Contact Lenses
Getting Started
To be a successful contact lens wearer you first need an eye examination. The health of your eyes will be assessed and the most appropriate contact lens design will be determined. You may be sent away for a few hours wearing trial lenses.
An appointment can then be made for you to be taught handling and care of your contact lenses. The contact lens prescription will be finalised at the same time. It is most likely you will leave wearing contact lenses. An appointment will be made for at least one aftercare visit. Wearing contact lenses increases the risk of sight threatening eye infections. So to maintain healthy eyes these visits are important.
What type of lens is best for me?
This will depend on your prescription, whether you want to wear them every day and what activities you are involved in. Contact lenses are ideal for sports and outdoor activities.
The decision is best made in consultation with your optometrist.
Are contact lenses suitable for everybody?
Most people, whether they are short-sighted (myopia) longsighted (hyperopia), astigmatism or have presbyopia (difficulty focusing for near), can wear contact lenses.
Lenses that correct astigmatism are designed not to rotate on the eye.
For those who require a different correction for distance and near can often be fitted with a distance lens in one eye and the near lens in the other (monovision). Multifocal lenses are also available for those who have difficulty with monovision.
Do most people wear disposable lenses?
Yes. To maintain a healthy cornea the cleanest lens should be worn. The cleanest lens will always be the newest lens. Therefore disposable lenses are generally the best. However some eye conditions (e.g. keratoconus) require special lenses which are not designed to be disposable.
How much do contact lenses cost?
The cost for new wearers can be divided into 3 sections: Professional fees, contact lenses and solutions. The fees vary according to the type of lenses that are required.
For a new wearer of disposable lenses the fee is $168.00 which includes your initial examination, fitting, and aftercare for 3 months. Monthly disposable lenses vary from about $30.00 to $50.00 per month and daily lenses are about $3.00 per pair - To keep the cost down lenses are purchased in packs. Solutions are about $35.00 for a 3 month supply.
Free Contact Lens Trial Program.
If you're not sure whether contact lenses are for you, Visique Eastland Eyecare offers a free contact lens trial.
Following an eye examination a pair of disposables may be able to be inserted on your eyes for a period of a few hours. You will be able to go away and find out what contact lens wear is like while you undertake your normal daily activities.
Benefits of contact lenses
For those who lead an active lifestyle, contact lenses can provide:
- Close to natural vision, with no side effects if worn and fitted correctly
- Excellent peripheral vision for sports, driving, safety and performing
- More advantages for athletes and those with an active lifestyle
For those who prefer the way they look without glasses, or find glasses to be cumbersome and awkward. Contact lenses can provide ease, convenience and comfort.
For those who work or play in an environment in which spectacles are not an option, contact lenses allow for comfortable goggle wear, or the appearance of no vision correction whatsoever.
For those who think laser surgery and its risks are frightening or too expensive, contact lenses can provide a safe, comfortable and time-tested alternative.