Frequently Asked Questions

What is a contact lens?

It is a prescription medical device manufactured from high-grade polymers. The contact lens rests on the front surface of the eye and like eye glasses, bends light rays so that images are properly focused on the retina.

What's the difference between hard and soft contact lenses?

Soft contact lenses are manufactured from hydrophilic polymers (water-loving plastics). Varying from 38% to 71%, the water content is what makes soft contact lenses pliable. Hard contact lenses are not manufactured from hydrophilic plastics and therefore do not contain water. Although they can provide good ocular health, they are not as comfortable initially as soft lenses.

What are planned replacement lenses?

Planned replacement is a complete program of contact lens vision care in which contact lenses are replaced at planned intervals throughout the year. The interval is decided by your eye care practitioner based on the lens chosen, and the patient's specific characteristics. Replacement cycles generally vary from one month to three months.

What is astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a common visual distortion caused by an irregularly shaped cornea. Approximately 45% of all patients requiring vision correction have astigmatism.

What is myopia?

Myopia is commonly referred to as nearsightedness. A myopic eye sees near objects very clearly within a certain range while distance vision appears blurry.

What is hyperopia?

Hyperopia is more commonly known as farsightedness. A hyperopic eye sees distant objects clearly while near objects appear blurry.

What is presbyopia?

Presbyopia is a visual condition which becomes apparent in middle age, in which the loss of elasticity of the eye causes difficulty or inability to focus sharply for near vision.

What is the difference between daily wear and flexible wear?

Daily wear lenses are worn during the day and must be removed at bedtime. Flexible wear lenses are thinner or have a higher water content, allowing more oxygen to pass to the eye. They can be worn continuously, even overnight, for up to seven days. Eligibility for flexible wear use is evaluated by an eye care professional.

What is the difference between disposable lenses and planned replacement lenses?

Disposable lenses are meant to be worn once and thrown away while planned replacement lenses are worn for a prescribed period of time and replaced at regular intervals.

What is the appropriate wearing schedule for me?

Your eye care professional will prescribe your wearing schedule based on the health of your cornea, your lifestyle, your preference and the type of lens you want to wear.

I had laser surgery and now I want to wear contacts. What should I do?

You should speak to an eye care practitioner about the feasibility of wearing contact lenses. He/she is the best person to advise you on glasses vs. contact lenses based on your individual needs.