Soft Contact Lenses

Soft contact lenses are the most commonly prescribed due to the fact that they are extremely comfortable. Soft contacts are now available in multi focal, for astigmatism and even for overnight wear.  Soft contact lenses include:

 

• • Daily Wear: can be worn for up to 18 hours but must be removed and cleaned at night

• • Extended Wear: can be worn overnight

• • Disposable: worn for just one day then discarded

• • Colour-Changing: can change the colour of your eyes, even if vision correction is not needed

Hard Contact Lenses

Sometimes called rigid or gas-permeable lenses, these offer sharper vision and can correct severe nearsightedness or astigmatism. However, these are less comfortable at first than soft contact lenses.

At Vijaey Opticians, we offer all types and brands of contact lenses specifically fitted for each individual’s needs.  It is very important that your lenses are fitted correctly based on your prescription, eye shape and specific needs.

What are contact lenses and how do they work?

Contact lenses, as the name suggests, are small prescription lenses that are worn on the surface of the eyes. They float on a thin film of tears on the cornea (the transparent front portion of the eye). Contact lenses can correct refractive errors such as myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (long-sightedness), astigmatism (when your cornea is curved irregularly), and presbyopia (an age-related reading issue). They do so essentially by functioning like glasses, i.e., by bending and focusing light onto the retina, the light-sensitive layer in the back of the eye where images are formed. You can think of them as tiny glass lenses applied directly to the surface of your eye.

What are the benefits of contact lenses, and are they suitable for me?

Here are some of the advantages of contact lenses:

 

• • They are worn directly on the eye and provide more ‘natural’ vision, without distortion

• • They bring the entire field of view into focus without frames blocking the peripheral vision (which is why many athletes wear them)

• • There are no reflections of the lens, in the way that occurs with eyeglasses.

• • There is no uncomfortable weight on your nose and ears

• • Contacts do not fog up with temperature changes or collect precipitation in rain and snow. You can wear whichever pair of fashionable sunglasses you fancy (there’s no need for prescription sunglasses)

Are contact lenses better than glasses?

Glasses and contact lenses each have different benefits, and many people tend to switch between both. If you’re thinking about wearing contact lenses, consider their convenience, comfort, and aesthetics, and also take into account your lifestyle and budget. Glasses require very little care and, as they don’t touch your eyes, they don’t increase the risk of eye infections. Glasses are also less expensive than contacts.

However, if appearance is important to you or your lifestyle would be made easier through contact lens use, then they can certainly be a good option. You’ll have to spend a little extra time and effort on the cleaning and care of your contact lenses, although daily disposable contact lenses don’t require much care or any cleaning. With a little practice, it’s very easy to insert and remove contact lenses. 

Different types of contact lenses offer different levels of comfort, and ‘soft’ contact lenses are very comfortable to wear. Of course, they are aesthetically pleasing, and you will be able to participate in all land-based sports and activities without worrying about your glasses getting in the way or falling off.

Types of contact lenses

There are lots of different types of contact lenses, our opticians will help find the right ones for you.

Buy contact lenses online

Looking for great value contact lenses? You’ve come to the right place – buy yours in store or online.

Our easy care package

Pay for your lenses by direct debit and you’ll get them delivered right to your door, as well as some fantastic easycare benefits.

Contact lens free trial

Before you commit to contact lenses, we’ll give you a free trial and help to choose your lenses.

Coloured contact lenses

Boost your eye’s natural colour or create a dramatic change with coloured contact lenses.

Your contact lens store visit

Your contact lens appointment is a little different to a normal eye test, but it’s just as important.

Recycling your contact lenses

Learn how to properly dispose of your contact lenses as well as the packaging and solutions that come with them

Taking care of your lenses

Playing sport, applying make-up and even travelling can be made easier with the help of contact lenses.

Contact lenses for astigmatism

Your contact lens appointment is a little different to a normal eye test, but it’s just as important.

Contact lenses for dry eyes

Suffer from dry eyes but love wearing contact lenses? We’ve got you covered. Read our top tips on the right care advice.