Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ`s)

Only if you do not look after your contact lens correctly. This is why you have to ensure that the contact lens is completely sterile before you put it in your eye. Bacteria need 3 things to live – food, water and warmth – all provided by your eye if they are in your contact lens! Soft lenses are filled with water so these organisms can therefore survive in them and in your contact lens storage case. If you use your contact lens solutions correctly, and follow the advice of your Contact Lens Optician, there is very little risk of infection. The importance of contact lens hygiene cannot be stressed enough – there are no shortcuts.

1. Why is an Eye Examination so important?
   
   
2. How often should I have my eyes examined?
   
   
3. Why do I need an Eye Examination every 2 years if everything is always fine?
   
   
4. Why do I need regular Eye Examinations if I’m diabetic?
   
   
5. I’m diabetic but my vision hasn’t changed. Why do I need an Eye Examination every year?
   
   
6. Am I entitled to my contact lens prescription from my Optician?
   
   
7. I have astigmatism – can I still have contact lenses?
   
   
8. If my contact lens specification has expired, can I still purchase contact lenses?
   
   
9. Is it OK to lick my contact lenses before putting them in?
   
   
10. Is there a high risk of eye infection if I wear contact lenses?
    
    
11. My Contact Lens Optician has told me to only wear my contact lenses for 8 hours, but they still seem fine. Why do I have to take them out?
    
    
12. What is ‘contact lens aftercare’?
    
    
13. Why can’t I use my spectacle prescription to buy contact lenses?
    
    
14. What shall I do if my contact lenses are uncomfortable?
    
    
15. Why do I get a new storage case when I collect my solutions? – The one I’m using is still OK
    
    
16. Why do I still need glasses when I wear contact lenses?