Everything you need to know about contact lenses -

Inserting contact lenses for the first time

Most people have to get used to contact lenses. Inserting contact lenses for the first time can also be quite daunting. But putting in contact lenses is like learning to ride a bike: through trial and error.

The first day with contact lenses can take some getting used to: your eyes may be drier than usual, or have more tears or redness. If you experience discomfort, it’s a good idea to call your eye doctor or optometrist. They can best advise you on what to do. Usually, you need to wear the lenses for a few days to see how your vision is, how the comfort is, etc. After that, you can have a follow-up check: with the lenses in, they can check the fit of the lenses, as well as moisture and vision. If it’s not completely satisfactory, you can try different lenses! It is very important that your contact lenses fit comfortably.

Before inserting your contact lenses, it’s important that you have washed your hands with soap and water. Dry them with a lint-free cloth; otherwise, lint could get into your lens, which can be quite irritating. You might not think it, but a lens has a correct side: if the lens is on your finger and looks like a little bowl, it’s the right way up. If the lens looks like a dish, then it’s inside out.

Inserting contact lenses

Keep your eyelids wide open at the eyelashes and place the lens with the index finger of the other hand in the center of the eye. Look down and slowly release the lower eyelid. Then let the upper eyelid drop. When both eyelids are closed, it’s best to gently “massage” the eyelids; this pushes out any air trapped under the lens, making it adhere much better.

Are your contact lenses painful? Then it’s likely that you haven’t inserted them correctly. Remove them, apply a bit of lens solution if necessary, and try to insert them again. If they still hurt, it’s best to visit the optician or eye doctor to check if they are the right lenses for you. Is only one contact lens painful? Then take it out and clean it to ensure the pain isn’t caused by a speck of dirt!

Now read our tips for removing contact lenses, and soon you’ll know how to insert and remove your contact lenses quickly and easily. Inserting contact lenses is a skill: the more you practice, the easier it gets. Keeping on practicing is the key message!

Can a contact lens disappear in your eye?

It’s everyone’s nightmare who wears contact lenses: the moment you place one in your eye and it suddenly disappears. And the fear that it might still be somewhere in your eye.

If you’ve lost your lens and aren’t sure if it’s still in your eye, it’s very important to thoroughly check your entire eye! Make sure to check the corners of your eyes because it’s common for it to get folded in there. One option is to close your eye, look as far down or up as possible, and then gently rub. Can’t get it out or are you unsure if your contact lens is still in your eye? Always go to the optician or eye doctor.

Many people fear that the contact lens can end up behind their eye, but thankfully that’s impossible! Your eye is surrounded by muscles that allow you to look left and right. However, it is still possible to lose your contact lens in your eye: it may be positioned high enough that you don’t see it right away. Try to stay calm and gently rub the lens towards the center, or contact your eye doctor.

Have you lost your contact lens on the floor? Just order a new one!

Eye measurement

Unsure about what strength your contact lenses should be? Not sure if your contact lenses are correct? Then have a contact lens check! For an eye measurement, you can visit the optician or optometrist: you can have contact lenses fitted at Optiek Marc Brabanders in Zonhoven, but you can of course go to any other optician.

You can also go to Marc Brabanders in Zonhoven for advice on contact lenses! The advice of your optician is always recommended as they have years of experience. Because everyone agrees: with the right advice and good guidance, lenses are truly comfortable!

Sleeping with lenses

It’s best to remove contact lenses before going to sleep. Why? When you fall asleep with contact lenses in, your cornea is completely cut off from the outside air as it is covered by both the contact lens and the eyelid. While sleeping, there’s no blinking motion that allows oxygen to be transported through the tear fluid between the contact lens and the cornea. Your cornea then doesn’t receive enough oxygen, which is harmful to your eye. Usually, the eyes are red and painful upon waking. Sometimes even the conjunctiva swells. Then, the contact lenses can easily suction to your eye, leading to various unpleasant consequences for the cornea.

Have you accidentally fallen asleep with contact lenses on?
Your eyes will feel very dry the next morning. The contact lenses may stick to your eyes or worse: you may suddenly see less clearly. Whatever you do, don’t try to forcibly remove the contact lenses, as this could damage your cornea, leading to infections of the conjunctiva or cornea!

Drop some lens solution or saline into your eyes and wait a few minutes until the lens softens. After that, you can remove the lens. It’s best to wear glasses for a while, so your eyes can rest. Also, visit an eye specialist to check if your eyes have sustained any damage.

Would you prefer to wear your lenses overnight? There are also day-and-night lenses available.

I often experience blurry vision with lenses. How can that be?

Do you have protein deposits on your contact lenses? Or are you unsure what protein deposits are? Some people deal with this daily: you can recognize this deposits by a layer of greasiness on the lens. Some call it a haze, others refer to it as blurred vision.

These protein deposits can have various causes. They often arise from reduced tear fluid or a changed hormonal balance, but even an allergy to your preservative solution can cause protein deposits.

Throughout the day, your eye cleans itself by blinking, and at the same time your eyes secrete proteins. Contact lenses, however, attract dirt, which causes these white deposits to adhere to your lenses. This results in blurry vision that can even lead to eye irritations. Usually, it looks like a kind of white deposit on your contact lenses.

Are there contact lenses for reading?

Many people look for contact lenses just for reading. With multifocal lenses, you can both read and see from a distance. Do you only need contact lenses with a reading segment? That’s also possible! So-called reading lenses come in monovision, bifocal, or multifocal. You can of course also solve your reading correction with reading glasses.

Monovision
In monovision (or monovision in English), one eye wears a lens for distance vision and the other eye wears a contact lens for reading (close-up). The brain then automatically chooses which eye to use when.

Bifocal lenses
You can best compare bifocal lenses to glasses with the reading segment at the bottom. Even with bifocal contact lenses, you need to look a bit downward to read well. There is no gradual transition from distance power to reading power, just like with reading glasses. Therefore, there are two separate zones in the lens: the upper part has the distance power, while the reading power is located at the bottom of the lens. To ensure that the lens stays in place, the bottom of the lens is slightly thickened or weighted. This keeps the lens in the right position instead of rotating in the eye. The downside is that you can’t read above your head, which is possible with multifocal lenses.

Multifocal lenses
Multifocal lenses are contact lenses that allow you to see from both near and far. They have a gradual transition from distance power to reading power. Usually, the outer edge is for reading power while the middle of the lens is optimal for distance power. However, it is also possible to apply this the other way around. This way everyone gets optimal viewing comfort. The advantage of multifocal lenses is that people with reading problems no longer need reading glasses in addition to their lenses. The brain automatically filters out the sharpest image, no matter where you look.

Real reading contact lenses also exist: these are simply lenses with a positive strength that make it easier to see up close.

Can you combine contact lenses and glasses?

Combining contact lenses and glasses is possible. Are you in doubt between contact lenses or glasses? The effect of contact lenses is theoretically the same as that of glasses. However, most people experience more viewing comfort with contact lenses: you are not limited to the surface of your glasses, allowing for better peripheral vision.

Are you unsure if you qualify for contact lenses because you have a high prescription? There are now many types of lenses available, meaning there is likely a lens for almost everyone.

How does a glasses prescription work?

Your glasses prescription has several values. The abbreviations used are:

RO: Right eye
LO: Left eye
PD: Pupillary distance
DV: Distance vision
NV: Near vision
VS: Visual acuity
ADD: Addition
S: Sphere
C: Cylinder
As: Direction of cylinder deviation in °-degrees

The strength or sphere value (S) is expressed in diopters (D). Many people also have a cylinder (C). This has a certain axis direction (As). In multifocal glasses, the reading part (Add) is indicated.

Myopia
The numbers outside the parentheses followed by + indicate farsightedness, and the numbers followed by - indicate myopia.

The numbers in parentheses indicate astigmatism (C), and the numbers that follow indicate the degrees and the direction of astigmatism.

Hyperopia
This is hyperopia, with the following correction: +1.50 for both eyes.

The term Add: means a supplement (addition) to the correction for hyperopia. The value of the addition is always positive. It may be the case that both eyes do not have the same correction. This is always about multifocal lenses.

Are there contact lenses with UV protection?

Are there contact lenses with UV protection? Contact lenses themselves do not provide adequate protection against ultraviolet (UV) light, even when it comes to contact lenses with a UV coating. Most contact lenses now have UV filters, but they do not block all UV, so you need to protect your eyes further with sunglasses. Real contact lenses for the sun do not exist. We also recommend wearing prescription sunglasses in the sun.

Are you looking for Precision UV lenses? Unfortunately, these are no longer being produced by the manufacturer. Ciba Vision recommends Air Optix Aqua as a replacement product. You can order them here!

Where can I buy cheap contact lenses? And how much do contact lenses cost?

Because we like to offer cheap contact lenses, we regularly have special offers on contact lenses.

The price of contact lenses depends on the type of contact lens: daily lenses, weekly lenses, monthly lenses, yearly lenses, etc. So the price does not only depend on the quality; the prices vary from provider to provider. Thanks to VoordeligsteLenzen.nl, you do not have to compare prices when buying contact lenses, as we offer contact lenses online at the best price!

If the contact lenses are in stock, you could possibly have them delivered by tomorrow. However, sometimes delivery may take a bit longer. We aim to deliver within Belgium and the Netherlands within three working days. Delivery to other countries may take longer. To ensure that your lenses arrive safely, you may need to sign for delivery.

Shipping costs are specified at checkout, in the email confirming your order, and in the details of your order on your account page.

Ordering contact lenses online is theoretically the same as going to the optician. The advantage of buying contact lenses online is that you can place your order 24/7.

Do you want to know what the costs of contact lenses are? That depends on the type of lens and which model lens you prefer to wear. By browsing our site, you'll get a good idea of the costs of contact lenses.

Are contact lenses also suitable for sensitive eyes?

Do you have sensitive eyes? There are also perfect contact lenses for you!

Suffering from burning eyes due to contact lenses? Nowadays, there are many types of lenses for dry eyes. Lenses with high oxygen permeability allow more oxygen to reach the eye, making your eyes feel less dry. Air conditioning can make your eyes feel much drier, so try to avoid smoky environments and air conditioning as much as possible.

There are contact lenses for dry eyes: these have a higher oxygen permeability. Usually, oxygen-permeable contact lenses are soft lenses. This means that the contact lenses allow up to five times more oxygen to reach the cornea. With standard soft contact lenses, only the water content of the lens provides oxygen to the eye. With oxygen-permeable lenses, silicones ensure that oxygen reaches the eye both directly and via the water. This means the lenses need less water, reducing the likelihood of drying out.

If you still have dry eyes despite using oxygen-permeable lenses, be sure to try the latest generation of hydrogel contact lenses. You can order those here!

Below are our tips for contact lenses for dry eyes:

Use eye drops and sprays.
Take eye vitamins.
Use silicone hydrogel lenses or contact lenses with a lower water content.
Wear daily lenses.
Clean your lenses better.

Drops for dry eyes
Contact lenses and eye drops work perfectly together, but not all types of eye drops are suitable for lens wearers. As a contact lens wearer, you can use drops like Blink Contacts. They refresh and relieve your eyes. If eye drops don’t solve your problem, visit your eye doctor who can prescribe special drops for dry eyes.

Are there contact lenses for everyone?

Thanks to current technological advances, there are contact lenses for everyone.

What are the best contact lenses?

The best lens is the type of lens that fits your eye and lifestyle best. Good contact lenses give you clear vision, are comfortable to wear, and are easy to use.

This, however, is different for everyone, and you can best start your search with optician Marc Brabanders in Zonhoven. He can advise you on some lenses after an eye measurement that you can then try out.

Are there contact lenses for small eyes?

If you have small eyes, it can be quite challenging to get lenses in and out correctly. However, it’s just a matter of perseverance! Some people find soft contact lenses easier with small eyes because they are more flexible. Others prefer hard lenses as they are usually a bit smaller. Do you think your eyes are too small for good lenses? Then ask for advice from your optician or optometrist.

Which type of lens solution should I choose?

There are various types of lens solutions on the market. Aqua Balance is a contact lens solution that is perfect for silicone hydrogel lenses and all other soft contact lenses. Aqua Balance contains soothing, protective, and lubricating properties of the body’s own, visco-elastic, and moisturizing component Hyaluronate. It also contains the biologically cell-protective component Allantoin, which naturally soothes and protects, prevents irritation, and stimulates the regeneration of damaged cells.

Difference between lens solution for hard and soft lenses

Hard and soft lenses each have their own type of solution; don’t forget this when purchasing or using lens solution. Hard lenses can usually last longer without needing to be disinfected. Definitely don’t use soft lens solution for hard lenses! Don’t forget to regularly refresh your lens solution. After a day, the solution in the lens case is no longer sterile, so daily refreshing is recommended. Remember that the function of the lens solution is to disinfect the lenses. It remains good in the bottle for up to two months after opening. Replace the lens case itself every three months.

You buy lens solution to put in the container of your lenses. You can order these lens holders here.

What can I do for itchy eyes?

Are you suffering from itchy eyes? That’s extremely annoying! Before we look for a solution, it’s very important to identify the cause of itchy eyes.

Possible causes are:

Poor sleep
Hay fever
Weather changes
Household allergies
Environmental factors
Contact allergy
Skin conditions like eczema

Solutions

Even more important is finding a solution for itchy eyes!

Do you have flakes and crusts in your eyes? Try to remove them as gently and carefully as possible with a warm washcloth. Keep your eyes clean using drops. If you are struggling a lot, take your lenses out so your eyes can rest.
Some eye diseases can cause itchy eyes. Are you sure you don’t have an allergy but still have dry and itchy eyes? Then visit an eye specialist or eye doctor!
Antihistamines are medicines for allergies. Do you think your itchy eyes are caused by hay fever or another allergy? Then get tested by your general practitioner.
There are also special eye drops for allergic conditions such as hay fever or house dust mites. This doesn’t completely solve the problem but does provide much-needed relief.
Good hygiene also leads to less itchy eyes. Wash your eyes before putting in your lenses. Vacuum regularly and wash bedding at a minimum of 60 degrees: this can kill house dust mites.
Environmental factors also affect your eyes: try to avoid smoky areas as smoke can irritate your eyes. Low humidity, for example, due to a room with air conditioning or central heating can also cause irritated eyes!
Daily lenses: often daily lenses provide a solution for people with allergies and itchy eyes. Because they are very hygienic to use, your eye is less burdened. This reduces the likelihood of itchy eyes.

Do you feel your contact lenses?

If your contact lenses fit well, you shouldn’t be able to feel them in your eyes.

Can you feel them? That can have several reasons:

The lens is inside out. Unsure if it’s positioned correctly? Place the contact lens on the tip of your finger and hold it against the light: do the edges curve outward? Then the lens is inside out. If the lens forms a nice round bowl, it’s in the right place and you can insert it.
There’s an eyelash, a lint, or other dirt on the lens. Slide the lens off the center of the eye with a clean, dry finger and gently move the lens back while pressing down on the upper and lower eyelid with your finger.
Damage: a tear or break in the lens can irritate your eyes. If that’s the case, replace the lens with a new one. Ensure that you wash your hands and dry them with a lint-free towel when inserting the new contact lens.

Do your contact lenses not stay in place? Then it’s likely your lenses are inside out. Also, if your eyes become very dry, contact lenses can sometimes come out. So make sure to avoid spaces with smoke, a lot of dust, or air conditioning. It’s also possible that your lenses are falling out because they are too old. Are they at the end of their use period? Replace your lenses if they no longer stay put!

Contact lenses can also fall out or pop out because they do not fit your eye properly. This means that the curvature of the lens does not properly match. If that’s the case, it’s best to visit the optician for a different brand/model of lenses.

Are the costs of contact lenses covered by my health insurance?

Netherlands

Depending on your health insurer, the reimbursement for your contact lenses falls under your deductible.

You’re only eligible for reimbursement from the basic insurance for lenses with a medical necessity. However, various health insurances offer the option to take out additional coverage. By comparing health insurances, you can quickly see if you’re better off with additional insurance.

The deductible only applies for reimbursement from the basic insurance. If you qualify for reimbursement from your basic insurance due to a medical necessity, such as for special optical aids or lenses, you will still have to pay the deductible. With additional insurance for your glasses or lenses, you will never pay the deductible.

To be sure, it is best to consult the (website of the) health insurer for the exact policy conditions.

Belgium

Depending on the material from which the lenses are made and the deviation they need to correct, the health insurance provides a reimbursement for lenses.

If you are not entitled to this reimbursement from health insurance,

you can claim the CM reimbursement if you are with CM.

What costs are reimbursed?

When purchasing a complete pair of glasses, you can declare the frame and the lenses. But a loose frame is not covered. Lenses are covered, but lens solution is not. Sunglasses without prescription, any fitting or check costs, and accessories are also not covered.

Can you keep your lenses in during childbirth?

It’s a frequently asked question: Can you keep your lenses in during childbirth?

In principle, it’s not a problem to keep your lenses in during labor. Do keep in mind that you will likely have dry eyes. During pushing, you often close your eyes, which makes them drier.

However, it may be wise to choose glasses: if something goes wrong and you need an emergency operation, it is usually done under anesthesia. Then your eyes will be much drier than usual. It’s also much easier for the nursing staff to take off glasses than to remove lenses if you were to faint. However, many women stop wearing contact lenses halfway through pregnancy: pregnancy hormones can indeed make the eyes very dry.

What are yearly lenses?

Yearly lenses are lenses that, as the name suggests, can be worn for a year. This means that the lenses must be much stronger than daily lenses, which makes them stiffer as well. The lens material is chosen based on durability, strength, and wear resistance. In the past, yearly lenses were very hard lenses, which many people found uncomfortable. Nowadays, they are softer and more pleasant to wear than earlier generations.

Yearly lenses are designed to be worn for a whole year, absorbing less moisture from the eyes, have high oxygen permeability, and attract less dirt. However, it’s important that you properly care for your yearly lenses by cleaning and disinfecting them daily with lens solution. Since they allow an exceptionally high amount of oxygen, this creates an optimal situation for a healthy eye. However, it’s important not to wear the lenses for longer than a year, as this increases the risk of infections. Yearly lenses are more susceptible to scratches due to their high oxygen permeability, which can allow bacteria to accumulate in any scratches. Therefore, it is important to let your yearly lenses rest in lens solution overnight.

What are monthly lenses?

Monthly lenses are lenses that, as the name suggests, are replaced monthly. You put the lenses in the morning and take them out in the evening. You then clean them and store them in a contact lens case. Monthly lenses are usually cheaper than daily lenses.

Another advantage of choosing monthly lenses is that they are available in many different materials. We sell, among other things, multifocal lenses, toric lenses, and hydrogel lenses.

Are you in doubt between daily lenses or monthly lenses? Then you should visit optician Marc Brabanders in Zonhoven. Here, you can not only buy the most affordable lenses, but you can also have an eye measurement.

What are daily lenses?

Daily lenses are lenses that, as the name suggests, are replaced daily. You place these lenses in your eyes in the morning and then discard them in the evening. This means you never keep daily lenses in a lens case. You throw them away to use a new pair of daily lenses the next day.

The big advantage is that it involves less hassle since you don’t have to put the lenses in a case and you also don’t have to buy lens solution or lens cases. Additionally, you also don’t have to clean lens cases because you’re throwing away the package of lenses at the end of the day. Of course, you can use lens solution if your daily lenses are dirty and you want to clean them.

Another advantage of daily lenses is that they are more hygienic than weekly lenses and monthly lenses. Many people clean their weekly and monthly lenses far too little, which greatly increases the risk of eye problems, such as infections. Thus, most people’s weekly and monthly lenses are much dirtier than daily lenses.

Do you feel your contact lenses?

If your contact lenses fit well, you shouldn’t be able to feel them in your eyes.

Can you feel them? That can have several reasons:

The lens is inside out. Unsure if it’s positioned correctly? Place the contact lens on the tip of your finger and hold it against the light: do the edges curve outward? Then the lens is inside out. If the lens forms a nice round bowl, it’s in the right place and you can insert it.
There’s an eyelash, a lint, or other dirt on the lens. Slide the lens off the center of the eye with a clean, dry finger and gently move the lens back while pressing down on the upper and lower eyelid with your finger.
Damage: a tear or break in the lens can irritate your eyes. If that’s the case, replace the lens with a new one. Ensure that you wash your hands and dry them with a lint-free towel when inserting the new contact lens.

Can you go blind from lenses?

Many people are afraid that they can go blind from contact lenses. Although it is rare, it’s important to handle your lenses correctly to significantly reduce the risk of complications.

Dirt in your eye can cause a wound in your eye. If you continue to insert contact lenses with this wound, it’s easier for bacteria and fungi to cause damage. This can harm your cornea. Wearing the same lenses for too long can also lead to blindness.

Sleeping with your lenses increases the risk of infections: since the eye is closed, the quality of oxygen in the eye is lower than usual.

Keratitis

In the worst case, incorrect lens usage can lead to a corneal inflammation, also known as keratitis. An inflammation of your cornea can lead to blindness: your conjunctiva turns red and vision decreases. After treatment and healing, a scar may remain in the eye. If not treated? Severe cases may even lead to blindness.

Fortunately, this is rare! If you properly clean your lenses, the likelihood of problems is very small. So make sure to follow our tips for correct lens use.

When were the first contact lenses made?

A contact lens works similarly to the lens of a camera. By adjusting the lens, the light rays enter the camera in a different way. This causes the light and image to fall correctly on the film, resulting in a sharp photo in the camera, and sharp vision for humans.

The inventor

Various people are credited with the invention of contact lenses. The first sketch of the functioning of a contact lens is by Leonardo Da Vinci in 1508. In his treatise "Codex of the Eye," he laid the foundations of optics using a water lens that could be placed in the eye.

The philosopher René Descartes further developed Da Vinci’s concept in the 1600s, wanting to use test tubes filled with water to achieve Da Vinci’s results.

The first invention of the contact lens, as we know it today, was made by the German eye doctor Adolf Eugen Fick Gaston. In 1888, he had the first contact lens manufactured by glassblower and artificial eye manufacturer Friedrich Adolf Müller. This lens had a diameter of 18-21 mm. The empty space between the cornea and the lens was filled with a glucose solution. After testing on rabbits, he tested it on himself and a group of volunteers. Because they were so large, they could only be worn for a few hours. Around the same time, the French eye doctor Kalt came up with a system with glasses that floated on the cornea. They were much smaller in diameter than those of Mr. Gaston. This hard lens was not only used to correct diopters but also medically for the treatment of keratoconus or a excessively steep conical apex of the cornea.

Especially in the USA, wearing lenses became very popular in the 1950s: Kevin Touhy brought the lens design to a new phase by creating a lens that only covered the corneal surface, allowing the sclera (the white surface of the eye) to breathe normally.

The first reported use of a soft lens was in 1960 by Otto Wichterle. This was later improved by Bausch & Lomb (Soflens) in America, the NATURALENS Griffen in Great Britain, Germany, and Weicon from Sauflon CLM (London).

The most comfortable lenses, the Silicone Hydrogel contact lenses, were introduced in 1999. These lenses marked a breakthrough in terms of oxygen permeability. Contact lens technology has continued to advance, resulting in ongoing development of new materials to further hydrate and keep your eyes healthier.

What are toric lenses?

Toric lenses, also known as aspheric lenses, correct not only one strength but also an astigmatism, which usually accompanies nearsightedness or farsightedness. This is in contrast to spherical lenses: these contact lenses correct only one strength, either nearsightedness or farsightedness. Spherical lenses are called so because they have the 'rotation-symmetric' shape of a sphere (the surface of a ball) and thus have the same strength everywhere. Aspheric contact lenses, however, are characterized by a varying curve along the lens surface.

Toric contact lenses have two different focal points in the lens, horizontally and vertically, while spherical contact lenses have only one. This means that the toric contact lens must stay in the correct position to provide optimal clarity, and excessive movement or twisting of the lens can cause a significant reduction in sharpness.

That’s why there are toric contact lenses that are weighted at the bottom. This helps to prevent excessive movement or rotation.

Aspheric (or toric) lenses are often more flexible than spherical lenses. Toric contact lenses can correct optical defects and provide sharper vision in low light and twilight. This is because light can penetrate and converge on one focal point, unlike multiple focal points in spherical lenses.

Toric lenses are also referred to as contact lenses with a cylinder.

I forgot my lens solution. What now?

It happens to the best of us: forgetting your lens solution. One option is to go to the shop or knock on your neighbor's door. If the shop is closed or your neighbors don’t have lenses? Then there are several emergency solutions you can try.

Using tap water

NEVER use tap water if your lens solution is out or you have forgotten it. Tap water is full of amoebas that can reach the cornea through the lens and cause inflammation. An inflamed cornea is definitely something you want to avoid!

Using saliva

Saliva is also anything but a good idea: like tap water, saliva is not sterile. This presents a risk of contamination.

Using other liquids

Homemade saline solutions and distilled water, as suggested by many online as a solution, also do not disinfect the eye and are therefore not recommended.

Although keeping your lenses in overnight is not good because they can’t get enough oxygen, for many people it is still the best solution. The chance of waking up with irritated eyes is real, but if you truly have no other choice, this solution is the most advisable.

Ideal solution?

Unfortunately, no truly ideal solution exists. Lens solution has been developed by experts for a reason: it helps keep the lenses clean and maintains the condition of the eye optimally.
So it’s best to try to ask a neighbor or the emergency pharmacy. Some late-night shops and gas stations also sell lens solution.

What are hydrogel lenses?

Silicone Hydrogel lenses are contact lenses of the latest generation. They are particularly soft, thin, and flexible, and they also allow a lot of oxygen to pass through. Therefore, these latest contact lenses are the most comfortable and healthiest option for your eyes.

You will quickly get used to silicone hydrogel lenses. If you often have dry eyes, silicone hydrogel lenses provide a solution: they are highly moisturizing, so you experience less discomfort from very dry eyes, and you can comfortably wear the contact lenses all day long.

Silicone hydrogel contact lenses can be worn continuously for two weeks or even a whole month, depending on the type. Although you can wear them overnight, silicone hydrogel lenses are also particularly suitable for daytime use only.

The silicone hydrogel lenses are now also available in toric and multifocal versions.

Advantages
Maximum comfort and ease of use.
The healthiest option for your eyes.
Protection against UV radiation.
Less discomfort from dry eyes due to strong moisturizing capacity.

What are Hybrid lenses?

Previously, you had the choice between “hard” and “soft” lenses: hard lenses often provided the best vision but were uncomfortable, especially in dusty conditions. Soft lenses, on the other hand, were always comfortable but often could not give you perfect sharp vision. A technological breakthrough has removed the need to make choices! Hybrid lenses offer the best of both worlds: they consist of two parts and are thus a combination of a soft and a shape-stable lens. The central part of the lens is shape-stable and has the same optical qualities as a standard shape-stable lens (or hard lens). Surrounding this hard part of the lens is a soft edge (or collar) that provides the comfort of a soft lens. There are hybrid lenses available for correcting eyes with a 'normal' shape. These are lenses developed for people who can’t tolerate hard lenses, but achieve sub-optimal vision with soft lenses. Additionally, hybrid lenses are also less likely to be lost than hard lenses. Hybrid lenses suction themselves to the eye. Also, these lenses last a long time due to their high oxygen permeability. Furthermore, hybrid lenses require little maintenance: you just need to store them in a special lens case but don’t have to clean them.

Hybrid contact lenses for keratoconus
There are also hybrid lenses specifically designed for keratoconus. Keratoconus is a condition where the cornea changes from a bulging dome shape to a sharper shape. The curvature of the lens can be adjusted so that the shape-stable part of the lens does not touch the cornea, reducing the pressure on the top of the cornea. This prevents opacities that can cause vision reductions or contact lens intolerance.

Price

A hybrid lens is often a bit more expensive than regular contact lenses.

Are there lenses for a prism deviation?

Unfortunately, it is very difficult to correct a prism with contact lenses. The prism locally thickens the lens and therefore makes it heavier, causing the heavy part to usually sink lower. This causes the lens (and thus the prism) to twist, which prevents it from functioning properly. Nowadays, vertical prisms can be corrected in hard or shape-stable contact lenses, but it's generally advisable to switch to glasses or contact lenses combined with a prism-correcting glasses for a prism deviation.

A prism deviation is, by the way, not the same as a cylinder deviation. With a prism deviation, people often see double (also known as double focus). This problem usually stems from the eye position. Various circumstances can cause a misalignment of the eyes. Correcting this shifts the image for (one of) the eyes slightly to the right place on the retina, so that the image is again perceived by both eyes as singular.

A prism deviation can be latent or manifest. If it is latent, it occurs only when dissociating the eyes: for instance, when closing the eyes or in darkness. During viewing, the person can still keep the eyes aligned. This latent squinting occurs with every blink and can be very tiring.

In the manifest form, the eyes are always slightly misaligned, and if the image from one of the two eyes is not suppressed (suppression) by the brain, there is also annoying double vision.

If the correct prism is measured, it can be very relieving for complaints.

Complaints with latent squinting can include:

Fatigue
Double vision
Headaches
Dizziness
Nausea
Increased migraines

Squinting is very common. In children, it occurs in up to 5%.

Causes of misalignment can include:

Congenital or genetically determined
Amblyopia: amblyopia can also be caused by squinting itself.
Uncorrected refractive error (usually +)
Various systemic disorders such as muscular diseases and MS
Brain trauma or trauma around the eye socket
Due to cataract surgery (pulling on the eye during the operation)
etc…

A prism should not be measured lightly! Incorrectly measuring prisms can worsen complaints, leading to an increase in the misalignment. Therefore, have your glasses measured only by an experienced optometrist or eye doctor.

Do you have trial lenses?

Are you going to wear lenses for the first time or are you looking for a different brand of lenses? Different manufacturers offer a test package or even a small packaging so you can try the lenses before placing a large order. Trial lenses are often free if you order them with a regular lens order. Your optician can often also provide you with trial contact lenses.

If you want to compare contact lenses, it’s best to just try them out. Every eye is different, so everyone may experience a certain type of lens differently. There are also various websites where you can find reviews of lenses.

What are day-and-night lenses?

Day-and-night lenses are lenses that you can wear both during the day and at night. These contact lenses allow extra oxygen to pass through, so you can keep these lenses in if you unexpectedly want to stay overnight somewhere. But you can also use them as night lenses: for example, when going to a party.

The lenses are made of a silicone-based material with a high moisture and oxygen content, which keeps the lens comfortable throughout the day AND night! There are also special night contact lenses that you only insert at night to improve your daytime vision. Unfortunately, these night lenses do not provide a solution for everyone, as the target area of night lenses is quite limited. Day-and-night lenses, on the other hand, are available from -12.00 to +8.00 and with various base curves, meaning there is a suitable day & night lens for everyone.

What are Focus Dailies lenses?

Focus Dailies lenses are high-quality soft daily lenses. The manufacturer Ciba Vision is known for its high-quality and exceptional ease of use. The Focus Dailies are super soft and comfortable daily lenses. They provide clear vision and stay moist all day long. Because they are daily lenses, you can put in a different pair every day, so you no longer have to deal with lens solution and a lens holder. They are an ideal option for those wanting to try lenses for the first time and certainly for those who want to alternate lenses with glasses - e.g., during sports, going out, or traveling...

Dailies come packaged in individual blisters that are easy to open. As you always start with a new, sterile pair of lenses, they are super hygienic.

Focus Dailies All Day Comfort come with a light blue handling tint: this makes insertion even easier!

Focus Dailies All Day Comfort lenses are available for almost everyone:

The spherical variant is available for nearsightedness (= distant objects are unclear) up to strength -10.00 and for farsightedness (= near objects are unclear) up to strength +6.00.
Astigmatics ( = generally due to a somewhat special eye shape that requires a "cylinder correction") can also enjoy the benefits of Dailies All Day Comfort: a toric version is also available.

For those who want to get rid of their reading glasses sometimes, there are Focus Dailies Progressives.

Even if you are a little distrustful of lenses, the convenience and unparalleled comfort of Focus Dailies All Day Comfort will quickly convince you!

Are there contact lenses for children?

There are also suitable contact lenses for children. From what age can children wear contact lenses? Usually, lenses for children are prescribed only from 8 years old because up until then, lazy eye can still develop. Furthermore, it’s important that children are independent enough to insert the contact lenses and have the discipline and hygiene to wear them correctly and safely. The minimum age for contact lenses depends on the child: for some children, this may be 8 years, for others, 11 years, or even 12 years..

It is advisable to wait for the child to ask for lenses themselves: they need to have the discipline and hygiene to handle them responsibly. Usually, daily lenses are started with, so they can still switch to glasses, and it’s less costly if the child loses the lenses. As daily lenses don’t require cleaning, the child also has a new, clean, hygienic lens every day.

Especially for children, it’s important to consult an eye specialist to ensure a proper fit. Previously, hard or shape-stable lenses were primarily fitted to ensure a perfect fit. However, children’s eyes are still developing, meaning that the fit can quickly be lost. For this reason, soft lenses are increasingly chosen, as they are perceived as more comfortable.

Advantages of lenses for children

Boost to their confidence
Safer than glasses: lenses can’t break
Convenient for sports
Larger field of vision than with glasses
More comfort

Disadvantages of lenses for children

They need to want it themselves: motivation
Inserting lenses can be difficult at first
Hygiene is very important.

What types of lenses are there?

There are many types of lenses ranging from daily lenses, weekly lenses, monthly lenses, and yearly lenses to toric lenses, day-and-night lenses, multifocal lenses, and color lenses.

There are also 3-month lenses, meaning that you can throw them away after 3 months and replace them with a new pair of contact lenses. However, yearly or monthly lenses are just as good.

What are the best contact lenses?

There are undoubtedly people in your vicinity who have various experiences with contact lenses. Want to know what the best contact lenses are? You can search online for others’ experiences or read reviews from the consumers association. Various comparative tests for contact lenses also appear annually. Tests exist for soft lenses and hard lenses, as well as for daily and monthly lenses. In 2017, vergleich.org conducted another contact lens test.

From this test, the Cooper Vision Biofinity lenses emerged as Best Contact Lenses.

The Cooper Vision Biofinity lenses are so comfortable that you can wear them nonstop for 30 days.

They are a naturally hydrophilic lens that holds moisture well and thus prevents drying out. These soft comfortable lenses allow a lot of oxygen to pass through to the eyes, so you can even wear them while sleeping.

The Cooper Vision Biofinity lenses, tested as the best contact lenses, are available for nearsightedness and farsightedness in all strengths. They are sold in packs of six (half-year supply).

The rest of the top five is as follows:

CooperVision Biofinity
lcon Air Optix Aqua
Bausch & Lomb PureVision Spheric
Alcon Air Optix Night & Day Aqua
CooperVision Biomedics 55 Evolution (Declared Best Buy)

It is also noteworthy that all five best contact lenses are soft monthly lenses. Other types of contact lenses were also included in the test, but they did not match the quality of the soft monthly lenses from the top five.

Also notable is that the first four lenses from the best contact lenses test can be worn 24 hours a day. So, you don’t need to take them out at night (although it is recommended to take them out from time to time). With the number five, the CooperVision Biomedics 55 Evolution, that is necessary. But these CooperVision Biomedics 55 Evolution contact lenses are also significantly cheaper. This earns them the designation Best Buy.

Why do some people choose glasses over lenses?

Various studies have already shown that most people wear glasses because they are afraid to wear lenses. Almost half (47 percent) of glasses wearers have considered wearing lenses. More than a third find it a scary idea to touch their own eyes. Many also believe that lenses are inconvenient and that it’s too time-consuming to put them in.

Watching different instructional videos on how to insert contact lenses can help to overcome your fear.

Below are some videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-LzBpP7SDI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOIxmxf4BN4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2LfU4wskd4

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a condition that damages the optic nerve. Damage to this nerve leads to a reduction in vision. This condition is usually caused by elevated eye pressure.

The damage caused by glaucoma cannot be restored, but timely detection and proper treatment can limit further damage. Glaucoma usually occurs in both eyes, although it may be significantly more pronounced in one eye than the other.

People of all ages can develop glaucoma. Certain groups are at greater risk than others. For instance, the risk of developing glaucoma increases over the age of 40. The risk is also higher for people with a family history of glaucoma. Often, patients only notice the disease when their vision is affected. This is partly because the visual field defects develop very slowly and the images from both eyes largely overlap. Ultimately, glaucoma can even lead to blindness.

The cause of glaucoma

Glaucoma is often the result of elevated eye pressure. In both eye chambers, there is fluid that is called aqueous humor and serves as nourishment for the lens and cornea. This fluid has nothing to do with external tear moisture. Normally, the production and drainage of this aqueous humor are balanced, creating a certain normal pressure. When the drainage channels become clogged and proper flow is not possible, a disturbance in this balance occurs and we speak of elevated eye pressure. Too high pressure causes constriction of the optic nerve and blood vessels that supply nutrients to the nerve. This leads to optic nerve damage and changes in the visual field.

Doctors and researchers still do not know exactly what causes glaucoma. It is known that glaucoma is not caused, for example, by reading too long in poor light, unhealthy diet, or wearing contact lenses. The factors that significantly increase the likelihood of developing glaucoma include:

Elevated eye pressure. This is by far the most important risk factor. A statistically normal eye pressure lies between 11 and 21 mmHg. The higher the eye pressure, the greater the risk of glaucoma.
Glaucoma in the family. If glaucoma occurs in someone’s close (1st and 2nd degree) family members, the risk of developing glaucoma is 10 times higher compared to someone without a family history of glaucoma.
Older age. Glaucoma occurs much more frequently in older age (4% of people older than 80 years have glaucoma).
Severe myopia or hyperopia.
Individuals of African descent have a higher likelihood of glaucoma.
Vascular abnormalities in or around the eye.

Other causes of glaucoma can include severe eye injuries, certain medications, and chronic eye inflammations. A distinction is made between chronic and acute glaucoma.

Types of glaucoma
Glaucoma is common; 1.5% of Belgians and Dutch above 40 years have glaucoma. Glaucoma is categorized into primary glaucoma (chronic) and secondary glaucoma (acute).

Chronic glaucoma
This form develops gradually, and for a long time, you may notice nothing. Once the optic nerve is severely damaged, vision problems arise. (Large) portions of the visual field may fall out. Vision sharpness may also decrease, making details difficult to perceive. Ultimately, the optic nerve can become damaged to the point of complete vision loss. However, this can be prevented with timely and proper treatment.

Acute glaucoma
The symptoms of this form are very noticeable. A sudden, severe increase in eye pressure is accompanied by blurred vision, a red eye, headaches, nausea, and vomiting. These symptoms are caused by very high eye pressure. Quick treatment is required to prevent damage to the optic nerve. If you recognize these symptoms in yourself, it’s important to consult an eye doctor immediately.

Research

There are several methods for detecting glaucoma.

Measuring eye pressure
This examination is painless and takes only a few seconds. Your eye pressure is not the same throughout the day but can change from hour to hour. To definitively diagnose glaucoma, sometimes a day curve is created. The pressure is then measured at different times.

Visual field testing
Using a perimeter, it is examined whether there are portions of your visual field that have fallen out. This examination is painless and takes about 20 minutes.

Assessing the optic nerve
Using an ophthalmoscope, the doctor examines the inside of your eye and assesses whether the optic nerve is damaged. To visualize the nerve, you will be given some drops that dilate the pupil. This will make your vision blurry for a few hours. This examination is painless and takes only 1 to 2 minutes.

Assessing the chamber angle
Assessing the chamber angle is necessary to determine which form of glaucoma is present. During this examination, the eye doctor places a special contact glass on your eye. Using a microscope, they look through this contact glass and can visualize the chamber angle. This examination is also painless. You will receive a drop for numbing in your eye. Assessing the chamber angle takes about 5 minutes.

The treatment of glaucoma
Glaucoma is not curable. Currently, the only proven therapy for glaucoma is lowering eye pressure. Glaucoma can be treated in three different ways.

Medications
Typically, the eye doctor prescribes drops to lower eye pressure and limit further deterioration of the visual field. The eye doctor will choose the type of eye drops to ensure maximum eye pressure-lowering effect with minimal side effects. Certain drops can cause shortness of breath. It’s therefore necessary to always inform the eye doctor if you have asthma or heart problems. The doctor may also provide a prescription for tablets or capsules.

Possible side effects of these are headaches, stomach issues, and tingling in hands and/or feet. It’s important to make it a habit to do the eye drops (one or more times per day) regularly, so no drops are forgotten.

Laser treatment
A laser treatment can be performed on an outpatient basis and takes about 15 minutes. In a laser treatment, the drainage of the internal eye fluid is promoted and thus eye pressure is reduced.

Operation
Finally, an eye pressure-lowering operation can be performed. This is referred to as a filtering operation or trabeculectomy. In this operation, a hole is made in the wall of the eye so that the internal fluid can drain in a controlled manner.

After treatment
We recommend that you regularly schedule an appointment with your eye doctor for a check-up. Additionally, you should tell every doctor you see that you are using medications for glaucoma. Use the medications at the prescribed times and in the correct amounts. Ensure that you always have enough medications with you, and call ahead for a refill prescription.