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Info centre > Contact lenses
Welcome to contact lenses

Why Choose Contact Lenses?

Contact lenses offer freedom from spectacles and often better peripheral vision than glasses. They’re especially useful for sports, wet weather, and active lifestyles. Both soft and rigid lenses can correct common refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.

Did you know? Roughly two-thirds of contact lens wearers globally are female, and the average age of wearers is around 31 years.

Understanding Lens Types

Soft Lenses

Soft Contact Lenses

Made from hydrophilic plastics, these are popular for initial comfort. Daily Disposables are single-use lenses that offer the highest hygiene levels, while Monthly/Weekly lenses require nightly cleaning.

RGP Lenses

Rigid Gas-Permeable (RGP)

Durable lenses that provide a stable surface for irregular corneas (e.g., keratoconus). They generally offer crisper vision and resist protein deposits better than soft lenses.

Specialty Designs

Specialty Designs

Toric lenses correct astigmatism, Multifocals help with presbyopia (near and far focus), and Monovision fits one eye for distance and the other for near tasks.

Critical: Never use tap water or saliva to clean lenses. Sleeping in non-approved lenses significantly increases the risk of corneal ulcers and permanent damage.

Insertion and Removal Guide

How to Insert How to Remove
  • - Wash and dry hands thoroughly.
  • - Place lens on fingertip and check curvature.
  • - Hold eyelids and insert gently.
  • - Blink to seat the lens comfortably.
  • - Wash and dry hands.
  • - Pull down lower eyelid.
  • - Slide lens off the cornea with fingertip.
  • - Discard daily lenses or store reusable lenses in solution.

Hygiene & Complications

Proper hygiene is the most critical factor in preventing complications. Daily disposables have the lowest infection rates because they minimize handling and storage contamination.

DO DON'T
  • - Wash and dry hands before handling.
  • - Insert lenses before makeup.
  • - Clean reusable cases monthly.
  • - Attend annual eye exams.
  • - Never reuse daily disposable lenses.
  • - Don't swim or shower in lenses.
  • - Never "top off" old solution.
  • - Don't ignore pain or redness.

Clinical References

1. CDC (2025) About Contact Lens Types & Wear Schedule. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/contact-lenses/about/about-contact-lens-types.html
2. CLSSA. Contact Lens Information. Available at: https://www.clssa.co.za/contact-lens-information
3. Vision Corner. Advantages of Daily Disposable Contact Lenses.
4. CDC. Healthy Contact Lens Wear and Care. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/contact-lenses/about/index.html