Almost anyone who wears spectacles can wear contact lenses, including people who require multifocal lenses. New technology means contact lenses are clearer, more comfortable and more convenient than ever.
Whether you are already a contact lens wearer, or are considering contact lenses for the first time, our optometrist can ensure the correct type, fit, prescription, use and care of your lenses for your eyes and lifestyle.
Conditions correctable with contact lenses
- Shortsightedness (blurred distance vision)
- Longsightedness (blurry or strained vision)
- Astigmatism (visual distortion)
- Presbyopia (blurred near vision that occurs as we age)
Lens types
- Soft contact lenses (correct most types of focusing errors and can be tinted to enhance or change eye colour)
- Rigid contact lenses (can provide better vision than soft lenses for certain higher or more complex prescriptions)
- Orthokeratology lenses (worn only at night and designed to reshape the cornea)
Replacement, wear and care schedules
- Disposable contact lenses (replaced according to their disposable time frame i.e. daily, fortnightly or monthly)
- Non extended wear contact lenses (worn in the morning and removed in the evening)
- Extended wear contact lenses (worn continuously, day and night, for up to a certain number of days, usually 7 to 30 days)
Prescriptions
Contact lens prescriptions usually will vary slightly to spectacle prescriptions. To determine your contact lens prescription, a contact lens consultation will include:
- Checking the health of your eyes
- Measuring your degree of focusing error
- Discussing with you your visual and lifestyle needs to determine the best contact lens for you
- Measuring the curvature of your eyes to ensure the best contact lens fit
- Trialling a lens on your eye
- Teaching you how to handle, apply, remove, clean and store your lenses
- Reassessing the lenses after you have worn them for a week or two
Costs
There may be fees associated with your contact lens consultation depending on your prescription. This will be discussed with you at your initial consultation which is usually covered by Medicare.