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If you have questions pertaining to your order on Alensa, and not to contactlenses in general, please refer to our order FAQ page.
Beginning with contact lenses
- At what age can I start wearing contact lenses, and are they safefor kids?
- Can contact lenses fall out of myeyes?
- Can I sleep in my contacts?
- Do contact lenses hurt or cause discomfort?
- Are contacts difficult to insert and remove?
- Can a contact lens slip behind the eye, get stuck, or getlost?
- How can I tell if a contact lens is insideout?
- Can coloured contact lenses affect my colourvision?
- How many days does one box of contactlenses last?
Buying contact lensesonline
- I already know thegrade (strength or prescription) of my glasses. Can I use the same prescriptionto order my contact lenses?
- Are contact lensesexpensive?
- How do I read and interpret myprescription?
- Is there any difference betweenthe right and the left contact lens?
- Can I buycontact lenses without a prescription?
- Is it safeto buy contact lenses online?
- Can I get triallenses here?
- Can I order lenses or solutions Ihaven’t tried before?
- What is the differencebetween D and N in contact lenses?
Caring for contactlenses
- How do I take care ofmy contact lenses?
- What is "contact lens rubbing"and why is it important?
- Can I use tap water toclean or store my lenses?
- Should I apply eyedrops before or after inserting the contact lenses?
- How can I prevent make-up from getting on my contacts?
Sports and special considerations
- Can I play sports with contacts?
- Can I swim wearing my contact lenses?
- Can I wear my contacts in the shower or bath, or in a sauna orsteam room?
- Can I wear contact lenses on asunbed or while tanning?
- Can I use contacts if Ihave very dry eyes?
- Can I wear contacts if I haveallergies?
- Can I wear contact lenses longer thanthe recommended period of time?
- Can I still usemy lenses once they’ve expired?
Beginning with contactlenses
If you’re just starting with lenses and have some concernsor questions about contacts, take a look at the following. You may find theanswers you’re looking for right here.
1. Atwhat age can I start wearing contact lenses, and are they safe for kids?
Contact lens wear is not limited by age. Contact lenses are worn by children aswell as people of advanced age.
They do take some getting used to, andyou’ll need to learn how to insert and remove them, as well as how to practisegood hygiene and proper lens care. Though contact lenses are perfectly safe forkids, it starts with a recommendation and some thorough instructions from yourfamily’s optician. The motivation and willingness of children to follow astrict lens care and hygiene regimen can be a deciding factor as to whether ornot they are ready to wear contact lenses.
2. Cancontact lenses fall out of my eyes?
If you are wearing the most suitablelenses for your eyes and you insert and remove the contact lenses correctly,they should stay in place. In rare instances, a lens may temporarily slide outof place, but it will stay on your eye until you shift it back into place.
3. Can I sleep in my contacts?
Onlycontact lenses specifically designed for extended or continuous wear can be wornwhile sleeping. You should never wear lenses continuously unless it has beenadvised by your eye-care professional. In all other cases, you should follow thereplacement schedule indicated by the manufacturer and take out your lensesbefore going to sleep.
4. Do contact lenses hurtor cause discomfort?
A contact lens that has been fitted to your eyewill never be painful or uncomfortable. In fact, you should almost be able toforget you’re even wearing them. First-time users may experience somediscomfort during the initial days of wearing, and you’ll probably notice somediscomfort if the lens is inside out. In both cases, though, this discomfortwill disappear quickly after your eye gets used to the lens or after flippingthe lens right side out to its correct position. If you do experience anysustained discomfort or pain, consult your eye-care specialist immediately.
5. Are contacts difficult to insert andremove?
Inserting and removing lenses may take a little practise, butyou’ll get used to it in no time! You may find it helpful to read through ourguide on how toinsert and removecontacts properly.
6. Can a contact lens slipbehind the eye, get stuck, or get lost?
Good news! Your lenses can neverslip and get lost behind your eyes! The anatomy of the eye makes thisimpossible. A dry lens can potentially get trapped under the upper eyelid, butdon’t worry. To release it, just close your eye, gently massage your eyelid,and then blink a few times. Apply eye drops or an appropriate wetting agent tohelp manoeuvre the lens back into place. A properly fitted lens will easilyslide back into its place.
7. How can I tell if acontact lens is inside out?
Some lenses are equipped with laserengravings of letters or numbers that allow you to see whether it is inside out.However, if a lens is not engraved, or you simply cannot see it, you can alsocheck the shape of the lens by placing it on the tip of your finger. The shapeyou’re looking for is smooth, with the edges facing upward, like half of aball. When the edges face outward, like the rim of a bowl, the lens is insideout and needs to be flipped.
8. Can coloured contact lensesaffect my colour vision?
The human eye sees the world through the blackpupil in the centre of the colourful iris. Coloured contact lenses are clear inthe centre, therefore they only modify the colour of the iris. Your visionremains unchanged. However, it is possible that your vision may be slightlyaffected in low-light conditions when your pupil dilates. The diameter of thisclear part of coloured lenses is standardised by the manufacturer in order tosuit the vast majority of users.
9. How many daysdoes one box of contact lenses last?
The number of lenses in the packagedoes not indicate a number of pairs. If you have the same prescription for botheyes, the boxes will last as follows:
- One box of 30 dailydisposable contact lenses will last 15 days
- One box of 6 monthlycontact lenses will last 3 months
- One box of 3 monthly contact lenseswill give you one pair and a spare lens
- One box of 6 biweekly contactlenses will give you 3 pairs lasting 6 weeks
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Buying contact lenses online
Buying contact lenses online is easy and cost-effective. If you have a validprescription from your optician, you are free to buy your lenses online, and notjust on the high street. If you have more questions about online ordering,we’re here to help.
10. I already know thegrade (strength or prescription) of my glasses. Can I use the same prescriptionto order my contact lenses?
Your glasses prescription is not the sameas a contact lens prescription in most cases - especially with high grades.Contact lenses are worn are closer to the eye than glasses, which leads to achange in parameters.
Another equally important parameter for contactlenses is the curve of the cornea. The curve of the lens must fit exactly to thecurve of your cornea. Start your switch to contact lenses by first schedulingan eye exam. Your eye care professional (optometrist or contact lensspecialist) will then determine your curve parameter and the grade that is bestfor you.
11. Are contact lensesexpensive?
It’s true that contact lenses are a bit of an investment.However, they offer many benefits over standard eyeglasses and can even turn outcheaper, in some cases. Your budget and lifestyle considerations are a goodplace to start. Will you wear them every day, or only occasionally? AtAlensa.com, we offer a wide variety of affordable lenses to give you the lowestcost-per-wear possible.
12. How do I read and interpret my prescription?
Areyou finding it difficult to read all those numbers, values, and parameters onyour lens prescription? Perhaps our useful guide to readingyour prescription might be helpful.
13. Is thereany difference between the right and the left contact lens?
If you havethe same prescription parameters for both eyes, then there is no differencebetween the right and the left lens. If this is the case, you can buy one box ofcontact lenses and use them for both eyes. If you require a differentprescription for your left and right eye, you'll need a minimum of 2 boxes.It’s a good idea to label the boxes with an “L” and “R” so you willknow each time you insert a new pair of lenses. For the purpose of ordering onAlensa.com, there is no difference between the left and right eye when enteringyour parameters. Simply click on +Select attributes for secondeye to proceed.
14. Can I buy contactlenses without a prescription in Ireland?
According to Irish law, it ispermitted to buy contact lenses online without providing your prescription. Thebuyer must possess a valid prescription from a licensed eye-care provider, butthe seller is not required to validate this. Read more about buyinglenseswithout prescription.
15. Is it safe to buycontact lenses online?
It’s always important to be vigilant whenshopping online, especially for contact lenses. We know how important it is tokeep your precious eyes safe, healthy, and happy. That’s why we supply onlyoriginal products purchased directly from the world’s most respectedmanufacturers. If there’s ever a problem with one of your lenses, we’ll godirectly to the source to solve it. And, we work with some of the most trusteddelivery companies, so you can be sure your order will arrive safe, sound, andon time.
16. Can I get trial lenses here?
Only your optician or eye-care professional is authorised to provide you withtrial lenses after a thorough examination.
17. Can I order lenses or solutions I haven’ttried before?
Order only contact lenses that have been prescribed foryou by an eye-care specialist. Changing to a new brand or type without theadvice of a specialist always poses a risk that the new lenses will not suityou, causing discomfort or more serious health complications. The same appliesto contact lens solutions.
18. What is the difference between D and N in contactlenses?
If you use multifocal or bifocal eyeglasses, it is necessary todetermine your dominant and non-dominant eyefor the correct vision correction. The dominant eye, commonly indicated as"D" focuses primarily on distant vision, whereas thenon-dominant eye, indicated as "N" is associated with nearvision. We strongly recommend consulting with your eye care specialistin case you need lenses with this addition.
Caring for contactlenses
Contact lenses require proper care, attention, and hygiene.Here are a few of the most common questions regarding caring for lenses.
19. How do I take care of my contactlenses?
Contact lenscare is very easy and does not require much effort. Today’s soft, reusablecontact lenses require just one type of solution for cleaning, rinsing, andstorage. And, if you’re wearing daily disposable contact lenses, you don’tneed to worry about cleaning or storage. Simply throw them away at the end ofeach day.
20. What is "contact lens rubbing" andwhy is it important?
Rubbing the lenses should always be a part of thecleaning process, either before you place them in their case at night or whenyou rinse them before insertion in the morning. Put the lens in your palm withsome all-purpose solution, and rub it gently with your finger. Rubbing the lenswith solution significantly decreases the amount of deposits that remain on thelens after disinfection. There are many “NO RUB” multi-purpose solutions onthe market that promise instant disinfection on contact, but the benefits ofgiving your lenses a quick rub are undeniable. It’s an easy habit to adoptthat can help keep your lenses cleaner and clearer and your eyes healthier.
21. Can I use tap water to clean or store mylenses?
Do not, under any circumstance, use water or any other liquid(including saliva) to clean or store contact lenses. Tap water, and even bottledor distilled water, may carry bacteria and cause serious health problems! Avoidthis serious contact lens faux pas by only using professionally designed contactlens solutions for your lens care. This means it’s even more important to planahead if you’re travelling, hitting the gym, or even anticipating a late nightat the office. Always have a back-up lens case and travel bottle of solution soyou won't be caught unprepared when away from home.
22. Should I apply eye drops before or after inserting thecontact lenses?
Eye drops are actually artificial tears that lubricateand protect your eyes, so it’s perfectly safe to apply them either before orafter inserting your lenses.
It is recommended for contact lens wearersto apply highly viscous (gel) eye drops before inserting their lenses. This willenable the eye drops to spread throughout the eye, making application of contactlenses easier and more comfortable.
23. How can Iprevent make-up from getting on my contacts?
Make-up and contact lensescan coexist, but the key is caution! To prevent make-up from getting on yourcontacts, follow these tips:
- Avoid oily or creamy make-ups
- Try to use water-based and non-allergenic products
- Put in yourcontacts before applying make-up and take them out before removing make-up
- Wash your hands well
- When using powders, close your eyes duringthe application and brush off any excess before opening them again
- Don’t apply liners or mascaras too close to the eyeball, and avoid so-called“lash-building” mascaras that contain fibres
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Sports and special considerations
If you’re an avid (or occasional) athlete or have other questions aboutwearing contact lenses in your everyday life, read on for answers to somecommonly asked questions.
24. Can I playsports with contacts?
One of the great advantages of contacts over eyeglasses is the ability to play sports while wearing them. They offer improvedperipheral vision, are comfortable and not affected by weather conditions likerain or fog, and allow the athlete to wear protective headgear safely andcomfortably. It’s safe to say contacts are the way to go if you need visioncorrection while playing any type of sport.
25.Can I swim wearing my contact lenses?
Swimming in contact lenses,whether in the sea, rivers, lakes or swimming pools, poses a significant risk tothe health of your eyes. In short, contact lenses should never be exposed towater. If you do open your eyes under water, remove the lenses within 10-15minutes, and do not use them again. Sea water can cause the lenses to dry outand stick to the cornea. Always wear water-tight, protective swimming goggles ifyou cannot avoid wearing your lenses while swimming.
26. Can I wear my contacts in the shower or bath, or in asauna or steam room?
Tap water and sweat contain bacteria and shouldnever come into contact with your lenses. Soaps and other chemicals in yourshower products can also be dangerous for your eyes. Wearing lenses in thesehot, dry, or steamy environments can dry out and distort lenses significantly,causing pain, discomfort, irritation, and difficulty removing them. Therefore,the message is clear: remove your lenses before taking a shower, getting in thetub or entering a sauna or steam room.
27. Can Iwear contact lenses on a sunbed or while tanning?
The biggest riskinvolved in wearing your contacts while on a tanning bed is the fact that theheat will cause them to dry out, which makes your lenses difficult to remove andcauses irritation. In any case, it's best to remove the lenses beforehand.Wearing protective eye goggles will also keep your eyes and lenses safe. Don'tworry though, your contacts won't melt!
28. Can Iuse contacts if I have very dry eyes?
Even those who suffer from dry eyesyndrome are able to wear lenses. Consult your eye-care professional for athorough examination and recommendation before beginning to wear lenses,however.
29. Can I wear contacts if I haveallergies?
Seasonal allergies will not prevent you from wearing contactlenses, as long as you take proper care of them. This means: - Reduce thewearing time - Consult a contact lens specialist about the best type of cleaningsolution for the period when your allergies are severe - Use daily disposablelenses
30. Can I wear contact lenseslonger than the recommended period of time?
With our busy lifestyles,it’s all too easy to wear lenses longer than the recommended wearing time. Wemay get complacent, or simply be unaware, or find that our tight budgets makebuying a new set of lenses a bit of a financial burden. However, it’s criticalto respect the prescribed wearing time of your lenses and not try to“stretch” their use longer than prescribed.
Deposit formation andcontamination begin as soon as the lens is first removed from its sealedblister. Deposits can be organic, and come from the natural tear film, forexample, or inorganic. Inorganic deposits come from external, environmentalsources, and can include dirt, pollen, allergens, and other bacteria fromforeign (microscopic) bodies entering the eye. Despite your best efforts toclean and preserve your lenses, they do have a limited window of viability.These deposits can become toxic over time, leading to reduced oxygenpermeability and increased risk of keratitis and corneal ulcers. Reduced oxygenpermeability can cause discomfort, blurriness, or red, irritated eyes.
31. Can I still use my lenses once they’veexpired?
The expiration date on any contact lens box indicates thelength of time that those lenses will be free from contamination, and thosedates are there to protect you. It is strongly advised to not use lenses thathave passed the expiration date, as their safety can no longer be assured.
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