If you are thinking about contact lenses for the first time you should find this guide to our range of lenses very useful
Whatever your prescription, we can help you find the best contact lenses for your lifestyle, and the way you want to wear them.
Visioncare Medical Eye Centre are independent optometrists which means we can offer products from a huge range of manufacturers including the latest in contact lens materials and technology which may not yet be available to other opticians. This is just one of the reasons that we are regarded as a specialist contact lens centre.
At Visioncare, our fully qualified Optometrists will examine your eyes and determine their health and suitability for contact lens wear. We will then advise you on the best lenses for your requirements. This may be daily disposable lenses, monthly disposable, lenses to correct astigmatism, varifocal contact lenses or even contact lenses for reading. Whatever the type you choose, you can relax in the assurance of a level of service and professional care that is world class.
It may also be reassuring to know that we have been associated with Moorfields Eye Hospital (the senior partner still works at Moorfields), recognised by Johnson & Johnson as an Acuvue Centre of Excellence and a Visionary practice by Coopervision giving us access to the very latest products before they are available on general release. We regularly attend international contact lens conferences to ensure we are up to date with the latest techniques, developments, and products.
What about Children?
Children and teenagers can also be fitted with contact lenses even when their prescription is still changing – with disposable lenses this is no problem. The age at which a child can begin to wear lenses should be discussed with our optometrist as it will vary from child to child. Many children start with contact lenses at around the age of 9, however it is often possible to begin at an earlier age and there is evidence of contact lenses slowing down myopia.
Soft/Silicone lenses
Soft lenses are popular because they are comfortable almost straight away. They are flexible as they absorb tears which carry fresh oxygen to the surface of the eye. They are close fitting which makes them particularly suitable for sport. The latest soft lenses are available in silicon hydrogel materials making it now possible to wear lenses for up to 30 days and nights. Soft lenses are available for distance vision, reading, and astigmatism.
Disposable lenses (daily, monthly, 3 monthly)
Disposable lenses are a very more convenient and healthy option for your eyes. They are soft lenses which are replaced regularly before the lens has time to become dirty.
Daily Disposable
Daily Disposable lenses are the ultimate in comfort and convenience and can be worn to suit your lifestyle as every day you have a brand new, fresh, sterile lens to wear. If you wish to wear your lenses occasionally or just for specific reasons such as sport or social occasions these are often the most convenient and comfortable option. They are now available for astigmatism, varifocals and for reading.
Ortho-K (Eyedream)
These lenses are suitable for short-sighted (myopic) adults and children who want to be contact lens and glasses-free during the day. They are simply worn overnight from bedtime, and gently shape the surface of the eye overnight giving clear vision when the lenses are removed on waking. They are also used for myopia management. Please click on the OrthoK and Myopia management links for more information.
Scleral lenses
Scleral lenses are comfortable rigid lenses which bathe the eye with fluid during wear and so can be suitable for some dry eye patients, complex prescriptions, and conditions such as keratoconus where the front of the eye has an unusual shape causing blurred vision with other lens types.
Rigid Gas Permeable RGP
Rigid Gas Permeable are the new generation hard lenses, made from special plastics which allow oxygen to pass through microscopic pores. They take a little longer to adapt to than soft lenses but become just as comfortable after a week or two. They provide very clear vision and are easy to care for.