At Zacks London Eye Clinics (Warren Street, Fitzrovia, London W1) and (Kings Cross, Islington, London N1) we have contact lens specialists (optometrists who specialise in complex contact lenses) available daily.

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.

Extended & Continuous Wear Contact Lenses

Extended wear contact lenses are a special group of super permeable disposable lenses that can be worn for several days or weeks continuously. They are particularly beneficial for patients who have handling difficulties.

Astigmatism and Kerataconus

Hard (RGP) contact lenses are excellent for treating high astigmatism and conditions such as kerataconus where the front of the eye is not a regular shape. The contact lens provides a new smooth refractive surface to focus the light neatly on the retina.

Bifocal and Multifocal Designs

There are several different ways of combining distance and reading prescriptions in bifocal and multifocal contact lenses. Each contact lens is made to the patients unique measurements and visual requirements enabling a clear visual range at any distance.

Cosmetic and prosthetic contact lenses

At Zacks London eye clinics we fit a variety of cosmetic and prosthetic contact lenses for film and TV productions as well as to help patients hide disfiguring eye conditions and for those who simply want to change the colour of their eyes.

Orthokeratology

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K), also known as overnight vision correction (OVC) involves using specially designed rigid gas-permeable contact lenses to alter the shape of the cornea in order to reduce or correct myopia (short-sight).

For more 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