Contact Lenses FAQ

What are contact lenses made of?
The main content of most soft and GP lenses is water. The rest of the lens is made of different kinds of plastic.

I can't stand the idea of putting anything in my eye. How do you put the lenses in?
Many people are a bit queazy at first, but most claim wearing contact lenses is a lot better than wearing glasses. To put lenses in, you just pull down your eyelids and gently slide the lens off the tip of your finger. A drop of wetting solution inside the lens helps make the initial attachment more comfortable.

I've been wearing glasses for 20 years and I was told I couldn't wear contacts because I have astigmatism. What are those new lenses I've heard about?
Contact lens design has come a long way in 20 years. Toric contact lenses are now available for people with astigmatism, and they are even said to correct the astigmatism in a way similar to wearing braces to correct your teeth.

What are toric contact lenses?
Toric refers to the shape of the lens and how it fits on your cornea. Toric lenses are designed to correct vision for people with astigmatism, a condition in which the cornea is stretched longer and narrower than the round, normal shape.

Can I get contact lenses without a prescription?
Yes. Many people wear contact lenses to enhance or change the colour or shape of their eyes and for theatrical and special effects. Colored and special effects lenses don't affect your vision.

Do I have to visit the doctor every time I need to order new prescription contact lenses?
Most eye care specialists recommend that you have your prescription reviewed annually, but you don't need a new prescription each time you order new lenses. Hold onto your prescription!