Hollands of London

General Contact Lens Information

Contact lenses provide an alternative for people who require glasses. As well as the cosmetic effects of not needing to rely on glasses contact lenses have special advantages in certain conditions such as aiding those with large focusing problems. Short sighted or myopic lenses give increased magnification and an improved field of side vision than glasses can. People who have had a cataract extraction without insertion of an intraocular lens implant benefit from reduced distortion, improved field of side vision and better cosmetic appearance when lenses replace thick glasses. Contact lenses also may give better vision than glasses to  patients with regular astigmatism and after corneal injury, scarring or surgery. There are two main types of contact lenses but many different lens materials and designs.

They are Soft Lenses a which are made of are made of a soft flexible plastic that is up to 80 percent water. They are usually the most comfortable lenses. They are larger than the cornea  and mould to the front of the eye Soft lenses are comfortable generally even on the first fitting and provide  stability on the eye for activities such as sport and outdoor pursuits. Their softness can be a disadvantage, though, when it comes to collecting grime with wear. They can also be easier to damage and unable to correct much astigmatism.

The second major type of lens is Rigid gas permeable (RGP) contacts which are made of a slightly flexible plastic that may cause discomfort when they are first worn, but the eye quickly adapts. Good oxygen transmission maintains corneal health meaning less in the way of infection than with the soft contacts.  Additionally they create sharper vision than soft contacts in some cases. RGP contacts are also much more durable than soft variants, and thus more expensive per lens. Extended wear contacts are also available in rigid gas permeable form, thereby allowing for overnight wear. They can be more easily dislodged from the eye which makes them less useful for vigorous activities or environments where dust or grime may exist.

Useful tips for Contact Lens wear and care

     Do

· Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly before touching any part of your lens or eye area.

· Follow the exact instructions given to you by your lens practitioner and ensure you read any details in the lens pack or box carefully before using your lenses.

· Clean, rinses and disinfect reusable lens carefully each time after they are removed from the eye

· Clean, rinse and air dry the lens case each time after you remove the lens from it.

· Have regular check ups with your contact lens practitioner as recommended by them.

· If the lens are causing redness, soreness or problems with vision seek professional help immediately.

      Don't

· Use saliva to wet your lens

· Use tap water. Use only the correct solution for your lens

· Let cosmetic lotions, creams or sprays touch your lens

· Never mix the different brands of cleaner or solution

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Consultant Optician — Simply Beautiful VISION & SCIENCE

Hollands of London are contact lens specialists. We provide a wide range of practical and useful solutions to your needs. Additionally we also offer expert tuition in the fitting and wearing of your lens as well as correct advice on how to keep and maintain your lenses properly. We also offer after care and routine check ups to ensure that you are gaining the best vision possible from your lenses

Hollands of London     3 New Cavendish Street  London  W1G 8UX    Tel / Fax: 020 74868533    email: kantifatania@hotmail.com