FAQs

Before anyone can wear contact lenses they need to visit their optometrist for a contact lens fitting. There are many different brands of contact lenses and these come in varying sizes and materials, your optometrist is a specialist in determining the appropriate one for your eyes and for your personal prescription. This applicable to cosmetic contact lenses also.

Sometimes the eye can have a reaction to the type of solution you are storing your contact lenses in. Should at any time you experience discomfort like this you should contact your optometrist and they will recommend to you another product.

Your prescription for spectacles and contact lenses are different. You will need to make an appointment with your optometrist for a contact lens fitting to obtain a current contact lens prescription.

In New Zealand it is advised to have a contact lens examination annually. As contact lenses sit directly on the surface of the eye it is important to maintain eye health. On occasion contact lenses have been known to cause damage to the cornea and by seeing your optometrist on a regular basis will reduce the likelihood of any problems going undetected. Even the most experienced contact lens wearers must attend an annual appointment as an optometrist will pick up a potential problem before the wearer even begins to experience any problems.

Only use sterile contact lens solution for cleaning and storing your contact lenses! Never use tap water, boiled water or mineral water. These may contain bacteria that could lead to eye infections. Also never moisten your contact lenses with saliva!

It is advised to wear prescription goggles rather than your contact lenses. If you do go swimming with your contact lenses in avoid getting water in your eyes.

You should wear your contact lenses during the day and remove them at night. Never sleep in your contact lenses unless specified by your optometrist. You should always have a current pair of prescription spectacles on hand. These should be worn at night to give your eyes a rest from your contact lenses. You may also need your prescription glasses should you ever contract an eye infection, it is imperative you do not wear your contact lenses at this time.

This depends entirely on the type of contact lens you have been prescribed to wear. Soft contact lenses are normally daily or fortnightly disposables and some come as a monthly disposable lens. Your optometrist will advise you of this when you go for your contact lens fitting.

No - this is physically impossible! Sometimes your contact lens can get ‘lost’ but this is most likely caused by you rubbing your eyes and the contact lens moving up under your eyelid. In the majority of cases you will be able to find the contact lens but on the odd occasion you may need to visit your optometrist for a little assistance.

Soft contact lenses should not hurt you eyes at all; they are very comfortable and easy to wear. If for any reason you do feel any discomfort this could be due to a nick or tear in the lens. If this is the case discard the contact lens and replace with a fresh one. You should always carry spare contact lenses and solution with you.

You should only use eye drops recommended for use with contact lenses. Your optometrist will be able to assist you with the correct lubricant for you.

Sometimes the eye can have a reaction to the type of solution you are storing your contact lenses in. Should at any time you experience discomfort like this you should contact your optometrist and they will recommend to you another product.