Contact Lenses FAQs

Water contains a number of harmful viruses and bacteria which can cause serious eye infections. Even chemically treated water can irritate eyes, making them sore and increasing the risk of infection.
Also, don't be tempted to rinse your contact lens cases with water. Contact lens solution will clean and disinfect your case adequately. But don’t top up your solution with water, use fresh solution every time.

Only if you do not look after your contact lens correctly. This is why you have to ensure that the contact lens is completely sterile before you put it in your eye. Bacteria need 3 things to live; food, water and warmth all provided by your eye if they are in your contact lens! Soft lenses are filled with water so these organisms can therefore survive in them and in your contact lens storage case. If you use your contact lens solutions correctly, and follow the advice of your Contact Lens Optician, there is very little risk of infection. The importance of contact lens hygiene cannot be stressed enough. There are no shortcuts!

Always remember: if in doubt take them out! There are several reasons why your contact lenses might feel uncomfortable. You should make an appointment to see your Contact Lens Optician. They will be able to examine the contact lenses and see if there is any damage or deposits, which could be making them uncomfortable. If the contact lenses are still in good condition, there may be something irritating your eyes and making the lenses uncomfortable. Your Optometrist or Contact Lens Optician will be able to discuss this with you.

Almost anyone can wear contact lenses safely and comfortably. We recommend seeing a specialist to find out which type of contact lens  is best suited to your eye health needs, prescription, and lifestyle. Some lenses are particularly suited to dry or sensitive eyes, and contact lenses are a great way to gain freedom of movement  when playing sports . Contact lenses don’t fog up, and they let you see clearly to put on makeup ! We might also recommend wearing glasses for some activities and contact lenses for others.

Yes, there are contact lenses that offer better hydration and more breathability . Daily disposable contact lenses may be best because you discard the lenses after each use, so protein, dirt, and dust deposits don’t get chance to build up. We also have eye drops that provide extra hydration for extremely dry eyes. We recommend an appointment with a specialist in order to find a lens that lets you see clearly and comfortably. 

There’s no minimum or maximum age. For young wearers, it’s question of maturity—and whether they are responsible and capable enough to follow contact lens hygiene and handling rules. You can find out more about children and contact lenses here . After the age of 40, many people need vision correction for distances near and far. If you don’t want to use multifocal, bifocal, or reading glasses, you can use multifocal contact lenses. 

If you’re feeling even slightly unwell, we recommend you stop wearing contact lenses and switch to glasses. Doing so can help prevent bacteria or virus getting into your eye and causing an eye infection. This applies to all illnesses, from colds and flu to viral and bacterial infections.

Yes! This is one of many reasons people love contact lenses. Imagine being able to see clearly and move freely and comfortably—without worrying that your glasses may fall off, fog up, or break. Contact lenses also give you a wider field of view than glasses, which is great for everything from ball sports to skiing and climbing.

No—nor can you wear contact lenses for any activity where water might be splashed in your eyes. Bacteria from the water can get behind your contact lenses and increase the risk of eye infection. We always recommend removing your contact lenses before you take part in any water-based sport or activity. You may want to consider prescription goggles instead.

Generally, no. Although there are some special (extended-wear) contact lenses that you can sleep in, it’s not advised for most types of contact lens. When sleeping, you don’t blink or generate tear fluid, which means lower amounts of oxygen move through your eye. This can cause your contact lenses to dry out and feel uncomfortable. If you do happen to fall asleep in with your contact lenses in (hey, it happens!), here’s what you can do to reduce eye irritation:
•    Blink a few times to rehydrate eyes
•    Use eyedrops to moisten and remove lenses
•    Switch to glasses to give the irritation a chance to subside
•    Drink a few extra glasses of water

Almost instantly, if you have the right contact lenses for your eye needs. For those first few moments, you may feel like you have a raindrop in your eye. After that, you shouldn’t notice any sensation. It’s natural to feel nervous about putting in lenses at first, but with help from our specialists and a little practice, you’ll soon be a pro. Need a refresher? Look here  or book an appointment.

No. Contact lenses only sit on the eye. If applied incorrectly, they might sit under the eyelids but, if this happens, don’t worry—a contact lens will come out easily if it’s moist enough and you can always use eye drops to help. If you’re sure you inserted your contact lenses correctly and they feel uncomfortable in any way, book an in-store appointment with one of our specialists. We’ll find the right vision correction solution for your needs. 

No—that’s impossible. The membrane in your eye doesn’t allow a contact lens to move further back than your upper or lower eyelids. If you think a lens has moved and settled at either of those points, it will feel uncomfortable, but it’s easily rectified. Stay calm and move your eyes to the left and right so you’re looking in different directions without turning your head: this will move the lens back to the front of your eye. If that doesn’t work, add a few drops of saline solution to your eye to move the lens. If you’re still experiencing problems, contact us or book an in-store appointment. Our specialists can check whether you’re wearing the right type of lenses and show you how to insert them correctly. 

Contact lenses are designed to fit close to the eye and stay in position. They’re attracted to moisture, so the tear film on the surface of your eye will keep them in place until you remove them. It’s rare for a contact lens to suddenly dislodge from your eye. If that does happen, have an eye test and contact lens fitting with a specialist to make sure you’ve got the best match for your eye needs and lifestyle.

Contact lenses are a safe, easy alternative to glasses. The risk of eye damage from contact lenses is very low. Just follow the wear, care, and cleaning instructions from our specialists and you’ll be fine. Only wear your contact lenses for as long as advised, and never for any water activities or water sports. If your contacts start to feel uncomfortable, book an appointment with a specialist to find a better fit.

We're here to make sure you're happy and confident wearing your lenses. If you’ve started your free contact lens trial and have questions, you may find the answers below. If not, you can always contact us or book an in-store appointment and talk to one of our specialists.

Follow the steps below and you’ll get used to it faster than you think! You can find out more about inserting contact lenses here.
•    First, wash and dry your hands with a clean, lint-free towel. 
•    Next, peel back the foil from the blister pack and pour the contact lens into the palm of a hand. 
•    Look closely to make sure the lens is shaped like a bowl—if the edge is flared, it’s inside-out. Just flip it over. 
•    Now put the lens on the tip of an index finger. Using your free hand’s middle finger, pull the upper eye lid upwards, take the opposite hand’s middle finger, and slowly pull the lower eye lid downwards.
•    Look straight ahead and place the contact lens on the centre of your eye. Slowly release your eyelids and blink. Repeat with the other eye.
•    Tip—set aside an extra 10 minutes to get ready when first learning to insert your lenses. 

It might seem daunting at first, but don’t worry! Our specialists will give you all the help you need to get comfortable with handling, applying, and removing your contact lenses. To take them out, just follow the steps below or find out more here .
•    Wash and dry your hands with a clean, lint-free towel
•    Look in the mirror. Using the middle finger of one hand, pull the upper eye lid upwards. Take the opposite hand’s middle finger, and slowly pull the lower eye lid downwards.
•    Place the tip of your index finger on the contact lens and slide it down to the lower part of your eye.
•    Gently pinch the lens between your thumb and index finger to remove it.
•    Repeat for your other eye.

Daily disposable contact lenses can be worn for one day. Once you remove them, you must discard them and use a fresh pair next time. Tell your specialist how many hours per day you intend to wear daily lenses. They’ll recommend a lens that best suits your wearing habits.
Whether you use daily disposable or reusable contacts, most of our lenses can be worn for 10-12 hours per day. Your specialist will find the right type of contact lens and cleaning solution for your eye health needs and lifestyle, and you can find out more about the lenses we offer here . 

Reusable and monthly contact lenses need to be cleaned, disinfected, and then placed in a contact lens solution in a storage case—after each use. If your contact lenses have been sitting in the solution for more than a week, you’ll need to clean them again before wearing them.
If you want the convenience of not having to clean your lenses, you can use daily disposable lenses which you discard after wearing. Always follow the advice of your specialist to keep your lenses clean and your eyes healthy, and remember the golden rule: never rinse your lenses with water. You can see more about the different types of contact lens solutions and eye care products here.

If your eyes feel dry 
Your contact lenses may have dried out, which can make eyes feel dry or itchy. This often happens because of dry air circulating in an air-conditioned environment. Try keeping eye drops to hand and apply them whenever your eyes start to feel dry.
A rip in your lens
If your contact lens feels uncomfortable, it may have a tiny rip. If you see one, discard the ripped contact lens immediately and replace with a spare one. If you experience redness or itchiness, switch to glasses until it subsides.
You’re wearing the wrong lenses
This sometimes happens with people who wear toric lenses for astigmatism. This condition requires lenses that are specially fitted to each eye. Don’t worry—our specialists will find a contact lens that fits you perfectly!
You haven’t cleaned your lenses properly
Always follow the instructions from your specialist when cleaning reusable contact lenses. Don’t mix old contact lens solution with new contact lens solution. And never rinse or clean your contact lenses with tap water! It doesn’t clean or disinfect  them properly, and it may even cause eye infections. 
If your eyes do feel irritated, we recommend switching to glasses to give your eyes a brief rest. If the feeling persists, book an appointment  with one of our specialists.

Everyone’s eyes are different—always follow the advice of your specialist. As a general rule, we recommend having an eye test every two years (unless otherwise recommended by your Optomstrist) to keep vision sharp and eyes healthy as you age. And we recommend you have a contact lens check-up every twelve months to make sure you have the right contact lens prescription to meet your lifestyle and eye health needs. Check-ups are also a great opportunity to learn more about our latest products and how they might help you.

It depends on the severity of the allergy. Some people feel more comfortable wearing daily disposable contact lenses in warmer months because pollen deposits don’t get chance to build up on the lenses and cause irritation. You can also consider switching to glasses on days when there are high levels of pollen in the air. If in doubt, talk to one of our specialists about types of contact lenses designed for sensitive eyes.

A contact lens prescription details your individual lens requirements - the power of the lens you need, along with the size and recommended brand.

Yes, your optician will issue your prescription once they are satisfied with the suitability of your lenses. This isn't always on the same day as fitting as some lenses can take slightly longer to adapt to. 

Astigmatism is caused when the eye does not focus light evenly. Contact lenses for astigmatism have been available for several years now. Most types of astigmatism can be corrected with contact lenses. Your Contact Lens Optician will take careful measurements of the exact shape of the surface of your eye and your prescription, and decide which type of contact lens will be most suitable for you. Often, due to these precise measurements, a specific lens will need to be ordered for you to try as they are harder to fit exactly to the eye.

Your spectacle prescription is different to your contact lens specification. Additional tests and measurements are required to determine the correct lenses for your individual requirements.

When you put in a prescription contact lens, it works in a similar way to glasses: the lens focuses images onto your retina to give you clear, sharp vision. Each contact lens moves naturally with you because it floats on the tear fluid that covers the lens of your eye. Contact lenses can correct everything from short- and long-sightedness to astigmatism and age-related eye conditions such as presbyopia.

In short, no. Contact lenses sit on the lens of each eye, but glasses sit around 12 mm in front of your eyes, so their corrective powers are different. To find the right contact lenses for you, our specialists look at tear fluid levels, eye health, prescription, and lifestyle. You’ll need a valid contact lens prescription to buy lenses online or in-store. 

If you are experiencing any issues with promo/discount codes, please call our Customer Care team on 0800 038 2177.

Contact lenses can cost as little as 60p per day, though the price depends on the type of contact lens you need. Their design and benefits differ: some offer extra hydration for sensitive or dry eyes. Others feature superior breathability, great for long hours in front of screens. Ask your specialist for advice on the best contact lenses for your eyes and lifestyle .

Contact us as soon as you can. You can return the box for free, and we’ll get the right contact lenses to you as quickly as possible. Find out more about returns here.

Contact us immediately. Don’t try and use damaged contact lenses: they may contain dust or have a rip, which might irritate your eye. Once we know about the issue, we can help you replace the damaged lenses as quickly as possible. 

To order a different contact lens for each eye, you need to place 2 separate orders.

When you try contact lenses for the first time you will need to ensure that you have an eye test and a full consultation first. The consultation includes an eye health check, a discussion on lens types and suitability, guidance on wearing and caring for your contact lenses and an in-store trial of your chosen lens.
For more information, take a look at our guide for new contact lens wearers.

You can book your eye test and contact lens assessment online. Or call into your local Vision Express store.

As long as your prescription is valid and within the expiry date, then you don't need another eye test. However, you will still need to have a contact lens consultation.

Unfortunately, we are unable by law to supply your contact lenses if your prescription is out of date. You will need to make an appointment for a contact lens check up with your optician, who will then issue an updated prescription.

A check up consultation costs £35, although if you are a member of our contact lens subscription, all of your check ups are included as part of your benefits package.

Book an appointment  with one of our in-store specialists. It’s the easiest, quickest way to find the right contact lenses for you. A specialist will do an eye test, check your eye health, and ask about your lifestyle to make sure you get the right lenses. You’ll learn how to put your lenses in and remove them. You also get a free contact lens trial—take your lenses home and see how you get on before you buy your first box.

You can book a contact lens check-up using the 'Book an appointment' button at the top of the page, or by calling your local store.

Our contact lens subscription scheme is a Direct Debit  plan - a hassle-free way to get a regular supply of contact lenses. 
Simply sign up to the plan at any Vision Express store. You will then be entitled to the following great benefits:
•    Annual eye test.
•    Twice-yearly contact lens check ups.
•    Free home delivery.
•    Replacement contact lenses.
•    50% off glasses and prescription and non-prescription sunglasses.
•    Free solution and trials of contact lenses.
See the contact lens subscription page for more information, or call into your local Vision Express store.

Unfortunately you cannot join the contact lens subscription scheme online, however your local Vision Express store will be happy to help.

This can be done by logging on to your My Vision account on the Vision Express website

This can be done by logging on to your My Vision account on the Vision Express website

This can be done by logging on to your My Vision account on the Vision Express website

This can be done by logging on to your My Vision account on the Vision Express website

If the option to top up your contact lenses is greyed out in your Vision Account, this is because your eye test or contact lens check-up is overdue. This will become active once your prescriptions are up to date.

This depends on when you set up the scheme in store. If you set up between the 1st and 14th of the month you will pay your first Direct Debit payment on the 1st of the following month. If you set up after the 14th you will start your payments in 2 months time. Eg. If you set up 3rd August your first Direct Debit payment will be 1st September. If you set up on the 17th August your 1st payment will be 1st October.