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Thinking about trying contact lenses for the first time? Even if you love your glasses, there are probably times when you feel they get in the way. Whether you're playing sport or socialising, or even going outside in the rain, contact lenses can give you real freedom from glasses.

Just about anyone who wears glasses can wear contact lenses with ease, as they are now available to suit most prescriptions. To begin with, many people worry that they will hurt or that they'll be difficult to put in or to look after. Don't be put off by the horror stories (they can't get lost behind your eye!).

At Optomeyes trying contact lenses is easy. We'll take the time to find the best ones to suit your lifestyle and vision needs. We'll tell you everything you need to know to keep your eyes comfortable and healthy. We'll also make sure you're confident using your new lenses before you leave the practice.

By Andrew Hogan

Contact Lenses have been around for a long time now. In fact, it was Leonardo da Vinci in 1508 who first sketched and described the concept of a lens placed directly on the eye. But it wasn't until 1887 that German glassblower FE Muller made the first lens to cover an eye, that could be both seen through, and tolerated by the wearer! His lens was made of glass.

An American Optometrist, William Feinbloom, started using plastic contact lenses in 1936. And today, we have ultra high tech silicon materials that are soft, breathable, give great vision, and can be worn continuously, even when sleeping.

There are literally dozens of different contact lens styles available.

Lenses can be made of hard or soft materials. They can be disposable, or kept for a longer period of time. And they can correct long or short-sightedness, as well as the problem of blurry close-up vision, known as presbyopia. There are even contact lenses that will change the colour of your eye, for that special occasion, or every day.

Your optometrist will advise you on which lens is best suited to your eyes.

Some vision problems, such as astigmatism, are slightly more complicated, and require a more advanced lens. Many vision problems can be corrected with a simple disposable lens, which are both comfortable and inexpensive. If you currently wear glasses, and would like to experience clear vision without them, speak to your optometrist next time you have an eye examination.

Contact lens technology moves extremely quickly these days. One of the most common lens fitted today is a 'silicon hydrogel' lens that can be worn continuously for up to 30 days. There are lenses that suit people with dry eyes, or with complicated vision problems. In fact, there is an eye condition known as keratoconus which can only be corrected with contact lenses! If you tried contact lenses in the past, and did not succeed, ask your optometrist if there are new options for you.

There are many reasons to want clear vision without glasses. Sports such as tennis and golf can be easier with contact lenses. Special occasions, like weddings and holidays can be more enjoyable without your frames. You don't have to wear contact lenses every day; in fact, many people only wear lenses once or twice a week. There are single use daily disposable lenses that are perfectly suited to the occasional wearer. Once worn, they are discarded, eliminating the need for storage solutions, cases, or cleaning.

There are very few general health conditions that prevent contact lens wear.

Lots of people with diabetes are also contact lens wearers. As we all know, diabetes is a condition which can affect the health of the eyes. People with diabetes need their eyes examined at least once a year. So do people with contact lenses! In a routine eye examination, your optometrist can check for diabetic retinopathy, assess your contact lens fit, and measure your vision.

Why not ask about contact lenses today?

 --by Andrew Hogan