About contact lenses

Why do I need a prescription for contact lenses?

In the same way as for a prescription for conventional eyewear, your ophthalmologist needs to know what power you need for perfect correction and clear vision.

So what are the differences between an eyeglass prescription and a contact lens prescription? Can I order contact lenses with a spectacle prescription?

A spectacle prescription and a contact lens prescription are two very different things, because beyond the correction, the ophthalmologist has to take several measurements of your cornea to determine which type of contact lens to prescribe. He must also examine your eyes to determine whether they are compatible with lens wear, with which care must always be taken.

Under no circumstances is it possible to order contact lenses with a prescription originally written for glasses. As explained above, lens wear requires parameters other than correction for prescription purposes, parameters which do not appear on your prescription for glasses.

This is why you should consult an ophthalmologist if you are interested in wearing lenses.

How do I get my contact lens prescription?

The only way to obtain a prescription for contact lenses is to make an appointment with your ophthalmologist, who will draw up a prescription after establishing the parameters you will need to be properly corrected.

What parameters come into play when it comes to lenses?

The correction, which in the vast majority of cases will be the same as the correction for glasses.

The radius of curvature, which should be as close as possible to that of your cornea (determined by your ophthalmologist)

The diameter, which will change according to the size of your cornea (always determined by your ophthalmologist)

There are other parameters, but these are the most important when ordering a lens.

I have astigmatism. Can I wear contact lenses?

Of course, there are lenses with a cylinder to correct astigmatism. When you order your lenses, you'll first need to choose a type of toric lens (which corrects astigmatism) and, in the same way as for corrective lenses, fill in the power of the astigmatism (the cylinder), as well as its axis expressed in degrees on your prescription.

Is it comfortable to wear contact lenses?

If your ophthalmologist has given you the right advice about contact lenses, they should feel so comfortable that you'll forget you're wearing them. As technology advances, laboratories are constantly developing new materials that are ever more respectful of corneal physiology, guaranteeing the highest levels of comfort and visual quality.

Are there different types of lens wear?

Of course, there are "disposable" lenses that you wear for just one day before changing them, and other lenses that you keep for longer, usually 15 days or a month before changing them. It's up to you or your ophthalmologist to determine which type of lens best suits your needs. Disposable lenses are practical for occasional wear or for sportspeople, while extended-wear lenses are practical and less expensive for everyday use.

How do I store my lenses if they're not disposable?

When you choose bi-monthly or monthly lenses, you need to care for them every day when you take them out. To do this, you'll need a lens care product (usually multi-purpose) which may be prescribed by your ophthalmologist, with some products being more suitable for sensitive eyes.

Can I wear contact lenses when I'm in the water?

We strongly advise against swimming with your contact lenses in, unless you wear disposable lenses and dispose of them immediately after use. When swimming, bacteria present in the water can cling to the lenses, penetrate them and then touch the eye.

Is it possible to combine lenses and glasses?

Of course, when you start wearing contact lenses, you can continue to wear your glasses. It's even advisable to wear your glasses at least once a week to give your eyes a rest. In fact, even though contact lenses respect the physiology of your eyes in every respect, they do eventually get tired, and you may feel a stinging sensation, especially when working at a computer screen. That's why, for your greater comfort, we recommend that you sometimes swap lenses for glasses.

Is there a minimum age for wearing contact lenses?

There's no minimum age. It all depends on the individual's responsibility to ocular health, since contact lenses are in direct contact with the eye. However, the period of validity of the prescription changes at the age of 16. For people under 16, the prescription is only valid for one year; for people over 16, it's valid for 3 years (as younger eyes are more sensitive and require more frequent ophthalmological visits).

Can my lenses go behind my eyes?

No, this is absolutely impossible, as a "barrier" around the eye prevents any foreign body from passing behind the eye.

What should I do if my lenses feel uncomfortable?

You may experience discomfort when wearing your lenses, usually caused by a foreign body between your cornea and your lens. If this discomfort persists, remove the lens immediately and make an appointment with your ophthalmologist.

Can I sleep while wearing my contact lenses?

We strongly advise against wearing your lenses at night. There is a risk of serious eye infection. However, if you forget to take them out one night, wait an hour when you wake up before taking them out. We also recommend that you wear your glasses for the next two-three days to give your eyes a rest.

A friend wants to try out my contact lenses. Can I lend them to him?

Absolutely not! Contact lenses are personal, just like your toothbrush. Contact lenses are medical devices prescribed by an ophthalmologist, and are adapted to the wearer's eyesight and physiology. We recommend that you refer your friend to an ophthalmologist for advice on which type of lens to choose.