Contact Lenses
Enjoy life without glasses.
Can I use contact lenses?
Contact lenses can be used to correct myopia (short sightedness) or hyperopia (long sightedness). There are also contact lenses that correct for astigmatism or for multifocal lens wearers.
With the wide range of contact lenses to choose from, it is important to ensure that you are correctly fitted with the right contact lens for your needs. Otherwise, the freedom and benefit of contact lenses will not be realised.
What happens during a contact lens fitting?
A contact lenses fitting and aftercare are not the same as an eye test. Therefore, for contact lens wearers, a fitting is required in addition to a standard eye examination.
The two exams are quite different and a contact lens fitting consultation is not covered by Medicare unless a patient has a high prescription.
A contact lens fitting is essential to determine patient suitability, and then the correct contact lenses in terms of type, power and fit. More specifically, a spectacle prescription is measured for optical lenses that are 12mm to 14mm from the eye, while a contact lens fitting measures for lenses that sit directly on the eye. Contact lenses that have not been correctly fitted can be detrimental to eye health.
The optometrist will make suggestions on the most suitable wearing pattern for contact lenses, and where appropriate will prescribe a pair of trial lenses. Instruction on wearing and how to handle and properly care for the new lenses will be provided. A follow-up exam will be scheduled to ensure all is well with the new lenses, and that the eyes have adjusted to contact lens wear.
Types of contact lenses
Soft Disposable Contact Lenses
Soft disposable contact lenses generally provide the most comfortable wearing experience and are easy to care for. They are available in daily, fortnightly and monthly replacement options.
Multifocal Contact Lenses
Multifocal contact lenses can be a good option for those who find reading with single vision contact lenses difficult. They provide a balance between near and distance vision.
Rigid Gas Permeable Lenses
Unlike soft contact lenses, these lenses are a breathable harder type of material. These lenses are often custom-made, hence a great option for those with high scripts or more complex conditions such as high astigmatism or keratoconus.
Ortho-K Lenses
Orthokeratology uses hard lenses designed to be worn overnight to give clear, corrected vision during the day. Ortho-k lenses are also used to help reduce the progression of myopia (or short-sightedness).
Contact Lenses FAQs
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Our optometrists will assess your suitability as a contact lens wearer during an initial consultation. Every year there are new technological developments in contact lenses that make them easier for you to wear.
For example, in early 2022, Alcon released a new contact lens specifically designed for wearers with astigmatism. If you have not had success with contact lenses in the past, ask our optometrists whether there is a new contact lens available that will address your previous issues/concerns.
Let us know if you wish to discuss contact lenses during your appointment and we will make sure to allow enough time for this. -
We have successfully fitted children as young as six years of age with contact lenses. The key is the commitment of both the child and the parents to being successful with the treatment plan. It can be a great option for children and teens that are active in sports or other activities where glasses would get in the way.
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There are very few contact lenses designed for overnight wear other than Ortho-K lenses. They are called extended wear contact lenses and are made of materials that allow more oxygen to reach your eye. If you are interested in extended wear contact lenses, please discuss your options with our optometrists.
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If you fall asleep with your lenses in, there is a risk that they become stuck to the surface of the eye - especially if you are dehydrated. Never attempt to remove the lenses if they do not come off easily but rather apply lens lubricating drops or blink until your eye surface becomes more moist. The lenses will then become mobile again and you will be able to remove them.
It is sensible to leave your lenses out the following day to give your eyes a chance to recover, and if you have any persistent discomfort or redness see our optometrists as soon as possible.