center
automatically on the cornea.
Q: Can contact lenses block
ultraviolet light?
A: Yes, but only partially. Some manufacturers have added UV blocking properties
to some lenses but 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 you wear UV absorbing sunglasses over your
prescription contact lenses, even if they contain UV blocking properties.
Q: Can contact lenses be fitted
after refractive surgery?
A: Yes, but the refractive surgery will have altered the contour of your eyes,
requiring a more specialized lens than normal. It is best to consult your eye
care practitioner who will have details of your specific history and
requirements.
Q: How often should contact lenses
be changed?
A: The recommended life of soft contact lenses varies, depending on the type of
lens, from 1-day, 1-week, 2-weeks, 1-month, and longer up to 1-year. With any
contact lens, you should follow the prescribed wear and care instructions given
by the manufacturer.
Q: How do I know if my contact
lenses are 'worn out'?
A: 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 (daily, weekly or
monthly) are often prescribed to prevent these problems before they occur.
Q: Can contact lenses be worn if
the eyes are sensitive or tender?
A: No. It is not advisable to wear contact lenses if your eyes are bothering
you, particularly if the discomfort is related to contact lens wear. If you
experience discomfort related to contact lens wear, consult your eye care
practitioner.
Q: What are contact lenses made
of?
A: Today's contact lenses are made from a number of different materials called
polymers. These polymers ensure comfortable lens wear by allowing the eye to
absorb oxygen from the air and maintain their shape on the eye. Modern soft
lenses offer excellent comfort and are soft because they contain water.
Typically, the water content of lenses varies from about 40% to 70%. If the
lenses are worn on an extended (overnight) wear basis, then the eye can become
short of oxygen (hypoxic) and its surface may become swollen reducing vision.
Q: How long can a contact lens be
stored after it has been removed from its package?
A: This varies according to the frequency of wear and the cleaning and
disinfection routine that you use for storing the lens. For specific details
consult the package insert of your lens care system.
Q: Can my contact lenses be worn
on a continual day-and-night basis?
A: No. This is called extended wear and has a much greater chance of causing you
to have an infection. It can also damage the front of your eye (the cornea).
International Vision Direct does not recommend wearing your lenses on a
continual or extended wear basis. You should take your lenses out of your eyes
each night, or when you sleep, and follow our Healthy
Vision guidelines.
Q: I am currently 7 months
pregnant and experience reduced and blurry vision with my daily wear contacts
although I can wear daily disposable lenses. Is it ok to wear them for a couple
days (or until they tear) or should they be thrown away each night?
A: The high hormone levels in pregnancy may have an effect on tear function and
can result in reduced and blurry vision. This can occur because of excessive
protein deposition on your contacts with pregnancy or breastfeeding. The most
likely reason for your satisfactory use of Daily Disposable lenses during your
pregnancy is that there is not sufficient time for a build up of a protein
coating on them. Daily Disposable lenses should be thrown away each night - you
do not then need to buy any disinfecting solutions! There is also no problem
then with protein deposition. If however you find that you have reduced or
blurry vision with both types of contacts, or without contacts, then you should
consult your optometrist or eye care doctor at once as they will need to examine
the back of your eye (the retina) for hormonal effects of pregnancy on it.
