What Are Contact Lenses?
Contact lenses are small, prescription lenses that sit gently on the surface of your eye to correct your vision. Because they move naturally with your eye, they give clear vision without frames getting in the way.
Types of contact lenses
There are several types of contact lenses available, including:
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Daily contact lenses: worn once and disposed of after use
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Monthly contact lenses: reused with proper cleaning and care
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Extended wear lenses: designed for longer wear (where suitable)
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Toric lenses: for astigmatism
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Multifocal lenses: for near and distance vision
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Coloured contact lenses: cosmetic or prescription options
We’ll help you understand which option suits your eyes and lifestyle best.
Who can wear contact lenses?
Most people who need vision correction can wear contact lenses. Suitability depends on your eye health, prescription, lifestyle and comfort - all of which we’ll assess during your appointment.
Contact lenses vs glasses
Many people choose contact lenses over glasses, and there are plenty of reasons why:
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No need to wear, or remember, your glasses every day
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Wear any sunglasses you like, not just prescription pairs
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Get UV protection all year round, without sunglasses
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Avoid misty vision in the rain
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Jump in to sports and exercise without feeling restricted
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Never worry about losing or breaking glasses
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Be free to choose any look for any occasion
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Feel closer to the great outdoors
Most first-time wearers still keep a pair of glasses too. Contact lenses offer flexibility and can improve your quality of life, but they don’t need to be a replacement for frames.
Are Contact Lenses Right for Me?
Contact lenses suit a wide range of people, from children and teenagers to adults of all ages. You might be an active person who needs glasses-free vision for sports, or you might simply want the freedom to wear any pair of sunglasses. Whatever your situation or lifestyle, the right contacts can give you unmatched flexibility and convenience.
Age and suitability
There’s no fixed age for starting contact lenses. Some children and teens wear them successfully, as long as they’re comfortable handling them responsibly. We’re always happy to guide parents on whether contact lenses are right for their child.
If you’re considering contact lenses for a child or teenager, we also offer tailored guidance to support confidence, comfort and safe wear. Explore our guide to children’s contact lenses for tips on keeping your little one as comfortable as possible on their eye health journey.
Common myths about contact lenses
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“They’ll be uncomfortable”
Modern lenses are soft and breathable, and most people adapt quickly.
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“I won’t manage putting them in”
Almost everyone finds it easier than expected with guidance and practice.
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“What if something goes wrong?”
You’ll always have access to professional support if you need it.
Correct your vision while you sleep
Some people prefer an alternative to wearing contact lenses during the day. Ortho-K lenses are worn overnight and gently reshape your vision while you sleep, so you can enjoy clear vision throughout the day without glasses or contact lenses.
Ortho-K isn’t suitable for everyone, but it can be a helpful option for certain prescriptions, lifestyles or children and teenagers. We’ll always carry out a full assessment and talk through whether this specialist approach could work for you.
Find out if Ortho-K lenses could be right for you by booking an appointment.
The Contact Lens Fitting Process at Bayfields
Your journey with contact lenses begins with a dedicated fitting appointment.
During your visit, we’ll:
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Carry out eye health checks and precise measurements
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Talk through your lifestyle and vision needs
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Help you choose suitable lenses
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Fit trial lenses to check comfort and vision
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Show you how to put in and remove your lenses safely
You’ll have plenty of time to practise, ask questions and build confidence before you leave. Follow-up appointments are arranged to make sure everything continues to feel right once you’ve started wearing your lenses at home.
As part of your fitting, you may be able to try contact lenses at home for a short period, so you can see how they feel in real life before making any decisions. There’s no pressure to commit. Our aim is simply to make sure contact lenses genuinely work for you.
How to Put In and Take Out Contact Lenses
Learning how to handle your lenses is an important confidence step when wearing contact lenses for the first time.
How to put in contact lenses for the first time
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Wash and dry your hands thoroughly
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Check the lens is clean and the right way round
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Gently place it on your eye
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Blink naturally to help it settle
How to remove contact lenses for the first time
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Wash and dry your hands
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Look slightly upwards
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Gently slide the lens down and pinch it out
If you’d like a bit more detail, we cover every step in our guide to inserting and removing contact lenses. We’ll also guide you through the entire process during your appointment, to make sure you’re comfortable using contacts before you leave.
Daily vs. Monthly Contact Lenses: Which is Right for You?
When you’re new to contacts, one of the first decisions to make is whether daily or monthly lenses are the best fit for your lifestyle.
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Daily contact lenses are designed for convenience. You wear a fresh pair each day and dispose of them at the end of the day; no cleaning or storage required. They’re ideal if you only need contacts occasionally, or if you want your experience to be as hassle-free as possible.
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Monthly contact lenses, on the other hand, are reusable for up to a month with proper cleaning and care. They tend to be more cost-effective in the long run, especially if you wear contacts every day. However, they require regular maintenance, such as cleaning and storing them overnight.
Each type offers different benefits, so the best choice depends on your routine and how often you plan to wear them.
Learn more about daily vs. monthly contact lenses in our full guide.
Caring For Your Contact Lenses
Good care habits help keep your eyes comfortable and healthy.
Cleaning and storage
For reusable lenses, we’ll show you how to:
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Clean lenses properly
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Store them safely
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Replace your lens case regularly
Simple dos and don'ts
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Do follow replacement schedules
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Don’t sleep with your contacts in, unless advised
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Don’t swim or shower wearing lenses
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Do apply makeup after inserting your lenses
When you book an appointment, we’ll give you more advice based on the type of lenses you wear.
Contact Lens Safety
Your eye health always comes first. Remove your lenses and speak to your optician if you notice any of the following symptoms:
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Redness or pain
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Blurred vision
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Sensitivity to light
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Persistent discomfort
Regular aftercare appointments help us make sure your lenses continue to suit your eyes safely.
Contact Lens Costs & Ordering
The cost of contact lenses depends on the type of lenses you choose and how often you wear them. Many people are pleasantly surprised by how manageable contact lens costs can be, especially when spread across regular wear.
During your appointment, we’ll talk you through:
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NHS eligibility where applicable
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Private pricing options
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What’s included in your contact lens package and our Connect Membership.
Ordering your lenses through Bayfields is straightforward and convenient.
Discover the benefits of our Connect contact lens subscription
At Bayfields, we believe in making your eye care as convenient and affordable as possible. With our Connect Membership, you can enjoy exclusive savings and added peace of mind.
For just £12 a month, you’ll receive:
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33% off contact lenses and solutions, ensuring you get the best value on your eye care needs
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Free home delivery of your lenses straight to your door, saving you time and hassle
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10 free pairs of Daily Disposable lenses each year, giving you even more flexibility in your routine
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Free replacement lenses, so you can stay prepared and never worry about unexpected issues
In addition, the Connect Eye and Ear Membership Plan offers even more benefits to keep your eyes and ears in top health, all for a simple monthly fee. Whether you wear contact lenses every day or just need them occasionally, Connect helps keep your vision care affordable and easy.
Bayfields Support & Aftercare
Choosing Bayfields means ongoing support, not just a one-off appointment. We’re here to help with:
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Advice and reassurance whenever you need it
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Follow-up and aftercare appointments
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Quick access to professional help if something doesn’t feel right
Aftercare isn’t an add-on, it’s a standard part of how we look after your eyes when you wear contact lenses.
Contact Lens FAQs
Can I wear contact lenses if I have astigmatism?
Yes, toric lenses are designed specifically for people living with astigmatism. Just book an appointment with one of our experienced opticians, and we’ll order contacts that match your prescription.
Can I wear contact lenses while playing sports?
Many people prefer contact lenses for sport because they offer a wider field of vision and won’t slip, fog up or get in the way. They’re especially helpful for active lifestyles, whether you’re exercising regularly or playing team sports. We’ll help you choose lenses that stay comfortable and secure while you move.
Are contact lenses safe for children?
Contact lenses can be safe for children and teenagers, as long as their eyes are healthy and they’re comfortable handling and caring for the lenses responsibly. Age isn’t the only factor, and maturity and hygiene are just as important. We’re always happy to advise parents on whether contact lenses are suitable for their child.
What should I do if my eyes feel dry?
If your eyes feel dry, remove your contact lenses and give your eyes a break. Dryness can often be managed by adjusting your lenses, wear time or care routine, and we can advise on suitable options. If dryness persists, get in touch with us so we can help keep your eyes comfortable and healthy.
What if my lenses feel uncomfortable?
If your lenses feel uncomfortable, remove them and give your eyes a rest. Mild awareness can be normal when you’re new to contact lenses, but pain, redness or ongoing discomfort shouldn’t be ignored. Get in touch with us and we’ll help you work out what’s going on and how to make your lenses feel comfortable again.
What if I drop a lens?
If you drop a lens, don’t panic! It happens to everyone from time to time, especially when you’re first starting out. With clean hands, rinse the lens with a fresh contact lens solution before reinserting it. If the lens looks damaged or you’re unsure, it’s always best to leave it out and contact us for advice.
What if a lens feels stuck in my eye?
It’s uncommon for a contact lens to get stuck, but it can feel that way if your eye is dry or irritated. Keep calm, and gently blink or use lubricating drops to make removal easier. If you’re struggling or feeling worried, contact us and we’ll guide you through what to do next.
Helpful guides on Contact Lenses
How to put in contact lenses: A guide
New to contact lenses? Learn how to easily and safely put your contact lenses in for clear, comfortable vision. Book a contact lens appointment with Bayfields Opticians.
Our top tips for wearing contact lenses
Prescription contact lenses can bring a whole new world of freedom to many people with vision problems. No matter what your prescription, these small but mighty discs can bring clear vision without the weight of glasses frames.
A guide to children's contact lenses
For energetic children, glasses can be easily lost or broken. Contact lenses offer a great alternative, providing better vision for sports and activities, eliminating breakage worries, and boosting confidence. Contact lenses also help slow the progression of myopia, a condition that can lead to more serious eye problems later in life.