We specialise in fitting difficult corneas, high astigmatism and even young children with contact lenses when medically necessary.
Many new materials and developments in the field of contact lenses are helping to alleviate the issues of the past, such as GPC (allergy), dry eye, astigmatism and presbyopia (age-related near vision blur).
There are several types of contact lenses available in the market. Here are the most common ones:
- Soft contact lenses: These are made from a flexible plastic material that allows oxygen to pass through to the cornea. Soft contact lenses come in various types, including daily disposable, bi-weekly, and monthly lenses.
- Rigid gas permeable or Hard (RGP) lenses: These are also known as hard contact lenses. They are made from a rigid plastic material that allows oxygen to pass through. RGP lenses provide excellent vision correction but can be less comfortable than soft lenses.
- Hybrid contact lenses: These lenses have a rigid gas-permeable center and a soft outer ring. They provide the clear vision of an RGP lens with the comfort of a soft lens.
- Scleral contact lenses: These lenses are larger than regular contact lenses and cover the entire cornea and sclera (white part of the eye). They are often used to treat irregular corneas or conditions like keratoconus.
- Extended-wear contact lenses: These lenses are designed to be worn continuously, even while sleeping. They come in both soft and RGP varieties.
- Coloured / Prosthetic contact lenses: These lenses are designed to change the appearance of your eyes. They can be used to enhance the natural colour of your eyes or to completely change the colour.
- Multi-focal contact lenses: Corrects ageing eyes providing good near and far vision for the 45 year plus patients.
It’s important to consult with our Optometrists to determine which type of contact lens is right for you based on your individual needs and lifestyle. We take care to prescribe new contact lens designs and materials to improve your vision, comfort and safety.
During the appointment, we’ll provide personalised instructions on the safe care and usage of your new lenses. Upon completion of successful contact lens instruction, you may begin wearing your lenses, and we will schedule your first follow-up appointment.
MULTI-FOCAL CONTACT LENSES
Multifocal soft contact lenses contain multiple prescriptions in one lens, allowing the wearer to see clearly at different distances. The lens may have a center distance prescription for seeing far away and a peripheral near prescription for seeing up close, or vice versa. The wearer’s brain learns to adjust and use the appropriate prescription based on the object being viewed.
There are several types of multifocal soft contact lenses, including:
Simultaneous vision lenses: These lenses have multiple prescriptions on the same surface, allowing the wearer to see both near and far objects at the same time.
Asymmetric lenses: These lenses have a gradual transition from the distance prescription to the near prescription, which can provide a more natural visual experience.
Multifocal soft contact lenses require a prescription from an Optometrist, and a fitting process to ensure the lenses are comfortable and provide clear vision. Some people may need to try different types of multifocal lenses before finding the right fit for their individual needs.
HYBRID CONTACT LENSES
The rigid center of the hybrid lens is made of a gas-permeable material that allows oxygen to pass through to the cornea, providing excellent visual clarity. The soft outer ring of the lens is made of a hydrogel material that is more comfortable to wear than a fully rigid gas-permeable lens.
Hybrid contact lenses are often used for people who have irregular corneas, such as those with keratoconus, post-surgical complications, or other corneal irregularities. They can also be used for people who have moderate to high levels of astigmatism or who need multifocal correction.
Hybrid lenses require a bit more care and maintenance than traditional soft contact lenses, and they typically need to be fitted by an eye doctor who has experience with speciality contact lenses. However, for those who require them, hybrid lenses can provide a significant improvement in vision and comfort compared to other types of lenses.
PROSTHETIC CONTACT LENSES
Prosthetic contact lenses can be made in a variety of colours and patterns, including solid colours, gradients, and even designs like cat eyes or flames. They can also be custom-made to match the natural colour and appearance of the other eye.
Prosthetic contact lenses are typically made of the same materials as regular contact lenses, such as silicone hydrogel or soft hydrogel. They can be worn for extended periods of time, but require the same care and maintenance as regular contact lenses.
It’s important to note that prosthetic contact lenses are considered medical devices and require a prescription from an eye doctor. They should be fitted and prescribed by a licensed eye care professional to ensure proper fit and safety. Additionally, it’s important to follow proper hygiene practices and care instructions when wearing prosthetic contact lenses to avoid eye infections or other complications.