Category: Contact lens

Daily Contact Lenses vs Monthly – Pros and Cons

Posted on by ecp_super_admin

There are so many types of contact lenses on the market today, choosing the right kind can be difficult. After receiving your prescription, one of the first things a contact lens wearer must decide is what type of contact lens is right for me, dailies or monthlies?

As their names indicate, dailies are worn as daily disposable contact lenses, whereas a monthly disposable contact lens can be used for up to 30 days before being replaced. Each offers different advantages, and both have pros and cons. The choice you make should be based on your prescription, your lifestyle, and the recommendations of your optometrist.

To get the process going, Eyecare Plus has put together a head-to-head comparison of monthlies vs dailies.

Upkeep: cleaning, disinfecting, and storing

The main difference between dailies and monthlies is the amount of care they need. Monthlies require a daily cleaning routine, and they need to be stored in a little contact lens case each night.

Many eye infections can be prevented with proper contact lens wear and care. Cleaning your monthlies gets rid of debris and protein deposits from your tears that build up and can make the contact lenses uncomfortable and cause potential eye infections.

There is no maintenance for daily disposable lenses.

Advantage: dailies

Durability

Both daily disposable contacts and monthly contact lenses are soft contact lenses, though dailies are made of a slightly thinner material because they don’t have to last as long. The material to make most contact lenses these days is either hydrogel or silicone hydrogel.

Because monthly contact lenses are designed to last up to 30 days, they are slightly thicker than dailies, and are more resistant to rips or tears. Monthlies also usually offer more moisture retention so are more resistant to drying out.

Advantage: monthlies

Cost

Monthly lenses are usually considered the cheaper option because you buy fewer of them. It takes 24 monthly lenses (12 per eye) to supply a years’ worth of monthly disposable contacts, while a year’s worth of dailies is 720 lenses (or 360 pairs a year).

So, monthlies are cheaper. But the price difference is not as big as it seems. Monthly contact lenses need storage cases, travel supplies, and contact lens solutions too, and these items can add up. Still, even with these costs factored in, everyday contact lens wearers will usually get a slightly better value out of monthlies.

Advantage: monthlies

Performance

Because daily contact lenses are changed each new day, they don’t have time to wear out, as monthlies do. And there is no time for build-up to develop on daily lenses. Even with proper care, protein and lipid deposits can develop on monthly contact lenses, affecting the sharpness of vision.

Advantage: dailies

Young wearers

For first time contact lens wearers, especially teens or young people, most optometrists recommend daily disposable contact lenses. New users sometimes tear or lose their contact lenses, so for practical and economic reasons, daily disposables are preferable.

Teens (who are not usually known for their exacting standards of hygiene) are usually prescribed dailies.

Advantage: dailies

Overnight wear

Many people wrongly assume ‘monthly contact lenses’ means they put them in at the beginning of the month and take them out at the end of the month. But that is not how they work.

Leaving your contact lenses in can lead to irritation or an infection and deprive the eyes of oxygen.

During the day, eyes open, we are getting oxygen to our eyes constantly. However, when we sleep, the blood vessels in our eyelids are the only way to get oxygen to the surface of our eyes.

A contact lens is a barrier between the cornea (front of the eye) and the nourishing eyelids. While it certainly isn’t dangerous, it is not an ideal situation.

 

While there are several ‘extended wear’ contact lenses for overnight use, most eye care professionals agree: you should avoid sleeping with your contact lenses in, unless you have specially prescribed orthokeratology contact lenses.

Since contact lens wearers throw away their lenses at the end of the day, there is no temptation to keep them in overnight.

Advantage: dailies

Environmental impact

We all want to do our part, and with any disposable product, many people are concerned about the environmental impact of wearing contact lenses.

First off, contact lenses weigh about 30 micrograms, and it has been calculated that contact lenses only comprise about 0.5% of the total environmental waste. Probably more surprising, when you compare the environmental impact of dailies or monthly contact lenses to glasses, the contact lenses come out way ahead.

A year’s worth of daily disposables (365 pairs) would add up to about nine grams of plastic – a little less than the amount that goes into two credit cards.

At the same time, monthly contacts require plastic contact lens case, plastic bottles of multi-purpose solution throughout the year.

When the packaging and blister packs are properly recycled, and the contacts are properly disposed of (never flush contacts down the toilet or throw them down the drain), dailies are the surprise winner.

Advantage: dailies

Convenience

Dailies are not only more convenient than monthlies, they are also more convenient than almost anything, ever.

One time wear, put them in in the morning and throw them away at the end of the day. There are no solutions to buy, carry around and use.

Dailies also free you up to wear glasses one day and contacts the next.

Advantage: dailies

Dailies vs Monthly contact lenses: pros and cons

Monthly Contact Lenses PROS

  •       Great value for money, especially if you wear your contacts everyday
  •       Durable
  •       Lower annual cost on average than daily disposable contact lenses

Monthly Contact Lenses CONS

  •       Performance goes down the longer they are worn
  •       Wearers need to adhere to a replacement schedule
  •       Need to be cleaned daily

Daily Contact Lenses PROS

  •       Hassle free. No need to clean and store
  •       No need for contact lens solutions
  •       A fresh pair every day
  •       Great for new contact lens wearers and young people

Daily Contact Lenses CONS

  •       More upfront costs than monthlies

Talk to your Eyecare Plus optometrist

No matter what you decide, there are plenty of daily and monthly contact lens options. When it comes to choosing the right contact lens types for you, it is important to see a well-trained and qualified optometrist.

Book an appointment with your local Eyecare Plus optometrists who will make sure you choose the right contact lenses in terms of the fit, size and material that matches with your lifestyle and are healthiest for your eyes.

 

How to Choose Contact Lenses: Which Type is Right for You

Posted on by ecp_super_admin

We live in the golden age of contact lenses. But with all these innovations and styles, it is easy to get overwhelmed. If you are wondering which contact lens type is right for you and why, read on and let us make things clearer for you.

Ever since German Ophthalmologist Dr Adolf Fick made the first pair of contact lenses in 1888, contact lenses have been getting better and better. Dr Fick would be amazed at the wide range of styles and materials for contact lenses available now: daily disposable contact lenses (‘dailies’), monthly contacts (‘monthlies’), hard contacts, soft contacts, extended wear contacts, multifocal contact lenses and many more.

There are two main categories of contact lenses: hard and soft. Both contact lenses are made of plastic, and both can correct near-sightedness and farsightedness.

Hard contact lenses are made of ‘rigid gas-permeable’ plastic and soft contacts are made of silicone hydrogel.

Hard Contact Lenses

At first, hard contacts were the only kind you could get, but today, hard contact lenses are usually chosen by people who have eye conditions that won’t allow them to wear a soft contact lens. If your optometrist determines that you have an irregular-shaped eye or a condition called ‘keratoconus,’ hard contacts will be recommended.

In general, hard lenses last longer and are less expensive in the long run. They tend to suit wearers who are more comfortable with a daily cleaning regimen. With proper care, hard contacts can be worn for up to a year without being replaced. 

Soft Contact Lenses

There are many great contact lens types but soft contact lenses are the most comfortable and the most popular. Soft contact lenses are typically thinner and lighter than hard contact lenses; they’re also easier to care for and they have less risk of infection.

Soft contact lenses come in three main varieties…

Daily disposables or ‘dailies’ are made for one-time wear and are the most convenient contacts. 

Fortnightly disposables are soft lenses worn for up to two weeks (taken out each night). They must be cleaned and stored in solution overnight.

Monthly disposables can be worn for 30 days. Although you need less lenses, you need to ensure they are cleaned and stored in contact lens solution overnight.

It is important to care for your contact lenses. Our contact lens guide provides you with the best ways to care for your contact lenses.

Which type of contact lens is right for me?

The right contact lenses depend on the level of your eye health. There are plenty of contact lens types to suit every individual. An example is toric contact lenses, these contact lenses are designed to help people with Astigmatism. Also choosing contact lenses to suit an active lifestyle is best as it is the common choice for active people. Although the best answer to this question will come from your Eyecare Plus optometrist. A consultation with an Eyecare Plus optometrists will make sure you choose the contacts with the fit, size and material that match your lifestyle and are healthiest for your eyes.

What contact lens type is right for you? Here are five questions to consider:

There are many innovative contact lenses on the market so which is right for you?

The two main categories of contact lenses are hard and soft. These are both made of plastic, and they can both can correct near-sightedness and farsightedness.

Hard contact lenses are made of ‘rigid gas-permeable’ plastic and soft contacts are made of silicone hydrogel.

Your Eyecare Plus optometrist (eye doctors) will conduct contact lens fittings as part of every standard eye examination for contact lens wearers.

During the fittings, they will determine the correct size and fit for your contact lenses. That said, your local Eyecare Plus optometrist will still rely on you to ensure that your contact lenses fit you best. It is crucial to pick the best contact lenses to suit your lifestyle.

Here are a few questions to consider to help your optometrist to determine the contact lenses that will work best for you…

  1. Do you suffer from allergies?

Daily disposable contact lenses are the best for people with allergies and are the usual recommendation.

Because daily disposable contact lenses are replaced each day (instead of cleaned and stored), there is no chance of any allergen build up on the surface of your contact lenses. This reduces the chance of infection and alleviates the symptoms of eye allergies.

  1. What sports do you participate in?

Contact lenses are a common choice for active people, but the type of lens you choose will differ based on your favourite way of staying fit. Daily-wear contact lenses are the best option for weightlifting and yoga as well as on-field activities like soccer, rugby, or footie.

Hikers or mountain climbers might find extended wear lenses a better choice. Swimmers, on the other hand, are encouraged to wear goggles, not contact lenses.

  1. How often will you wear your contact lenses?

Many people who wear glasses like to have the option of wearing contact lenses occasionally – for a night out or special events. Soft contact lenses (daily, extended or disposable) are usually recommended for glasses wearers who like to change it up from time to time. Rigid gas permeable lenses are more durable than soft contact lenses, they are also more breathable, this type of lenses will suit a daily contact wearer who prefers to wear contact lenses than frames.

  1. Be honest: will you follow the recommended care routines?

Will you clean, rinse, and store your contacts each night using the recommended cleaning regimen? Don’t forget to clean your contact lens case too!

Remember that proper lens care takes time, so it is best to choose the lens that fits your life rather than try to change your life to fit the contact lenses.

  1. Are you approaching 40?

As we age, we inevitably begin to lose the ability to focus up close. It is a natural part of getting older, and it’s called presbyopia Like most other vision problem, presbyopia can be managed.

Multifocal contact lenses or bifocal lenses, provide vision correction for both near and far and are available in a range of options: hard or soft, extended wear and daily disposable.

Collaboration with your optometrist means you will make the best possible choice of contact lenses.

Eyecare Plus optometrists will prescribe the contact lens that fixes your vision problem and will fit your contact lenses for maximum comfort.

It is up to you to follow the recommendations and replacement schedules that will preserve your eye health and help you get the most out of your contact lenses.

Do I need a contact lens fitting?

Yes. Contact lenses fit on the cornea (the clear, domed window in front of your eye). Your corneas need oxygen from the air to stay healthy, so when a contact lens is fitted on the cornea, it’s important that the cornea is still getting the oxygen it needs.

Contact lenses today are ‘oxygen permeable.’ That is, they allow oxygen to reach the cornea while you wear them. But without a proper fitting, you may get a contact lens that is too tight, which could limit the oxygen flow and lead to problems. On the other hand, if your contact lens is too loose, it will feel like you have a constant eyelash stuck on your eye and could cause an abrasion.

When it comes to choosing the right contact lens types for you, it’s important to see a well-trained and qualified optometrist.

When your Eyecare Plus optometrist fits you with your contact lens prescription, they will ensure that your corneas are getting the oxygen they need and the lenses you select will not lead to complications.

Book an appointment with your local Eyecare Plus optometrists who will make sure you choose the right contact lenses in terms of the fit, size and material that match your lifestyle and are healthiest for your eyes.

contact_lens contact_lens_application Contact_lens_case contact_lens2

Different Types of Lenses for Glasses Explained

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Prescription lenses are vitally important; they are what gives prescription glasses the ability to provide sharp, clear vision. Everyone has their own unique vision needs so there are many types of prescription lenses and glasses available.

At Eyecare Plus, we understand that this can get confusing, so we have put together this ‘Guide to Glasses’ to help. Whether your optometrist determines you are nearsighted, farsighted or suffer from a condition like digital eyestrain, this guide can help you better understand the types of prescription lenses you need, and why.

Prescription glasses

When we say ‘prescription glasses’ we mean that the lenses are specifically designed to meet the vision needs of specific patients. Prescription glasses are unique to each person. They have much better lens and frame quality than the over the counter ‘reading glasses’ that you can buy at pharmacies or dollar shops. 

Prescription lenses

‘Prescription lenses’ are provided by optometrists (eye doctors) after a comprehensive eye exam. As a general rule, the ‘prescription’ in prescription lenses is good for about two years. Sometimes, the prescription lens for one eye is different from the other and they correct different problems.

It is important to note that the ‘prescription’ in your prescription lens is NOT THE SAME as a prescription in your contact lens prescription – you need a separate prescription for that. 

Photochromatic lenses

Often called by the most popular brand name ‘Transition Lenses,’ photochromatic lenses are transparent indoors but automatically adapt to the light as you move outdoors. The glasses darken within about a minute in bright light. Photochromatic lenses are available in almost all lens designs and materials.

Single vision lenses

Single vision lenses correct single vision problems. That is: they work for people who are either nearsighted or farsighted, but not a mix of both. Single vision lenses have the same corrective power distributed evenly throughout the whole lens. As we age, single vision lenses become less effective at correcting our vision problems, which is why most people switch to ‘bifocal,’ ‘trifocal’ or ‘progressive lenses.’

Bifocal lens

Bifocal lenses are for people who are both nearsighted and farsighted, a condition (called ‘presbyopia’) that is extremely common in people over 40. (‘Bi’ means ‘two’). Bifocal lenses are divided into two parts and have two corrective lens powers – one for distance and one for close up. Instead of having a pair of glasses to see off in the distance and another pair to read things up close, bifocals combine the two in one. Basically, it is like having a pair of near vision glasses built into your far vision glasses.

Trifocal lenses

Trifocal lenses provide three distinct prescriptions. They are split into three distinct sections on the lenses, correcting near, far and intermediate vision. In most trifocals, the top part of the lens

corrects far away vision, the middle part corrects intermediate (about arm’s length) and the lower part of the lens corrects close-up vision.

Progressive lenses

Progressive lenses are multifocal lenses that provide near, far and intermediate vision correction without the distinct lines across the lenses. This type of lens provides a gradual transition in vision correction from the top to the bottom of the lens.

Blue light lenses

Computer screens emit blue light, which is associated with a risk of eye damage. Staring at a computer screen (especially over long periods of time) exposes your eyes to digital eye strain. Digital eye strain is not the best feeling, but there are glasses made just for this. Blue light lenses have a special coating to block blue light and reduce the potential harm to your eyes.

Plastic lenses

Plastic lenses are the most common type of corrective lenses used in glasses. They are a high-quality, less-expensive option, but they are not as scratch-resistant as glass lenses. Generally speaking, plastic lenses are the safer choice for kids.

Glass lenses

Glass lenses tend to be more durable and easier to clean than plastic lenses. However, glass lenses are heavier than plastic lenses and the weight tends to go up as the prescription power goes up.

Your Eyecare Plus specialists know the right glasses to suit your needs. Book an appointment with your local Eyecare Plus practice to discuss your eye health needs.

General Information

Book an Eye Test at your local  Eyecare Plus Optometrist. We are locals caring for locals that offer comprehensive eye examinations, prescription glasses, frames & contact lenses.

eyecare-plus-optometrist-woman-trying-frames

How to Avoid Acanthamoeba Keratitis

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The best way to deal with acanthamoeba keratitis is to never get it in the first place. Hundreds of millions of people wear contact lenses safely every day and manage to avoid infection. For the most part, acanthamoeba keratitis prevention comes down to keeping your contact lens hygiene standards high.

More specifically, here are a few things to remember…

    1. Never, ever rinse your lenses or cases with tap water.
    2. Ask your Eyecare Plus optometrist for advice and instructions on cleaning your contact lenses and follow it.
    3. If you have extended-wear contact lenses, clean, rub and rinse your lenses each time you remove them. Rubbing and rinsing them helps to remove microbes and residue.
    4. Don’t wear your contacts in the shower, in the pool, in lakes or rivers or in a hot tub.
    5. When handling your contact lenses, wash your hands with soap and water. Make sure you thoroughly dry your hands before handling your lenses.
    6. Change your contact lens case every three months.
    7. Put fresh contact lens solution in your case every day. A good habit to develop is to dump your old solution each morning after you put your contacts in for the day. Then rinse the case with multipurpose solution and let it air dry. When you remove your contacts at the end of the day, pour new contact lens cleaning solution in your case.
    8. Never reuse or top-off old solution in your contact’s case.
    9. If you scratch your cornea (front of the eye), avoid contact lenses for a few days until your eye heals.
    10. Don’t sleep with your contacts in.

 

11 Contact Lens Tips

Posted on by ECP Manager

Contact lens tips for first time and experienced wearers.

  1. Wash your hands with soap and dry them thoroughly before touching or handling, applying, or removing your contact lenses.
  1. Only use solutions and drops on your contact lenses specifically “for contact lenses”.
  1. When applying your contact lenses, put them in after your morning routine to avoid contamination by water from the shower or sink.
  1. Apply makeup after you have applied your contact lenses and remove them before taking makeup off.
  1. If a contact lens is difficult to remove from your eye, dry your fingers then remove. If this continues to be difficult, close your eye and massage your upper lid. The lens will start to move. You may need to repeat this process and blink few times to moisten the surface of your eye until the lens starts to move. Do not be alarmed – you may need to repeat this process several times as it can take up to 10 minutes for the lens to move freely.
  1. It is fine to interchange your prescription contact lenses and glasses.
  1. For monthly replaced lens wearers keep a supply of contact lens solution in your cupboard. When you need it, you need it!
  1. When outside, practice good eye health. Wear sun glasses with your contacts, even if you are wearing UV protective contact lenses as they do not block out all harmful UV rays.
  1. Buy your contact lenses from a legitimate source and make sure an optometrist or eye care professional prescribes your lenses.
  1. Ask your optometrist how to care for your contact lenses.
  1. If your eye feels uncomfortable or you have poor vision when you wear your contact lenses, take them out and start the process again. If your eye continues to feel uncomfortable, poor vision or looks red, contact your local Eyecare Plus optometrist.

How to put in Contact Lenses: Easy Step-by-Step Instructions

Posted on by ECP Manager

For new prescription contact lens wearers, or people who want a refresher, here are our simple, easy to follow steps for applying contact lenses.

  1. Most important, wash your hands with soap and water, and dry them thoroughly before touching or removing your contact lenses.
  1. Prepare a clean surface or, if you are standing over the sink, make sure you put a plug in the drain.
  1. When wearing monthly replaced lenses place your storage case in front of you, left and right, to avoid mixing up your left and right contact lens prescription. They usually are different powers. Start with the same lens each time to avoid switching the lenses by mistake.
  1. For both daily disposable and monthly replaced lenses, remove one of the lenses from its container by pouring it into the palm of your hand.
  1. Using your dominant hand place your contact lens on the tip of your middle or index finger.
  1. Look for any damage to the lens and check it is the right-side up like a cup with the edges turned up. Flip the lens over if the lens looks like a cap.
  1. As you look in the mirror, hold your upper eyelid open with your other hand. At the same time, hold down your lower eyelid with your middle or ring finger of your dominant hand.
  1. Now, as you look in the mirror, place the contact lens on your eye.
  1. Shut your eyes slowly and roll them around to position the lens. Then, once your lens is settled in place, open your eyes, and blink a couple of times. Do a final check in the mirror to see that your contact lens is in the middle of your eye.
  1. When your contact lens is in place, your eye will feel comfortable, and your vision will be clear. Repeat the process for the other eye.
  1. If your eye feels uncomfortable or vision is not clear, take the contact lens out and start the process again. If your eye continues to feel uncomfortable, poor vision or looks red, contact your local Eyecare Plus optometrist.

The Benefits of Wearing Contact Lenses

Posted on by ECP Manager

Contact lenses are a great alternative to spectacles, and for many people, they are the preferred vision option.

As a result of improvements in technology almost any vision problem can be corrected with contact lenses.

There have been enormous advances made in contact lens material and design, including the use of improved silicone hydrogel lens materials, advances in daily disposables for presbyopia and soft lenses that correct both astigmatism and presbyopia.

The latest contact lenses are comfortable and convenient to use. They are easy to adapt to, can correct most vision problems and are able to be worn from a young age. Many reasons why more than 680,000 Australians aged between 15 and 64 years wear contact lenses.

There are many other benefits to wearing contact lenses, including:

Full Range of Vision: Contact lenses provide you with a full range of vision, with no frames to obstruct your vision, particularly important when driving a car.

No Fog: Contact lenses, unlike spectacles, contact lenses do not fog up.

Wear Them Playing Sport: Contact lenses are perfect for sports and exercise.

More Natural Vision: Contact lenses move with your eye, which provides wearers with a more natural vision.

Daily to Extended Wear: Contact lenses can be worn daily or, in the case of extended wear every day, up to 30 days for some lenses.

Fashionable: Contact lenses are a good fashion choice. They will never clash with the clothing you wear, and many people feel that wearing contact lenses make them look better.

Surgery Alternative: Contact lenses offer a safe, effective, stable, and changeable alternative to refractive surgery.

 

During this time of COVID there has been some uncertainty based on confusion and misinformation as to whether it is still safe to wear contact lenses. So, how can you be sure contact lenses are safe to wear? The simple answer is to be vigilant about your hand hygiene. We are all aware that practicing good hand hygiene helps protect us from the COVID-19. This same hygiene practice should also be applied to the wearing of contact lenses. Advice from Optometry Australia recommends to “always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before and after inserting and removing your contact lenses.”

As to some of the myths, a joint statement from contact lens experts puts paid to these:

Contact Lens Wear is Safe
Despite myths and misinformation contact lens wear remains a safe and highly effective form of vision correction for millions of people worldwide.

Proper Hand Washing is Essential
When using contact lenses, careful and thorough hand washing with soap and water followed by hand drying with unused paper towels is paramount. This should occur before every insertion and removal of contact lenses.

Disinfect Contact Lenses
Contact lens wearers should either dispose of their daily disposable lenses each evening, or regularly disinfect their monthly lenses and two-week lenses according to manufacturer and eye care professional instructions.

Discontinue Lens Wear Only if Sick
Ceasing contact lens wear when sick is advised. This advice is consistent with guidance for other types of illness.

If you have further questions about contact lenses, contact your local Eyecare Plus optometrist.

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