Contact Lenses

At Consett Eyecare, we offer a comprehensive contact lens service for new and existing wearers alike. Whether you are curious about trying contacts for the first time or looking to upgrade your current lenses, our qualified team will guide you through every step.

Are Contact Lenses Right for You?

The majority of people who wear glasses can also wear contact lenses successfully. Modern lens technology means that even patients with astigmatism, presbyopia (needing reading glasses), or higher prescriptions now have excellent options available. A contact lens assessment with our optometrist will determine the best type of lens for your eyes and lifestyle.

Types of Contact Lenses

We supply a wide range of contact lens types to suit different prescriptions, wearing habits, and budgets:

• Daily Disposables — a fresh lens each day, with nothing to clean or store. The most hygienic option and ideal for occasional or first-time wearers.
• Monthly Lenses — worn during the day and removed each night for cleaning and storage. Cost-effective for daily wearers and available in a wide variety of prescriptions.
• Two-Weekly Lenses — a middle ground between dailies and monthlies, replaced every fourteen days.
• Toric Lenses — specially designed to correct astigmatism, available as dailies or monthlies.
• Multifocal Lenses — correct both distance and near vision, ideal for patients over 40 who also need reading glasses.
• Coloured Lenses — available with or without a prescription for a subtle or dramatic change in eye colour.
• Extended Wear Lenses — certain silicone hydrogel lenses are approved for overnight wear. Our optometrist will advise whether this is suitable for your eyes.

Your Contact Lens Assessment

If you are new to contact lenses, you will need a contact lens assessment before being fitted. This is separate from your routine eye examination and includes:

• A discussion of your lifestyle, hobbies, and wearing expectations
• Measurement of your corneal curvature to ensure a good fit
• A trial pair of lenses to try in practice
• Insertion and removal training with one of our team
• A follow-up appointment to check comfort, vision, and eye health

We take our time to make sure your lenses are comfortable, sit well on your eye, and give you clear, stable vision before issuing a contact lens specification.

Contact Lens Aftercare

Regular aftercare appointments are an essential part of responsible contact lens wear. At Consett Eyecare, we recommend all contact lens wearers attend an annual aftercare check, which includes:

• Assessment of lens fit and movement on the eye
• Check of corneal health under the slit lamp
• Review of your wearing schedule and hygiene routine
• Update of your contact lens specification if your prescription has changed

Lens Care & Hygiene

Proper lens care is vital for maintaining healthy eyes. Our team will advise you fully during your fitting, but the key rules are:

• Always wash and dry your hands before handling lenses
• Use only the solution recommended for your lens type — never plain water
• Replace your lens case at least every three months
• Never sleep in lenses unless specifically prescribed for overnight wear
• Replace lenses on schedule — do not over-extend wearing times
• Remove lenses immediately if you experience redness, discomfort, or blurred vision, and contact us for advice

Dry Eyes & Problem Solving

Some wearers find comfort decreases towards the end of the day, particularly in air-conditioned or screen-heavy environments. We offer a range of solutions including daily disposables designed for dry-eye sufferers, ocular lubricants compatible with contact lens wear, and silicone hydrogel materials that allow significantly more oxygen to reach the eye. If you are struggling with comfort, do not give up — speak to us and we will find a lens that works for you.

Ordering & Supplies

Once you have an up-to-date contact lens specification, we can supply your lenses directly. We offer competitive pricing on all major brands and can arrange regular repeat orders so you never run out. You can call us, pop in, or use our contact form to place an order.

Book a Contact Lens Appointment

Ready to find out if contact lenses are right for you, or due your annual aftercare check? Call us on 01207 505 151 or visit our contact page to book.