Contact Lenses

Contact Lenses

Most people are able to wear contact lenses. Contacts can correct visual difficulties due to presbyopia, myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism and to also target specific eye problems like dry eyes and eye diseases like keratoconus. With newer technology, contact lenses are now more comfortable than ever. At John O’Connor Optometrist we are focused on getting you the best comfort and vision.

What are the best contact lenses for me?

There are a number of options available. See which ones you think may suit you best and then discuss your choices with your vision specialist at John O’Connor Optometrists. We sell most of the international brands of contact lenses including Johnson & Johnson, Bausch & Lomb, Ciba and Cooper Vision. If you are interested in wearing contact lenses, let our optometrist know and we can recommend the best type of lens for your unique visual requirements.

Soft Contact Lenses

Soft contact lenses are made of soft, flexible plastics that allow oxygen to pass through to the cornea. Extended wear lenses, and most brands of disposable lenses, contain silicone hydrogel which makes the lenses more breathable and therefore healthier for the eyes. These contact lenses allow more oxygen through to the eye, reducing the appearance of red eye. This was an issue in the older lenses that did not contain silicone hydrogel.

For some users, soft contact lenses may be easier to adjust to and more comfortable than rigid gas permeable lenses. Soft contact lenses come in a variety of types.

Our Auckland optometrists prescribe disposable lenses that vary in the length of time they can be worn: 1 day daily disposables which you don’t need to clean but just remove and dispose at the end of the day, fortnightly disposables which are removed at the end of each day and need to be cleaned and disinfected then disposed after 2 weeks and monthly disposables which have to be removed and cleaned after wearing and then disposed of after 1 month.

Daily Contact Lenses

Day Wear Disposable Lenses

Daily wear soft contact lenses are typically the least expensive option. You wear the lenses during the day, and remove them each night to be cleaned and disinfected.
The length of time you can use a single pair of daily wear lenses varies from one day to fortnight to a month, depending on the brand.

Contact Solution

Extended Wear Lenses

These can be worn during the day and also while you sleep, but they must be removed for cleaning and disinfecting at least once a week. It's important to be cautious with overnight use, though, since it increases the risk of eye infections. Always get your eye care professional's evaluation of your tolerance for overnight wear.

Best Contact Lenses

One Day Disposable Lenses

These lenses are very convenient and typically more expensive.
You wear the lenses during the day and remove them at night and throw them away.
They don't need to be cleaned or disinfected and are great for everyday or while travelling as you don’t need to carry bottles of solutions with you.

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Contact Lenses

Rigid gas permeable contact lenses (RGPs) are more durable and resistant to deposit build up. They are easier to handle and less likely to tear. They tend to be less expensive since they last longer than soft contact lenses. Initially, however,  some users do not find they are not as comfortable as soft contact lenses and it may take a few weeks to get used to wearing RGPs.

Rigid gas permeable lenses often provide the sharpest vision for astigmatism and for high prescriptions.

Multifocal contact lenses

As we get older, the lens in the eye loses its focussing abilities and we become presbyopic and need reading glasses. There are now multi-focal contact lenses with different focussing areas on the lenses to provide clear vision in the distance and up close. Multifocal contact lenses are available in soft contact lenses and rigid gas permeable lenses. Please ask your John O’Connor optometrist for more information.

Eyewear NZ

Ortho-K Lenses

Orthokeratology lenses or ortho-k lenses can correct your vision while you sleep and allow you to see well without glasses or contacts during the day. Ortho-k lenses are also prescribed for myopia control (to reduce the rate of myopia progression) in children. Read on for more information on orthokeratology.

Contact Lens Subsidy

You may be eligible for government funding for your contact lenses if you meet certain criteria such as high myopia or hyperopia or have an eye condition such as keratoconus. Our Auckland optometrists will be able to advise if you qualify.

When you book your eye test, make sure you tell your optometrist about any work or leisure visual requirements you have. We can then recommend the most appropriate lenses to suit you.

Contact Lens Solutions

John O’Connor  optometrists stock a range of eye drops and contact lens solutions for soft lenses, rigid gas permeable lenses and orthokeratology lenses. The brands include Boston, Menicon, Aosept, Biotrue, Eyeye, Celluvisc,Theratears, Sterilid, Optimel, Bausch & Lomb and others. Your optometrist will be able to advise on which solutions or eye drops are most suitable for you.

We deliver peace of mind about the way you see the world, your sight.

We offer high quality eyecare and friendly service at our optometry practices in Newmarket and Henderson. For your convenience both stores are open 6 days a week.