What to expect in a contact lens fitting

Our optician answers your contact lens fitting questions

• Do I have to buy contact lenses in my appointment?

  If you would still like some time to consider your contact lens options, then you are under no obligation to purchase immediately. We would suggest to research your options online beforehand and familiarize yourself with products and brands - most importantly costs. Checking other’s reviews can be extremely helpful. Ordering from an online optician also allows you to get your contacts at a cheaper price, and sometimes even faster.

  Once you want to order contact lenses, some opticians give the possibility to sign up to direct debits. The direct debit seems appealing because it allows to settle a regular order that automatically renews your order before you run out of contact lenses. If you are a contact lens newbie we also highly recommend that you don't sign up to these schemes. It is important in your first few months of wearing lenses that you have the freedom to swap and change until you find the perfect lens for you. Everyone is different, and what works for someone may not work for you. Learn more about the pros and cons of direct debits on our helpful guide to direct debits.

• Can I alternate between contacts and glasses?

  Absolutely. Sometimes, it’s even a good choice to alternate, especially if you tend to experience migraines. It’s also recommended to keep a spare pair of glasses about the house just in case you run out of lenses, we’ve all been there!

• What's the difference between glasses and contact lens prescriptions?

  Prescriptions for contacts and for glasses are not the same. The reason for this is that the position of the lens on your eye is about 12 millimetres from your face with glasses whereas the contact lens is directly on your eye. Therefore, measurements and information such as base curve and diameters are different. Don’t hesitate to check our guide on how to read your prescription.

• I tried a pair of lenses and it hurt, should I give up?

  Your lenses shouldn't hurt your eyes, but sometimes they can cause discomfort. If you are experiencing discomfort from wearing lenses it can potentially be caused by bacteria that has come into contact with your lens. It could also be that your contact lens is out of date. If you are worried it could be one of these possibilities, replace the lens with a new one and you should hopefully feel more comfortable. Or sometimes, it could be something as simple as your lens being upside down. Check our guide here to learn how to tell if a lens is upside down.

  For monthly wearers, it’s important to remember to thoroughly wash your hands when handling your lenses, to avoid bacteria contaminating the lens and keep eye drops and solution handy to rinse your eyes and contacts or even to change the lens. If it still hurts, don’t hesitate to get in contact with your optician.

• Can I wear contact lenses no matter what my prescription is?

  Nowadays, it’s very rare not to find a contact lens suited to your correction. If you’ve been told that your correction was too weak to wear contacts, it doesn’t mean that you should never wear any kind of contact lenses, coloured contact lenses for instance are available without correction.

• What is your advice to first time wearers who are worried about putting in lenses for the first time?

  Bear in mind that inserting and removing contact lenses for the first time can be a little daunting for everyone, all contact lenses wearers will tell you so. Make sure you have our How To Guides handy if you feel a little nervous. And more importantly, make sure you take your time and have patience - it does get easier.