Contact Lenses
Like almost any other Newcastle optometrist, we can provide you with advice and fitting for almost any type of disposable (soft) contact lens, including monthly disposable, daily disposable, and extended or overnight wear ("sleep-in") contact lenses. We will also provide you with competent & careful instruction on how to insert, remove and care for your lenses, and give you tips on how to avoid problems such as dry eye, redness, allergies, and even infections (which are rare among our patients). We use and recommend the Andrasko Staining Grid to ensure that your lenses and disinfecting solution are actually compatible with each other.
These days the most popular type of contacts lenses are disposable (soft) contacts. They are comfortable, easy to get used to, and suitable for occasional or regular wear. Some people might only wear them on weekends, for the occasional social activity, or the gym. Others wear them more regularly - five, six or seven days a week.
Soft contact lenses are available in monthly or daily disposable formats. Monthly disposable may be worn continuous wear ('sleep-in') or day wear (remove & clean every night). Daily disposables are only worn once and then thrown away - naturally, having a new pair every day is more comfortable and hygienic than re-using the same lens for a month, although monthly disposables are not difficult to look after.
Unlike many Newcastle optometrists, we also have the necessary equipment and knowledge to offer you RGP (Rigid Gas Permeable) contact lenses. While not as commonly used as soft disposable contact lenses, RGP lenses can often provide clearer vision, less dryness, and a more economical contact lens mode than soft lenses. They are often easier to handle than soft lenses, great for people with big fingers or poor dexterity. They are particularly suitable for people with astigmatism, high hyperopia (longsightedness), high myopia (short-sightedness), dry eye, allergies, or keratoconus. Studies show that RGP contact lenses have among the lowest rate of complications, such as infections and other problems, of any contact lens type. They do take a few more days to get used to initially than soft lenses, but for some people their advantages are clear.
If you are a little bit interesting in finding out more contact lenses but aren't sure, we can easily insert a pair of disposable soft contact lenses for you to try at the end of your eye examination for a few minutes. There's no obligation or fee, but it's an easy way to have a quick "taste test" of contact lenses without making a commitment. If this interests you, be sure to ask your optometrist at the start of your consultation.
As of 2012, we now also offer specialty contact lens fitting, such as for keratoconus and orthokeratology.
