For millions of people in the UK, contact lenses are a necessary tool because they provide a practical and useful substitute for conventional glasses. It’s crucial to approach buying and wearing them with caution, whether you’re considering them for aesthetic reasons, sports, or the sheer enjoyment of unrestricted peripheral vision. When purchasing contact lenses in the UK, keep the following points in mind.
Eye examination and prescription
It’s imperative to possess a current, valid prescription from a licenced optometrist before purchasing contact lenses. Regular eye exams assist identify any potential problems with eye health and guarantee that your prescription is up to date. Never forget that using contacts with a bad prescription might damage your eyes and reduce your eyesight.
Lens Design
Contact lenses come in a variety of forms, each serving a different purpose and way of life. The most common lenses are soft because they are comfortable and versatile. Although initially less comfortable, rigid gas-permeable lenses provide sharper vision and are more resistant to buildup. You can select daily disposables, weekly or monthly disposables, or extended wear lenses based on your way of life. In order to determine which type best meets your needs, talk with your optician.
Fitting
Your eyes are distinctive in both size and form. As a result, lenses that fit one person well may not fit another. Uncomfortable lenses can also distort your vision or possibly harm your eyes. For a precise and comfortable fit, an optician can perform a professional fitting.
Maintenance and Care
Different contact lens kinds require various cleaning procedures. The least maintenance-intensive lenses are daily disposables, although reusable lenses still need to be cleaned and sterilised on a regular basis. Your lenses should never be cleaned with saliva or water because they may contain harmful bacteria. Use just the lens solution that your optician has prescribed.
Purchasing
Purchase your contact lenses from an established retailer. While it may be tempting to choose less expensive options from shady web retailers, doing so could be harmful to your eyes. The sale of contact lenses without a valid prescription from an optician is prohibited in the UK. Make sure your supplier is authorised and subject to General Optical Council regulation.
Test of Contact Lenses
A lot of eye doctors let you try contact lenses. This enables you to try out several lens types or brands before buying them. A test can help you determine your comfort level and field of vision while wearing lenses, as well as how to properly insert, remove, and care for your lenses.
Alternatives
There are other options if contact lenses UK don’t work for you. The most popular option is a pair of glasses, however depending on your vision issue, surgery like LASIK or implanted contact lenses may be an option.
Aftercare
When you wear contact lenses, it’s important to visit your optician frequently for examinations. These checkups assist in making sure your lenses are still fitting properly, your prescription hasn’t altered, and your eyes are in good health.
Warning Signs
If you wear contact lenses, it’s critical to be aware of the symptoms of potential issues. Redness, itchiness, hazy vision, discomfort, and discharge are a few examples. Remove your lenses right away and visit your optician if you notice any of these signs.
Understanding of Regulations
The usage and selling of contact lenses are subject to rules in the UK. These can assist you make sure your purchases are secure and lawful. For instance, it’s forbidden to give contact lenses to anyone under the age of 16 for cosmetic purposes, and lenses must be given out under the supervision of a licenced optician.
In conclusion, contact lenses provide a practical and efficient way to correct vision. To preserve the security of your eyes, they need to be handled with care and concern. Do not forget to seek professional advice, get a legitimate prescription, and purchase from a reliable supplier. You’re well on your way to having a clear and comfortable experience with contact lenses if you keep these things in mind.