A contact lens prescription contains specific data which we need to fill your order. You can find this information on the package of the lenses you are wearing or obtain it from your optometrist or optician.
The information we need:
OD = right eye
OS = left eye
Brand name (eg. Acuvue)
Power/Sphere/Rx (a number between -20 and +20)
Base Curve (a number between 8.0 and 10.0)
Diameter (a number between 13.0 and 15.0)
For astigmats, we also need:
Cylinder (a number between -4.00 and +4.00)
Axis (a number between 0 and 180) Cylinder and Axis are usually separated by an "X" and are read as "times"
Sample Prescriptions A regular prescription will look like this:
A prescription for astigmatism will look like this:
OS -
Brand name: Acuvue Toric
BC: 8.8
DIA: 14.4
SPHERE: -2.50
CYL & AXIS: -1.25 X 180œ
OD -
Brand name: Focus Toric
BC: 8.7
DIA: 14.0
SPHERE: -4.50
CYL & AXIS: -0.75 X 95œ
What does "full wearing time" or "wearing the lenses successfully" mean?
With a few exceptions, we understand a successful wearer of contact lenses to be a person who puts the lenses in place in the morning after getting up and removes them in the evening before going to bed, without the lenses feeling like foreign bodies that damage the eyes, and who believes that with them one can see just as well as with conventional spectacles. (Exception: curvature of the cornea greater than 1.25 diopters).
How long is the working life of contact lenses?
The working life of contact lenses can vary. It depends on how well the lenses are looked after and on the extent of the patients protein secretions. As a rule it is from two to three years - semi-soft lenses last about one year longer. In the case of new lenses, one does not have to pay the full cost of an adaptation, but only the price for replacement lenses.
How do I know my lenses are too old?
Even with the best possible care, after a certain amount of time a protein film forms on the surface of a lens, the lens is no longer as flexible as a new lens, the hygroscopic capacity of the material decreases and the cornea no longer receives sufficient oxygen. The symptoms are manifested by the fact that the lens can no longer be worn for as long as it could in the beginning; slightly red eyes, burning sensations, etc. may occur in the evening). Many people believe that when these symptoms appear it means that they can no longer tolerate wearing contact lenses. However, the problem is with the lenses, not the eyes. With new lenses, eye comfort is restored and you can see clearly.
How often should my eyes be examined?
After you have adapted to wearing the lenses, your eyes should be checked once a year.
Can lenses be lost or damaged?
You may lose the lenses if they slip out of your fingers or remain stuck onto your finger when you think you have put them back into their case. Always check whether they are really in the lens-case. The most common cause of damage is if the lenses are not handled properly or if, when they are being put back into the lens-case they become caught between the case and the lid. One can lose or damage the lenses in the first week, after months or years - or never!. The best thing is to insure against loss or damage by taking out a service contract, which is obtainable from our Institute, after you have adapted to the lenses. During the adaptation period it is recommended to check whether your household insurance covers third-party damage (civil liability).
Should I keep a set of replacement lenses?
As with glasses, one should have an extra set of lenses. This saves a lot of trouble, especially of one is dependent on them. They should be ordered after you have completely adapted to the lenses. With the service contract, replacement lenses are particularly cheap and cost less than replacement spectacles. The details of the service contract will be explained to you after your have adapted to wearing the lenses.
How long does it take to adapt to wearing lenses?
The period of adaptation to the lenses varies from case to case and cannot be predicted. Mostly, however, it is at least two to three months, but longer in difficult cases. What is really important is that you in fact really want to have contact lenses, that you have sufficient patience and also that you do not let yourself be discouraged by minor problems and setbacks. Given sufficient time, a lens that can be worn without problems can be found for almost every eye.
Do bifocal contact lenses exist?
Yes, bifocal contact are available.
Are there coloured contact lenses?
Yes, coloured contact lenses are available. They tone or change the natural colour of the eyes. But as the colours are transparent, the effect is greatest with light-coloured eyes. With dark eyes, on the other hand, the effect is minimal. Also, they should always be worn as a pair because, as with sunglasses, they make everything appear coloured.
Is there an ideal age for wearing contact lenses?
No, there is no ideal age for wearing contact lenses. Our youngest wearer of contact lenses is nine years old and the oldest is eighty-four. As a rule, however, the earlier you start wearing contact lenses, the easiest it is. Also, changes to prescriptions are not as frequent, nor as important as for those that wear glasses.
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