Contact Lenses

Contact lenses

Contact lenses are a great alternative to spectacles for correcting eyesight  problems. Correctly prescribed contact lenses provide excellent vision and comfort.

There are many different types of contact lenses available on the market. At Crayford Optical Centre we always keep up to date with the latest changes in lens designs and availability. The latest designs means that you can wear them in improved comfort and we can offer you an unbiased opinion on which lenses are most suitable for your individual needs to suit your budget and lifestyle.

As an independent practice we are not limited to certain brands of contact lenses. We have listed below some of the benefits contact lenses provide:

  • They provide unobstructed vision as the contact lenses sit on your eyes.
  • They do not mist up, get wet in the rain, smudge or slide down your nose.
  • They allow people to see the natural you.
  • You can have fun and change your eye colour.

We supply contact lenses from the following leading manufacturers AcuvueBausch & LombCiba Vision, and Coopervision as well as other specialist ones.

Crayford Optical Centre is an Acuvue Centre of Excellence.

Consultation and fitting

Prescribing contact lenses can be a complicated process. However, at Crayford Optical Centre we will simplify and explain the various options available in a clear and concise manner.

Types of Contact Lenses

Gas permeable lenses (RGP)

Rigid lenses are made from plastic monomers that are less flexible than those used for soft lenses. Rigid lenses provide excellent vision and are suitable for a wider range of prescriptions. They are more durable than soft lenses, so they do not need to be replaced as often. Typically they are initially less comfortable than soft lenses. Once you have adapted to the lenses you will be able to wear them all day without even noticing you have them on.

Daily disposable soft lenses

These are one of the most popular lens choices available on the market. These lenses are designed for single use and are simply thrown away each day. They offer a hassle free option ideal for any lifestyle. As they are only used once, dailies offer the most sterile form of contact lenses available with statistically the lowest risk of infections.

Daily lenses are now available in Spherical form (to correct short  or long sight), Toric (to correct astigmatism) and Progressive (to correct both  distance and near vision when the eye can no longer focus for both  due to natural aging).

Two weekly and monthly replacement soft lenses

These are soft lenses which are inserted, removed and cleaned every night.  They are usually replaced every two or four weeks.

These soft contact lenses are more cost effective and are better suited for complicated prescriptions including higher levels of astigmatism. It is important to remember that these types of lenses require regular cleaning and disinfecting.

Two Weekly Acuvue Oasys with Transitions Light Intelligent Technology.

Introducing the first of its kind contact lens that seamlessly adapts to changing light.

Extended wear

With new contact lens materials and technology, there are some lens types which allow wearers to sleep in their contact lenses, either occasionally, or for up to 30 days. This is known as "extended wear".  These special lenses allow a large amount of oxygen to pass through the lens, ensuring that the eye receives enough oxygen – ideal for those patients having long working hours and always on the go as well as wanting to wear lenses every day of the week

Varifocals Contact Lenses

There are a multitude of options available now for those of you who struggle to read without specs. You may want an option to wear occassionally maybe when you go out for dinner so you don't need to wear reading glasses or maybe you want to wear them most of the times. Either way we have the perfect options for you.

Myopia Control

These are contact lenses which are aimed at slowing down the rate of short sightedness progression. This in turn helps reduce the risk of future eye problems e.g. detached retinas as well as the added benefit of not having as thick specs as you might have had.

Find out more about myopia control here