CONTACT LENSES EYE EXAMINATIONS

Contact lenses come in many different forms. There are hard lenses, which are not used very widely these days. Then rigid Gas Permeable lenses from such companies as Bausch & Lomb and Zeiss. These lenses offer a large amount of Oxygen to the surface of the eye, which helps to keep it healthy. They are easier to handle than soft lenses and are more robust, so tend to last longer.

Soft lenses are as the name suggests very soft and pliable. This offers good permeability (especially with high water content lenses). Both soft and Gas Permeable lenses can be made to correct Astigmatism. This is when the cornea has a different power along one meridian to another. This causes the cornea to become elongated in one direction, almost like a rugby ball. Tinted lenses are also available. These can be opaque which will totally change the colour of the Iris, although they tend not to look very natural. Also available in opaque are the special designs, such as footballs, chequered flags, smiley faces, swirls etc. Which are used often in TV and film, such as Interview with a Vampire and those worn by Linford Christie.

The more natural looking tinted contact lenses are the ones that enhance your existing colour rather than totally change it. These are available from companies such as Wesley Jessen and Pilkington Barnes Hines. These are available in standard soft for 12 months wear or monthly disposable. So one can change their colour often, perhaps hazel one month, green the next and then blue or violet.

Monthly disposable is an ever growing market. They are extremely comfortable and offer convenience and healthy clean lenses. They are easier to use than the more normal 12 or 6 month soft lenses, as the solutions used with the monthly lenses are not as complicated. Often only comprising one multi function solution (ie Re-Nu) that cleans, disinfects and stores all in one. Many patients find that the easiest way to purchase and wear these lenses is to enrol on a direct debit scheme. So that the cost is spread over the year and you only need to pick up your lenses and solutions every six months, all in a neat and convenient box (Bausch & Lomb Freshvision package). Although you only need to visit the practice to collect your box, the Optician should always be available should you have a problem. This is not the case with mail order lenses where the most backup you will get is an optician on the end of a phone line.

A relatively recent development are Daily Disposable. These as the name implies are discarded at the end of the day. Which means no solutions or cases required. These lenses are ideal for someone who only wears lenses occasionally, such as for sport. The lenses are available in packs of 30/60/90 days.

Contact Lens solutions are often overlooked, but they are extremely important. Many problems with lenses are due to the solutions used or how the solutions are used. Patients are always best to stick with the solutions prescribed by their contact lens practitioner. As there are many different kinds of liquids available. Some are Chlorine based; some are Hydrogen Peroxide based, so as you can see all liquids are not the same.

The eye examination should be part of everyone's normal health regime, as it not only identifies whether your eyesight needs correcting but can also reveal a number of other underlying health problems such as high blood pressure or diabetes. Regular examinations are particularly important as some eye problems give few symptoms to make the patient aware of anything wrong. Early detection is most helpful for successful treatment of the condition.

Routine eye examinations should be carried out every two years, or earlier if the Optometrist / Ophthalmic Optician recommends it.

An eye examination takes about 20 to 30 minutes but may take longer if additional tests are needed. The practitioner will need to know why you are having your eyes examined, eg. is it because of symptoms or is it a screening test for VDU operators. Your practitioner will need to know what symptoms you have, the duration of them, whether any changes have occurred suddenly or gradually over a period of time. Your practitioner will need to know of any medication you are taking and other general health information and family history of eye problems.

Your eyes will be examined both externally and internally to enable an assessment to be made of the general health of the eyes and to identify any other underlying medical problems. The interior of the eye will be examined using either an ophthalmoscope or a biomicroscope which both shine a light through the pupil to allow a detailed examination of the internal structures.

Measurements will be taken of your vision to assess the extent of any visual error, before a series of tests will be carried out to determine the type and extent of the error. The co-ordination of the eyes and eye movements will also be checked to ensure that the eyes are working together effectively and without stress. This is particular important to drivers and VDU operators, and also to those who play sports.

Your practitioner will assess from the tests the health of your eyes, the standard of your vision, and any special requirements that may be needed, and also the appropriate date for your next examination. You will be handed a personal copy of your prescription for spectacles or contact lenses or a statement confirming that they are not required.

If you are given a prescription you will need to choose spectacles and/or contact lenses, and you may obtain assistance in this selection from an Optometrist / Ophthalmic Optician or a Dispensing Optician. You may obtain your spectacles or contact lenses where you had your eyes examined or you may take your prescription to another optical outlet if you wish.

The object of the dispensing of your prescription is to select the most suitable lenses for your particular requirements, to obtain comfortable and attractive spectacle frames. You may obtain professional assistance in frame selection and lens choice. Whilst fashion and image are very important it is also necessary to select a frame which is compatible with the lenses that you need and which are made of suitable material. Advice can also be obtained as to the suitability of the frame style and colouring, and also professional advice on the best type of lenses to suit your lifestyle, occupation or leisure pursuits ie. single vision, bifocal, multifocal or varifocal . The most suitable lens for your particular prescription can be selected as they can be made thinner, lighter, anti-reflection coated, tinted, photochromatic and in either plastic, polycarbonate, or glass.

At collection of your new spectacles they will be checked and the fitting adjusted to ensure both your comfort and maximum visual performance, and as part of continuing aftercare your optician will be happy to adjust or make minor repairs to your spectacles where possible.