Contact Lens FAQs
Here, we address common questions to help you understand more about contact lens prescriptions, obtaining lenses, and ensuring safe and effective use.
What is a contact lens prescription?
A contact lens prescription provides the necessary details to help you see better. Both spectacle and contact lens prescriptions include the lens power required for vision correction, but a contact lens prescription is more detailed. It includes:
The size and shape of the lenses
Optical power
Material and brand name of the lens
Color and edge profile (if customized)
Expiry date, as vision may change and lenses can impact the eye surface condition
Typically, a contact lens prescription requires an annual review.
How do I get contact lenses for the first time?
Contact lenses must be prescribed by a qualified optometrist or ophthalmologist (eye specialist). Here’s the process for obtaining contact lenses:
Initial Assessment: Your vision and eye shape are assessed, and a detailed examination of your eye surface, eyelids, and tear film is conducted.
Discussion: You'll discuss the most suitable lens options, their advantages, disadvantages, and costs.
Fitting Process: Lenses are placed on your eyes to assess vision and fit. You’ll be taught how to insert, remove, and care for your lenses.
Trial Period: After wearing the lenses for some time, further examination will assess vision, comfort, and performance. Adjustments may be made.
Prescription Issuance: Once the practitioner and client are satisfied, a prescription is issued.
For a list of New Zealand contact lens experts, click here.
I already wear contact lenses...
Contact lenses are prescription medical devices, and sizing and material matters. Most people in New Zealand buy their lenses from an optometrist or a website. Websites can be run by individuals, optometry chains, or large corporations. You must have a current contact lens prescription to purchase contact lenses, though some vendors are more rigorous about this than others. Purchasing from an optometrist, either online or in a practice, ensures you get a legitimate product that has been handled and stored correctly. It also means you avoid counterfeit products.
Should I buy contact lenses from a website?
There’s no definitive answer to this question. Online suppliers often have lower overheads, but they may not use the same supply chain as your optometrist, and they don’t have the same duty of care as your optometrist or ophthalmologist to ensure the lenses are appropriate and safe for your eyes. It's also not often the case that online is more cost-effective than getting lenses from an optometrist. Consider potential risks, such as counterfeit lenses, where the company is based, and the shipping time. Buying specially made lenses from your optometrist usually includes checks to ensure they meet specifications and perform as expected.
Can I purchase a different brand from the one I was prescribed?
This is unwise. Different lens materials have varying physical properties, such as stiffness (modulus), thickness, water content, and oxygen transmission. Changing these properties may affect your comfort and eye health.
Should I have an exam before buying more lenses?
Yes. Even if you have been wearing the same contact lens prescription for some time, gradual changes in vision and potential eye health issues can occur without noticeable signs. An exam ensures your vision is still optimal and your eye surface is healthy. Regular exams can detect early signs of difficulties with contact lens use and ensure you are wearing the right lenses for your needs.
What are the risks of wearing contact lenses?
Modern contact lenses are designed for safe, healthy wear. Still, they require proper care and handling to maintain vision clarity and minimize risks such as eye infections, ocular inflammation, and allergic reactions. Check out our key advice on safe contact lens wear here. Regular reviews with an optometrist, typically annually, are the best way to avoid complications.