Your Contact Lens Q & A!

FAQ #1

HOW TO READ MY PRESCRIPTION Rx

A contact lens prescription is different from a spectacle prescription and spectacle prescription cannot be used to purchase contact lenses.

The details of the contact lenses you should wear are often found on

the contact lens prescription provided to you by your eye care practitioner
the side of your contact lens box

Your prescription may include a SPH, BC, DIA, CYL, Axis and ADD. If your prescription does not include one of those it simply means that you do not require that corrective power.

Brand: Indicates the manufacturer (eg. Johnson & Johnson) and brand (eg. Acuvue) of a particular lens. Different lenses are used to treat different kinds of refractive errors.

Right Eye (OD): Always listed first.

Left Eye (OS): Always listed second.

Both Eyes (OU): If both the left and right eye has the same prescription, “OU” is used instead meaning both eyes.

Power (PWR)/ Sphere (SPH)/ Diopters (D): Is the power of the lens needed to correct your long or short-sightedness and is measured in Diopters (D). The spherical power of a lens is indicated with a plus sign (+) for hyperopia (Long-Sighted) and a minus sign (-) for myopia (Short-Sighted). The higher the number, the stronger your prescription.

Base Curve (BC): Indicates the curvature on the inside of a lens and attempts to come as close to the curve of the eye as possible to ensure the greatest fit and comfort.

Diameter (DIA): Measures the width of a lens in millimeters, from end to end.

Colour: Lenses do come in numerous tints and colours. Visibility tints are intended to help the wearer differentiate lenses from a storage case. Enhancers are tinted lenses designed to enhance an eye’s natural colour.

SPHERICAL CONTACT LENSES (Myopia)

ASTIGMATISM CONTACT LENSES (Toric)

Cylinder (CYL): Is an oval band on a lens that enables an individual to see all ranges clearly at once and is measured in diopters, like spherical power. The cylinder power of a lens is written with a minus (-) sign.

Axis: Indicates the orientation of the astigmatism, a measurement that designates where the cylinder correction should be located. Generally, the cylinder runs up and down or side to side, at 90 degrees or 180 degrees. The symbol “x” normally precedes the axis.

MULTIFOCAL CONTACT LENSES (Presbyopia)

Add Power: For individuals with presbyopia alone or in conjunction with another refractory error, multifocal lenses are often needed. This measurement indicates the additional amount of power needed to ensure clear vision at a close range and is always preceded by a plus (+) sign or can be recorded as High, Medium or Low.

FAQ #2

IS IT SAFE TO SLEEP IN CONTACT LENSES?

Although some brands of contact lenses, such as Air Optix Night & Day Aqua, are approved for overnight wear, sleeping in lenses still increases the risk of eye infections.

Please consult your optometrist to determine whether overnight wear is suitable for you and your specific lens type.

FAQ #3

MAINTAINING COMFORT

UNDERSTANDING WHAT CAN CAUSE EYE IRRITATION FROM CONTACTS

Almost everyone gets red eyes every now and then, but it’s usually temporary, and nothing to worry about. Check the items below to see if they could be the cause:

Being Tired
Allergies
Wearing Contacts Longer Than Recommended
Sensitivity To Materials/Solutions

IMPORTANT: If your eyes are red and you’re experiencing discomfort, pain or impaired vision, you should contact your eye care practitioner immediately.

HOW TO AVOID EYE IRRITATION AND MAINTAIN COMFORT

Your eyes naturally have a layer of moisture, but sometimes your lifestyle can throw this balance off. Here are a few situations where you can stay on top of things:

BEAUTY Tips

Wash your hands and put on your contacts before you put on your makeup.
You may want to try water-resistant mascara and eyeliner to prevent flaking or smudging.
Hypoallergenic, oil-free makeup removers are the best choice when wearing contacts.
When you go to the salon, leave your contacts at home. Hairspray, getting your hair colored or perms can damage your contacts.
Don't wear makeup (or put on your contacts) if your eyes are swollen, red or infected.

COMPUTERS Tips

Take a break! Staring at your screen for too long can affect your eyes’ balance. Try readjusting about every 20 minutes.
Adjust your seat. Hovering over your screen or sitting too close can strain your eyes.
Don’t work in the dark. The difference in brightness between your screen and the area behind it can cause eye stress and discomfort.
Remember to blink. It sounds obvious, but when you’re on a computer, you blink five times less.
Germs can live on your laptop, so don’t handle your contacts before washing your hands.

TRAVEL Tips

Pack light. Carry travel size contact lens solution and rewetting drops just in case.
When traveling by air, try to keep your contacts, case, and solution in your carry-on luggage. If your luggage is lost, you don’t want to be left without your contacts or without a way to remove them at the end of the day.
Stick to your schedule. It’s important to stay on track with replacing your contacts, even if you’re in a new time zone.
Don’t ditch your case. Those cups in hotel rooms aren’t a good choice for storing your contacts. Stick to a clean contact lens case.
Be prepared. Bring along two extra pairs of contact lenses in case you lose or damage your current pair.