Frequently Asked Questions
- Why do I need a different eye test for contact lenses than my normal eye test?
- I have astigmatism and long-sightedness. Can I wear contact lenses?
- Can I sleep in my contact lenses?
- I keep hearing about opticians, and optometrists and ophthamologists. What are they and what is the difference between them?
- Normally, I wear bifocals. But they just don’t work properly when I am on the computer. What can I do?
- I have "Dry Eye". Can I wear contact lenses?
- What are ‘Polarised’ lenses in sunglasses?
- Why do I need a different eye test for contact lenses than my normal eye test?
The standard eye test is primarily geared to determine the strength of lens you need. A prescription for contacts needs a good deal more information, including the dimensions of the eye and eyelids. Because the lenses are in direct contact with your eye, everything needs to be checked even more carefully.
- I have astigmatism and long-sightedness. Can I wear contact lenses?
This is a bit more complicated than just having one issue!
In the case of mild astigmatism, using an assortment of of soft and rigid lenses have proven successful. For more severe cases, there are "toric" contact lenses. It used to be the case that these didn't come in disposable, frequent replacement, multifocal, or colored varieties, but that has all changed and now there are many options for soft contact lens solutions for those with astigmatism.
For those who are longsighted, the conventional solution has been to wear reading glasses over contact lenses. There is now another option, called Monovision, where one lens is used primarily for distance viewing and the other lens for close viewing. There are even bifocal and multifocal contact lenses.
It is absolutely essential to see a qualified optician to ascertain which solution is best for you and which you tolerate the best.
- Can I sleep in my contact lenses?
Although a specific contact lens may be designed for overnight use, some people will not be able to tolerate them.
It is always best to consult with your practitioner before deciding to wear your contacts overnight. Ordinarily the practitioner will want you to try wearing the lenses overnight for a limited period of time and will then want to see you to ensure the wearing schedule is right for you.
If you do wear your lenses overnight but wake up with unusual crustiness around your lids, you have trouble opening your eyes, they are red or if you have difficulty removing the lens from your eye, you need to see your practitioner immediately.
- I keep hearing about opticians, and optometrists and ophthamologists. What are they and what is the difference between them?
There are three types of Optician: Optometrists (also called Ophthalmic), Ophthalmic Medical Practitioner (OMP) and Dispensing.
Optometrists - also called ophthalmic opticians - carry out eye tests to check the quality of your sight, look for signs of eye disease which may need treatment from a doctor or eye surgeon and prescribe and fit glasses and contact lenses.
Opthalmic Medical Practitioners - are medical doctors who are also trained to carry out eye examinations and prescribe glasses.
Dispensing Opticians - who fit and sell glasses, but do not test eyes. They can give you advice on types of lens, such as single vision or bifocal, and help you to choose frames.
- Normally, I wear bifocals. But they just don’t work properly when I am on the computer. What can I do?
As more and more people spend more and more time in front of a computer screen, this has become a common question for us. The problem is that computer screens are often too far away. There are several options for the person who relies on bifocals. You can have a pair of dedicated eyeglasses for use only when you are using the PC or you may find that eyeglasses with progressive lenses and increased depth of focus work well for you.
- I have "Dry Eye". Can I wear contact lenses?
In a number of cases, replacing lenses more frequently and using lubricating drops help the wearer to be more comfortable but those suffering from dry eye need regular monitoring checks.
- What are ‘Polarised’ lenses in sunglasses?
This type of lens is the only kind that actually does remove glare. It does this by blocking reflected light through the use of a vertical "grid" in the lens matrix.