At Zacks London Eye Clinics (Warren Street, Fitzrovia,  London W1) and (Kings Cross, Islington, London N1) we have optometrists who specialise in complex contact lenses. Contact lenses can offer considerable advantages over spectacles providing a larger field of view with reduced magnification or minification. They are excellent for sports and can be fitted to patients with any prescription at any age.

Every patient wishing to be supplied with contact lenses requires a specialist contact lens consultation in addition to the eye examination even if they are longstanding wearers. This is to ensure that the eyes are healthy and to take a series of special measurements to ensure the best possible fit. Contact lenses are then tried with further assessments of vision, comfort and fit to decide on the best type. Complex contact lenses for astigmatism, kerataconus or presbyopia (bifocals and multifocals) may have to be specially made.

Patients who have previously tried contact lenses may well find that there is a more modern lens which offers superior comfort and vision and for this reason it is always worth trying new products even if previous attempts at contact lens wear have failed. Additional consultations are often required to check that the contact lenses fit well when they have settled on the eyes after a few hours wear and to ensure that there have been no detrimental effects. Regular aftercare appointments are then important to monitor the contact lens prescription and health of the eyes.

Hard & Soft Contact Lenses

Hard contact lenses are made from rigid plastic materials, now generally called gas-permeable. Soft contact lenses are manufactured from plastics which absorb water into their structure making them feel soft and flexible. Hard lenses last longer, sometimes give better vision and allow more oxygen to pass to the eye. Soft contact lenses are more comfortable initially making them ideal for occasional wear. They are less likely to be dislodged from the eye and are also much better in dusty conditions.

Further Information

Click on the links below to the British Contact Lens Association website:

• What types of contact lenses are available?
• What is 'astigmatism' and can it be corrected with contact lenses?
• I find it difficult to focus on near and distance objects without the use of separate glasses, bifocals or varifocals. Can contact lenses help?
• Are there contact lenses I can wear, but don't have to clean?
• Are there contact lenses I can wear safely overnight?
• Acanthamoeba keratitis and contact lenses
• After Care
• Do's and Dont's
• Regulations on contact lens fitting and supply
• Plano Cosmetic Contact Lenses
• Silicone hydrogel lenses
• Refractive Surgery

Web links:

• ACUVUE
• CIBA
• COOPER VISION
• BAUSCH & LOMB