Contact Lenses

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How often do I need to get my Contact Lenses checked?

We usually recommend annual contact lens aftercare. This allows our Optometrists to check annually the fit of the lens and to ensure that proper and safe wearing patterns are being adhered to. If you are on our Direct Debit Scheme there is no charge for this service. If not, then this appointment costs '40 and usually lasts 20 minutes.

I never got my eyes tested at Urquharts, can I still get Contact Lenses from you?

Absolutely, as long as your prescription is in date (i.e. Your last eye was within the past year). Please call your local practice in Kilmarnock, Prestwick, Troon or Ayr and ask our team to make you a Contact Lens Fitting Appointment. This appointment will last between 20-40 minutes and we will use your eye test prescription to fit lenses that correct your vision and meet your lifestyle requirements. This may take multiple appointments, depending on the lenses that we need to fit. Once you are happy, we will sign you off and you can join our Direct Debit Scheme, or order lenses as and when you require them.

Do you send Contact Lenses directly to my home?

Yes, we send all of our Contact Lenses directly to your chosen address and this is included within the price quoted ' be it Direct Debit or Pay As You Wear.

I've tried Contact Lenses before and I didn't get on with them. Is it worthwhile trying again?

Contact Lenses have advanced considerably in the past few years ' including the material used and the types of lenses available on the market. We offer free trials and therefore there is nothing to lose by booking an appointment. Please call your local practice in Kilmarnock, Prestwick, Troon or Ayr and they will be delighted to look after you

I've got a Contact Lens stuck in my eye and I can't get it out. What should I do?

Please call us straightaway and we will assist you. If you are on our Direct Debit Scheme there is no charge for the appointment. If you are not, then there would be a charge of '40 for this appointment.

I've slept with my contact lenses in by mistake. What should I do?

First of all, you might find that the lens has become stuck in your eye. Never attempt to remove the lens if it does not come off the way that it normally would. Please call us straightaway and we will assist you. The lens will normally come out with some comfort drops applied by our Optician. We would usually recommend to then not wear lenses for a day or two just to let your eyes recover.

Can Children Wear Contact Lenses?

Put simply, yes. The key requirement for a child to be able to wear contact lenses is that they must be able to safely insert and remove the lens from their eye. This should be done with minimal supervision.

Can contact lenses protect against UV light?

Yes, Contact Lenses can provide some protection against UV light. However, it is important to be aware that Contact Lenses should not act as a substitute for protective eyewear such as sunglasses as contact lenses do not cover the complete surface of the eye.

I'm on my last lens and my next supply isn't due for another couple of weeks. Can I just keep wearing these lenses in the meantime?

No, we would not advise of this practice. It's important that you stick strictly to the wearing schedules as prescribed by your Optician. If this is the case and you are part of our Direct Debit Scheme, please call your practice and they will arrange for some trial lenses to be sent to you that will keep you going until your next dispatch.

I've damaged a lens. Can I still use it?

No, damaged lenses should never be put in your eye. If your part of our Direct Debit scheme, we offer replacement of lost or damaged lenses at no cost. Please call your practice and they will arrange for some lenses to be sent to you.

Can I use Urquharts for my Contact Lens Aftercare but buy lenses online?

Yes, it is possible. We would advise against it for a number of reasons, none more so than it is often a more expensive option. While the Per Pack price may be cheaper online, this doesn't include any aftercare, replacement of lost or damaged lenses or 20% discount on any purchases of spectacles or sunglasses. For anyone who is not on our Direct Debit scheme, an appointment with our Optician is '40. We do also offer an aftercare only package at '6 Per Month and this is often a cost effective alternative that still ensures most of the benefits of our Direct Debit Scheme

Can I shower with my contact lenses in?

No, we recommend that contact lenses should not be exposed to any kind of water. Water can be home to countless viruses and bacteria and therefore the risk of an eye infection is extremely high.

Can I swim while wearing contact lenses?

No, we recommend that contact lenses should not be exposed to any kind of water. Water can be home to countless viruses and bacteria and therefore the risk of an eye infection is extremely high.

I've run out of Contact Lens Solution. Can I just buy any solution?

We would advise against this practice. Each solution has a different composition and may or may not be suitable for your eye and the contact lens that you are wearing. Please contact your Urquharts practice and we will arrange solution as quickly as we possibly can.

What are Rigid Gas Permeable (RGPs) Contact Lenses?

RGPs are hard contact lenses and are porous to oxygen. Unlike Soft Contact Lenses that need changed daily, weekly or monthly, hard contact lenses can be worn for extended period of time. The fitting of these lenses if often quite specialized but at Urquharts, we have a large client base who wear RGP lenses and therefore we have considerable knowledge in this field.

Can I still wear contact lenses if I am pregnant?

Yes, absolutely. Some women can find that their vision changes during pregnancy. One side effect can be irritated eyes and dry eyes which can make wearing contact lenses more uncomfortable. If you are experiencing this, then please make an appointment to see one of our opticians.

How should I store my monthly contact lenses when I need to remove them?

They should be stored in a contact lens case with the contact lens solution recommended by your Optician.

How should I look after my Contact Lenses to ensure the best hygiene?

Please remember that with Contact Lenses you are effectively putting a medical device into your eyes, therefore it is essential that the highest levels of hygiene are maintained when handling contact lenses. Ensure that you wash, rinse and dry your hands thoroughly before handling your contact lenses. Use soap that is free of oils, lotions and fragrance. Dry your hands on a clean towel and use your fingertips to handle the contact lenses. Ensure the lens is not damaged in any way and that it has not come into contact with any other surface before inserting it into your eye.

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