Want to learn more about contact lenses? Our detailed guide has everything you need to know, or you can book an appointment with our contact lens team to find out more
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.
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.
Contact lenses and eye health conditions
Eyes feel a bit odd? Find out more about contact lenses and eye health.
Varifocal contact lenses. What are they?
Also known as multifocal lenses, these contact lenses work like varifocal glasses by addressing different vision types.
Your prescription and contact lenses
Did you know if you have different prescriptions for different things, like reading or driving, you can wear contact lenses too?
Contact Lenses for children
Contact lenses aren’t just for adults. In fact, there’s no minimum age for wearing contacts – as long as your optician is happy for you to use them.
Contact Lenses FAQs
We want to make sure your contact lens journey is as smooth as possible. Here we’ve answered the most frequently asked questions you might have considered when wearing contacts.