Contact Lenses
People choose contact lenses for many reasons, including visual conditions such as high short-sightedness, long-sightedness or certain corneal irregularities.
People choose contact lenses for many reasons, including visual conditions such as high short-sightedness, long-sightedness or certain corneal irregularities.
Modern lens designs suit a wide range of people, but not everyone is an ideal candidate. Factors such as eye health, tear quality, certain visual conditions and environmental dryness can influence comfort and success.
Your optometrist can assess whether contact lenses are suitable for your eyes and lifestyle.
For people who choose to wear contact lenses, they can offer:
Many people simply prefer the appearance or comfort of contact lenses over spectacles.
Most lenses fall into two categories
Rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses are made from firm, oxygen-permeable materials and cover only part of the cornea. While they may take a little longer to adapt to, they often provide excellent visual clarity, particularly for certain corneal conditions.
Soft contact lenses are made from flexible, water-absorbing materials and are usually more comfortable when you first start wearing them. They are less likely to dislodge, making them a popular choice for sport and active lifestyles, and are available in daily, fortnightly and monthly replacement schedules.
Your optometrist will recommend the most suitable type of contact lens based on your eye health, vision needs and lifestyle.
Successful contact lens wear requires commitment. Lenses must be cleaned, stored and replaced as recommended, and regular check-ups are essential.
There are ongoing costs for lenses, solutions and professional care. Contact lenses are not a “set-and-forget” option—they require consistent attention.
Costs vary depending on lens type and design, replacement schedule, cleaning and care products, consultation and fitting fees.
Private health insurance may offer rebates for lenses. Your optometrist will explain all costs before ordering lenses.
No. A contact lens fitting requires additional measurements, including corneal shape, pupil size and eyelid position. Contact lenses are prescribed individually to ensure comfort, safety and clear vision.
Disposable or “frequent-replacement” lenses are designed to be replaced regularly—often daily, fortnightly or monthly.
They may cost more per year than traditional lenses but require less maintenance and reduce the need for cleaning solutions.
Most lenses need to be removed, cleaned and disinfected daily. Some specialised lenses are approved for overnight wear, but this depends on the lens type and your eye health.
It’s important to follow your optometrist’s advice, as inappropriate overnight wear increases the risk of complications.
Contact lenses are safe when used correctly. Following your optometrist’s instructions and attending regular check-ups helps maintain healthy, comfortable wear.
If your eyes become red, sore or uncomfortable, you should stop wearing your lenses and seek professional advice.