Contact Lens FAQ

Can I have a free trial?

Yes, of course. This will include your first consultation, and we’ll keep going until we find a contact lens that you’re happy to stay with. Usually we don’t need to try more than three types.
 

Am I too old for contact lenses?

Even though many people think 50+ is too old for contact lenses, it’s unlikely to be your age that would stop you wearing them. We’ve fitted contact lenses for thousands of people in their fifties, sixties, seventies… and all the way into their nineties!
 

What about if I want multifocals or varifocals?

Yes, it’s almost certain that we can arrange contact lenses for you.
 

Can I wear contact lenses if I have astigmatism?

Yes, almost certainly. It’s a myth that you can’t wear contact lenses for astigmatism nowadays, or if you also want multifocal/varifocal lenses.
 

What if I don’t get on with them?

If so, this would most likely be because your first pair weren’t quite right for you. We deal with many different products from lots of manufacturers, so we’ll try different pairs to get you more comfortable.
 

I don’t like the thought of putting them in...

We’ll take our time to show you exactly how to apply and remove contact lenses. There are a few different options, so we can find the way that makes you feel the most confident and comfortable. Applying and removing contact lenses doesn’t hurt, and you should get used to it very quickly. We also have a Contact Lens training list which tells you the do's and don'ts of using contact lenses.
 

What if a contact lens gets lost in my eye?

Don’t worry. It’s a common fear, but it just never happens.
 

I get dry eyes – can I still wear contact lenses?

Nowadays, silicone hydrogel lenses are soft and breathable, and don’t dry your eyes out like old-style contact lenses did. Also, there are lots of products which have been designed for just this situation, such as Accuvue Moist. This is a daily disposable for eyes prone to sensitivity, dryness, irritation or allergies.
 

Isn’t looking after contact lenses a pain?

There was a time when you had to have the necessary solutions and a case to soak your contact lenses in. These days, you only need to do that for hard contact lenses, which fewer and fewer people are wearing, and even then it’s straightforward as long as you know what to do and why.

But now, soft and comfortable silicone hydrogel contact lenses come in daily disposable versions, so you never have to clean them at all. And it makes it so much easier if you travel: just take your pack of lenses with you, and nothing else!
 

But my corneas are an odd shape...

We can arrange bespoke contact lenses to fit your eyes only. We’ll take corneal measurements, send them off to the manufacturer, and get them made especially for you. NHS hospital eye departments refer patients to us for fitting contact lenses for complex corneas.

 

I’ve heard about contact lenses you wear while you sleep?

That’s right! Selected Bayfields practices can prescribe orthokeratology contact lenses which help to correct your short-sightedness overnight. You pop them in before bedtime and take them out again when you wake up – and you’ll enjoy sharper vision throughout the day. And they’re just as suitable for children as for adults. Please talk to us about whether you’re eligible for this exciting technology.