Contact lenses
About Contact Lenses
The types of contact lens, what to expect, and how they fit into your day.
About contact lenses
A medical device, fitted for you
A contact lens is a medical device. Contact lenses always start with an eye test and a fitting, and they are supplied only on a current prescription. At the fitting you try the lenses, and you are taught how to put them in, take them out and look after them.
Types of contact lens
Dailies, monthlies and more
| Type | What to know |
|---|---|
| Daily disposable lenses | Soft lenses worn for a day and then thrown away, so there is nothing to clean or store. A fresh lens every day. They are convenient and economical if you wear contact lenses part time: for sport, going out or travelling. Worn every day they can cost more than other lenses, although you save a little on solutions. |
| Two-weekly and monthly lenses | Worn daily for up to two weeks or a month. You take them out each night, clean them and store them in the recommended solution. They have all the benefits of soft lenses, and they usually cost less than dailies for people who wear contact lenses every day. Some speciality lenses are replaced less often. |
| Flexible, extended and continuous wear lenses | Lenses that can be left in the eye overnight or for long periods. Only lenses approved for overnight wear can be worn while you sleep, and only on your optometrist's advice, because not everyone's eyes are suitable. Sleeping in contact lenses carries an increased risk of infection. |
| Gas permeable lenses | Firmer lenses that are cheaper to maintain than soft lenses. Some people find them easier to handle. |
A monthly lens expires a month after you open it, however often you wear it. A box of dailies can be worn as and when you need it, which suits people who wear glasses during the week and contact lenses for sport, weekends and going out.
Our contact lenses
Torga's own lenses and the major brands
Torga's own
Easivue Daily, Easivue Monthly, Visaq, and Xtensa Toric and Xtensa Multifocal for astigmatism and for near and far. There is no middleman: we buy directly from the factory and pass the savings on to you.
The major brands
We also fit and supply lenses from Alcon, Bausch + Lomb, CooperVision and Johnson & Johnson (Acuvue), as dailies, monthlies, toric lenses for astigmatism and multifocal lenses.
Wearing them well
Check-ups and a pair of glasses
Check-ups
A check of the cornea every six months
The guideline of the Professional Board for Optometry and Dispensing Opticians is a check of the cornea every six months and a full eye test every year for contact lens wearers.
Glasses too
Give your eyes a rest
Every contact lens wearer needs an up-to-date pair of glasses, for when their eyes need a rest from the lenses. Many people prefer glasses during the week and contact lenses for sport and going out.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about contact lenses
Can I buy contact lenses without an eye test?
No. Contact lenses are a medical device. They start with an eye test and a fitting, and they are supplied only on a current prescription.
Can contact lenses correct astigmatism?
Yes. Toric contact lenses do, and there are multifocal contact lenses for near and far vision. Your optometrist will tell you whether they suit you.
Can I sleep in my contact lenses?
Only if your optometrist has prescribed lenses approved for overnight wear. Sleeping in other lenses carries an increased risk of infection.