Contact Lenses

Did you know that almost everyone who needs vision correction now has the option of wearing contact lenses as an alternative to spectacles?


Recent advances in contact lens materials and designs have allowed more and more people to choose a type of lens to suit their needs and lifestyle. The high quality lenses of today offer the luxury of clear vision and comfort whenever needed - whether they are to be worn the majority of the time or just whenever they may be convenient (for example, for social occasions or sports and leisure pursuits).


Following a full eye examination we offer a thorough contact lens assessment and trial, FREE and with NO OBLIGATION. Should you be suitable, this will usually involve taking away contact lenses to your prescription to wear at home, work etc, to give you some experience to judge them.

The following information will let you know about the types of contact lenses available. Should you have any questions for us or wish to book an appointment to discuss the possibility of wearing contact lenses please telephone the practice on 01904 653297.

Alternatively you can e-mail us at mail@binningtonandthurling.co.uk

Types of Contact Lenses

The majority of contact lenses currently prescribed are soft .All soft lenses allow oxygen through to the surface of the eye. They offer enhanced comfort, ease of adaptation and convenience. To keep the eyes healthy and the vision clear, most soft lenses are 'disposable' (lenses that are kept for a short period of time and then replaced). Here are the most common types of Soft lenses:

Daily Disposable Soft Contact Lenses

These are worn once then thrown away. A very convenient and healthy way to wear lenses. No cleaning and disinfecting is required - so no contact lenses solutions to purchase. They are popular with part-time wearers, but can be worn every day. Supplied in 30,60 or 90 pair consignments.



Monthly Disposable Soft Contact Lenses

Worn for one month then thrown away. A convenient and cost effective way to wear contact lenses. Daily cleaning and disinfecting is required but the solutions are simple to use and efficient. We can choose the best lens and solution combination for you from the many manufacturers designs available.

Soft Contact lenses for Astigmatism

Should you have some astigmatism (irregular curvature of the cornea of the eye) a better quality of vision can be obtained using special contact lens designs (either 'toric' or 'aspheric' lenses). These can be supplied as daily disposable, two-weekly disposable lenses, monthly disposable lenses or non-disposable lenses.



Bifocal and Varifocal Soft Contact Lenses

Can give clear vision at distance and near for people who need bifocal or varifocal spectacles. They can be supplied as either daily disposable, two-weekly disposable lenses, monthly disposable lenses or non-disposable lenses.



Continuous or Extended Wear Soft Contact Lenses

The recent development of a new soft lens material, which is highly oxygen permeable and dehydration resistant, has allowed safe overnight wear during extensive clinical trials. The lenses are designed to be replaced monthly and in most cases could be worn continuously for this period. In some cases they may need to be removed occasionally for cleaning/rinsing/disinfecting.


New Contact Lens Materials for Dry or Sensitive Eyes

There have been significant developments in disposable soft lens materials in recent times. Newer designs can provide better comfort, vision and more prolonged wearing times than ever for those who have dry or sensitive eyes whilst wearing contact lenses. For example, they can be of significant help to those who work with computer screens. They can even allow those who have previously failed with contact lens wear to become successful wearers.


Alternatively, Hard or Gas Permeable lenses can be worn.


Hard

These lenses are made from a relatively inflexible plastic, which does not allow oxygen to transmit through it. This can, in some cases, with long-term wear, lead to complications. Because of this and the difficulty in adapting to them, hard lenses are very rarely prescribed now, although they can be supplied to an existing wearer whose eyes are remaining healthy.

Gas Permeable

These lenses are made of an oxygen permeable plastic material, which allows the eye to 'breathe' through the lenses - providing a healthier environment. They are also more flexible than hard lenses and a little easier to adapt to. Both Hard and Gas Permeable contact lenses have to be removed daily to be cleaned and disinfected.

Price Examples:


Alternatively, why not upgrade to the latest technology and wear the new silicone hydrogel lenses for only £19.95 per month.