Batemans Opticians

Contact Lenses have an important role to play in the correction of vision and enabling people to live life to the full.

gas permeable lenses (RGP)

RPG lenses are prescribed for patients who are either not suitable for soft lenses or when the required power is not available in disposable lenses.

The main reasons for specifying RGP lenses are:-

•	High degrees of short or long sight.
•	High astigmatism.
•	Progressive lenses where soft lenses are not suitable.
•	Environments which are not suited to soft lenses.

soft lenses (conventional)

The majority of soft lenses that are dispensed are either
frequent replacement or daily disposable lenses.

Conventional soft lenses are still sometimes used for high prescriptions, whether for long or short sight together with high astigmatism.

are contact lenses expensive?

The answer is certainly NO!
Contact lenses cost less than they did 20 years ago.

In fact wearing contact lenses can cost from approx. 50p per day, including lenses, solutions, aftercare and discount on spectacles. (see Fees and Charges leaflet)

The low cost of contact lenses, combined with their
versatility, makes them ideal for either full or occasional wear so why not make an appointment to discuss them with one of our Contact Lens Practitioners.

why contact lenses?

Modern contact lenses are very versatile and the different designs that are available mean they are suitable for a large proportion of spectacle wearers and for a variety of uses:-

•	They can be worn all day, every day, or just occasionally for a specific purpose e.g. sport.
•	There are lenses that can be worn for up to 30 days and nights without being removed.
•	Tinted contact lenses can be worn to change the appearance of your eyes.
•	It is easy to switch between spectacles and contact lenses.
•	There are progressive contact lenses which can be worn like varifocal spectacle lenses.
•	Modern soft lenses are comfortable.
•	They are not expensive.

which lenses are right for me?

Before making the final decision you will need to
have a consultation with one of our Professional Contact Lens Practitioners.

They will discuss with you the types of lenses that are now available and you will have the opportunity to explain what you want from lenses.

To help you decide which lenses would best
suit your lifestyle, the following lenses are the most
commonly prescribed.

frequent replacement lenses

These are the most popular form of lens because they are available in a wide range of designs.

They are replaced on a regular basis, usually every month, to ensure that the lenses give the best performance and that they remain clean.

They are available in the following designs:-

•	Spherical - to correct short and long sight.
•	Toric - to correct astigmatism.
•	Progressive - to correct both distance and near vision when the eye can no longer focus for both due to natural aging.
•	Tinted - to change the colour of your eyes.
The lenses can be made from a range of different materials which makes them suitable for:-
•	People working in dry atmospheres e.g. air conditioned offices, aircraft.
•	People who want or need to wear lenses for long periods.
•	Lenses for “dry eyes”

These lenses are supplied to patients on a regular basis with you making monthly payments by Direct Debit to cover the cost of the lenses, solutions and continuing aftercare.

daily disposable lenses

Daily disposable lenses are designed for single use and therefore are very convenient for occasional wear.

Daily disposable lenses can be worn:-

•	On a daily basis and as they are only worn once they do not need solutions.
•	For specific purposes especially sport. The thinness of the lenses mean that they are very comfortable and you can easily switch from lenses to spectacles.
•	For holiday wear when you usually wear a frequent replacement lens. Not needing solutions makes them ideal for the traveller.

Daily disposable lenses are now available in the
following forms:-

•	Spherical - to correct short and long sight.
•	Toric - to correct astigmatism.
•	Progressive - to correct both distance and near vision when the eye can no longer focus for both due to natural aging.

extended wear lenses

New materials have resulted in a lens that can be worn for up to 30 days without being removed from the eye.

These lenses are ideal for the person whose job or lifestyle makes the daily removal of lenses difficult. They are also a viable alternative to Refractive Surgery (PRK and Lasik).