Contact lenses FAQ

Gas permeable contact lenses are rigid lenses that transmit oxygen to the eye. Gas permeable lenses are also known as:

• GP lenses
• RGP lenses
• Oxygen permeable lenses

While all these are rigid lenses, they must not be confused with the old-fashioned hard contact lenses, which are now hardly ever used.

Gas permeable contact lenses let in oxygen, which is essential to eye health and means they can be worn when doing sports and other activities.

One of the major benefits of gas permeable contact lenses is that it is possible to have multiple prescriptions, meaning they are ideal if you have the following eye issues:

• Astigmatism
• Eye conditions that cause the eye to be irregular in shape
• Wearers of soft contact lenses who don’t find their vision sharp enough
• Presbyopia

Gas permeable contact lenses do tend to be more durable and can usually be worn for longer periods of time than soft contacts. It is common for them to be worn daily and only need to be replaced every six to twelve months. Some people who switch from soft to gas permeable contact lenses, also find their vision is sharper when they do.

Disadvantages include:

• They can take a while for the wearer to adjust to them
• As gas permeable contact lenses are designed to move on the eye when the wearer blinks, this does mean there is a higher risk (compared with soft lenses) of dust and debris getting in under the lens
• They require a higher level of care than soft lenses

If you find that rigid gas permeable contact lenses are not right for you, there are hybrid lenses also available, which are fitted with both gas permeable and soft lens material.

If you want to speak to your optician regarding gas permeable contact lenses, please contact your nearest Scrivens branch today.

• Presbyopia
• Long-sightedness
• Short-sightedness

Due to the fact there are multiple prescriptions, multifocal contact lenses can cost more than ordinary lenses. Multifocal contact lenses tend to have a gradual transition, unlike bifocal contact lenses, which have a sharper edge.

• Soft lenses
• Rigid gas permeable lenses

They also come in two main types of designs. The most common is a set of concentric circles of different prescriptions for the different viewing distances. The second is a blended design; this type of lens keeps the near and distance prescriptions close to the centre of the eye.

• A gradual switch between prescriptions, which makes it less abrupt
• Improved visual acuity for the range of distances needed
• Able to see in most conditions
• No need for extra eyewear

While there are many advantages to multifocal lenses, they are not right for everyone. Disadvantages include:

• The different viewing experience can make it more difficult to adjust
• During the adjustment period, night time glare, hazy or shadowy vision can be an issue
• Due to their complexity, multifocal contact lenses are more expensive

If you want to speak to your optician regarding multifocal contact lenses, please contact your nearest Scrivens branch today.

Astigmatism is a common eye condition that occurs in the cornea or lens when they are not a perfectly curved shape. Causing blurred or distorted vision, most people who wear glasses have a degree of astigmatism.

Most astigmatism contacts lenses are soft lenses, often known as ‘toric contact lenses.’ These differ from regular spherical lenses in two ways:

• Astigmatism contact lenses can correct near-sightedness or far-sightedness in the different meridians of the lens. Meridians are imagery lines which pass through the centre of the pupil when viewing the eye head on. They are used to describe the shape of the corrective lenses.
• Astigmatism contact lenses are specially designed so the lens can rotate to the proper orientation on the cornea. This means that the meridians can align in the right way for clear vision.

Some Scrivens Branches offer Dreamvision contact lenses, which can be used for astigmatism. Dreamvision lenses are unique in the way that they are worn at night and removed in the morning to give clear vision throughout the day, without the need for glasses or contact lenses. They work by moulding the cornea in order to temporarily correct or reduce astigmatism.

If you have any questions or think that astigmatism are right for you, please contact your nearest Scrivens branch and speak to an optician today.

New lens designs and materials mean that contact lenses are now more comfortable than ever and provide exceptional vision. Many people returning to contact lens wear have found that they no longer have to compromise.

If it’s your first time putting contact lenses in, the idea of putting something on your eye might make you feel a little squeamish. But there’s absolutely nothing to worry about, contact lenses are easy to apply and very comfortable.

It may take you a little while to get used to putting them in, but after some practice, and with the help of our handy guide, you’ll have no problem putting contact lenses in at all.

Here’s our guide to applying contact lenses:

Step 1.

Wash your hands.

This is very important to remember as any dust particles, germs or makeup on your finger will irritate your eyes and make the whole experience very uncomfortable.  Try to use soap that is fragrance free and one that is not too heavy on moisturisers as these ingredients could also irritate your eyes.

Dry your hands thoroughly, and you’re ready to start putting your contact lenses in.

Step 2.

Always start with the same eye.

Contact lenses are designed to fit each eye individually. You can’t swap them around as they simply won’t fit properly so it’s a good idea to start with the same eye every time. This is to help you make sure you put the correct contact lens in each eye.

If you are right handed, always start with your right eye. If you’re left handed, start with your left eye.

Step 3.

Get your contact lens ready.

Open the packet and scoop out the lens by sliding it up the ramp and out with your index finger. Look at the contact lens and make sure it looks like a bowl. If it has a lip or flat bottom, it may be inside out, so be sure to check. If it is inside out, just turn it over in the palm of your hand.

Clean your lens with contact lens solution. Never use water from the tap or anything else as you risk irritating your eye.

If your lens is torn or damaged, never place it in your eye.

Step 4.

Insert your contact lens.

Make sure you have a mirror ready for this part.

With your free hand, hold your upper eye lid open. This is important as you may try to blink reflexively.

Using the hand with your contact lens on, place your middle finger underneath your eye to stabilise your hand and pull the lower lid down.

You may want to look away at this point, or you may prefer to look straight at the mirror or contact lens – either way is fine. Place your lens gently on your eye and you’re nearly finished.

Step 5.

Blink, blink, blink.

Blink a few times to make sure the lens is in place properly and help your eye get used to the lens. If everything feels ok and you can see properly, you’ve successfully applied your contact lens.

Just repeat the procedure for your other eye and you’re ready.

For more information on the different types of contact lenses, click here.

If you are thinking about trying contact lenses but unsure as to whether they are right for you, click here to arrange your free contact lens trial.

Advances in technology mean that contact lenses are now available for a wide variety of prescription requirements, including astigmatism and high-powered prescriptions. We can even provide contact lenses that correct both near and distance vision in one lens, just like varifocal glasses.

Yes. As long as you sleep on a regular basis for a reasonable amount of time, Dreamvision contact lenses will work.