Contact lenses (also known simply as contacts) are used to correct vision, change cosmetic appearance and for therapeutic purposes. Contact lenses were invented by the Czech chemists Otto Wichterle and Drahoslav Lim who also invented the first gel used for contact lens production.

Contact lenses are worn as an alternative to spectacles and are lightweight and virtually invisible. Contact lenses have improved over the years, are more comfortable and available in a large range of prescriptions. Contact lenses can now correct myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (far-sightedness), astigmatism (oval corneal shape) and presbyopia (reduced accommodation due to ageing). Contact lenses offer improved peripheral vision and depth perception.

Did you know? In a recent survey by Bausch & Lomb it was found that men and women look better without their spectacles. More and more people are moving away from spectacles and switching to contact lenses.

Disposable contact lenses are made from a soft flexible polymer material making them comfortable, breathable and easy to wear. The frequent replacement of contact lenses reduces the risk of eye infections and decreases the amount of debris on the surface of the lens. There are several types of disposable contact lenses such as daily disposable contact lenses, 2 weekly disposable contact lenses, monthly disposable contact lenses and extended wear contact lenses.

Cosmetic coloured contact lenses enhance eye colour. These lenses are available in prescription or non-prescription form and in a variety of colours. Certain coloured contact lenses will enhance your natural eye colour while others will give you a completely different look! A popular brand of coloured contact lenses is the FreshLook range which includes colours like Brilliant Blue, Gemstone Green, Stirling Gray, Blue, Brown, Amethyst, Green, Grey, Honey, Pure Hazel, True Sapphire and Turquoise.

Contact lenses can be worn by people of almost any age - some babies are even fitted with contact lenses. Anyone can wear contact lenses once they have been initially fitted by an eye care provider. We all have different prescriptions and eye shapes that need to be measured to ensure successful wear.

Contact lenses can offer a child many positives. They are great for sports and offer the contact lens wearer a safer option than spectacles, better field of vision and freedom of eye and body movement.

Children's self-esteem is also improved by wearing contact lenses as many would choose to wear contact lenses for cosmetic reasons. A child who grows up with better self-esteem and confidence will show better school performance and participation. One can always switch from contact lenses to spectacles at any time.

Contact lenses are a great substitute for laser surgery. Many people are too eager to throw away their spectacles and have laser surgery without considering alternatives and the risks associated with a surgical procedure. Contact lens wear has become easier with the development of extended wear contact lenses and daily disposable contact lenses.

Extended wear means that these contact lenses can be worn continuously for 30 days without taking them out. This minimises time, usage of solutions and storage cases that are required for contact lens wear.

Daily disposable lenses are convenient as they can be worn for the day and discarded. There is no need for solutions and they offer good vision and comfort. There is less chance of infection as there is no build up of debris on the contact lens surface.

Most people who have laser surgery think they will never need spectacles or contact lenses again. The truth is that they will need reading spectacles once they reach their forties. Multifocal contact lenses will correct presbyopia, eliminating the need for reading glasses. Feel your inner age and enjoy an active lifestyle!