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Contact lenses are brilliant for giving you clear vision and the freedom to get on with your day without worrying about glasses. They’re incredibly safe and easy to use, but like anything good in life, they need a bit of proper care to keep your eyes happy and healthy. Good hygiene and smart contact lens tips are essential to avoid discomfort, infections, or any vision issues down the line. We’ve put together this practical guide based on over 35 years of experience as opticians here at The Optical Store. These simple yet effective tips will help you incorporate the best practices into your lens routine, ensuring your eyes stay comfortable and your vision remains crystal clear. Always Wash Your Hands

So you’ve got astigmatism and you’re wondering about contact lenses for astigmatism? Great news – you’ve got options! Loads of people think having astigmatism means contacts are off the table, but that’s really not the case anymore. About one in three people has astigmatism, and most of them can wear contacts just fine these days. What’s All This Astigmatism Business About? What causes astigmatism? Think of it this way – instead of your eye being perfectly round like a football, it’s a bit more rugby ball-shaped. This means light doesn’t focus quite right, leaving you with blurry vision, tired eyes, and sometimes headaches after staring at screens all day. Honestly, it’s super common and nothing to worry about. The brilliant

You’re on holiday – the sun’s out and you fancy a quick dip in the pool. Or maybe you’ve been wearing your contact lenses all day and your eyes feel a little dry – so what’s the harm in a little rinse? It may seem innocent enough, but even the clearest water can contain elements that shouldn’t go near your lenses or eyes. Want to know more about why contact lenses and water from pools, oceans, or even the sink, isn’t a safe combination? From everyday routines to lens care on holiday, we’ll offer practical tips to help you protect your eye health and keep your lenses comfortable. Whether you’re new to contacts or a long-time wearer, small changes to

It’s a question that comes up all the time: “If my contact lenses have UV protection, do I still need to wear sunglasses?” The short answer? Yes, you absolutely do — and here’s why. UV doesn’t just affect skin The sun’s rays can be tough on the skin, but they can also affect our eyes. UV radiation comes in two main forms: UVA and UVB. While UVA rays penetrate more deeply and are linked to age-related eye conditions, UVB rays are typically associated with sunburn and more immediate exposure-related issues. Long-term exposure to UV rays has been linked as a contributor to the development of various eye conditions, including: These risks don’t disappear on cloudy days. UV rays can still

You know that slight blurriness when you’re reading, the headaches after too much screen time, or that gritty feeling in your eyes at the end of the day? Most of us only think about our eyes when something feels off. But here’s the thing: waiting until there’s a problem isn’t exactly the best way to take care of your vision, especially if you’re one of the millions rocking contact lenses. That’s why making an eye examination part of your routine is so important. More than just an eye test An eye exam isn’t just about figuring out if you need glasses or updating your prescription. It’s like a full health check-up for your eyes. Optometrists look for early signs of

It’s been a long winter, but as the sun works its magic, the call of the wild becomes louder. For contact lens wearers with a fondness for the great outdoors, it’s time for you to get ready for your next adventure. But before you lace up your boots or grab your gear, let’s make sure your eyes are as prepared as you are. Here’s your ultimate contact lens checklist to keep things clear, comfortable, and carefree. Always a balance There are certain situations where contact lenses offer unmatched convenience, with sports and outdoor activities being among them! By wearing contacts, you’ll be able to: However, to ensure your contact lenses remain as clear and comfortable as possible, you’ll need to:

While glasses certainly have their place, it’s hard to argue against the convenience and versatility of contact lenses. If you’re thinking about making the switch, one important step is choosing the best contact lenses for your eyes and lifestyle. When it comes to soft contact lenses, you’ve got two main options to consider: hydrogel contact lenses and silicone hydrogel contact lenses. Not sure where to start? Don’t stress! We’re here to break it down for you in plain, simple terms. What are hydrogel contact lenses? These were the trailblazers of the soft contact lens world. They are made from a gel-like material designed to hold a lot of water. Why does that matter? Well, it makes them thin, lightweight, and flexible enough to mould to

Thinking about giving contact lenses a go? They truly can be a game-changer—convenient, comfortable, and practically invisible! But if the thought of using them feels intimidating, don’t worry. Once you know the basics, they’ll become second nature. Keep reading our beginner’s guide to contact lenses, and we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from choosing the right lenses to keeping them clean and safe. It might seem like a lot at first, but with practice and a little patience, you’ll be a pro in no time. Always visit a professional [A consultation between a patient and optometrist in the opticians practice] Before you start your contact lens journey, it’s essential to visit an optometrist for an eye exam.

With the New Year fast approaching, it’s usually a time to commit to making exciting life changes. Maybe you’ve thought about joining the gym, travelling to new destinations or taking up a new hobby. But here’s one you might not have considered: why not upgrade your vision experience for 2025? Curious about how contact lenses could give you a whole new perspective? Read on to discover why you should try contact lenses, their benefits, and how they can enhance your plans for the year ahead and beyond. See the world in full view One of the first things you notice when you try contact lenses is how they transform your vision. Unlike glasses, contact lenses sit right on your eyes,

If you’ve been told that dry eye syndrome and contact lenses don’t mix, you’re not alone. It’s a common belief that living with dry eyes means giving up on the convenience of contacts. But here’s the good news—it is possible to wear contact lenses when you have dry eye syndrome. While it might take some trial and error, finding the right lenses can make all the difference. Dry eye syndrome affects one in four people in the UK, making it a widespread challenge for contact lens wearers. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you explore the best contact lenses for dry eyes and share practical tips for managing dry eye symptoms. What is dry eye syndrome? Dry eye syndrome

It’s spooky season, and for those of us who love dressing up for the occasion, it’s often the little additions that can make a good outfit outstanding. In many horror films, the eyes are used to depict innate evilness or to wow the audience with an unnatural boldness, so the use of novelty Halloween contact lenses to add the finishing touch to an outfit is an understandable one. Still, it’s important to be aware of the risks of purchasing from retailers who are not optometrists or optical experts. Cosmetic contact lens risks  In the UK, contact lenses are classified as medical devices and can only be dispensed by a qualified optometrist. Even non-prescription contact lenses fall under the MHRA’s (Medicines

Thinking about switching from glasses to contact lenses, or just want to mix things up a bit? Great choice! But how do you pick the right lenses for you? There are three main types of lenses to consider—daily, two-weekly, and monthly. Each option has its perks, and the best fit depends on when and how you want to wear them, your lifestyle, and what you prefer. We’ve made sure you have all the infomation you need before making a decision. After all, choosing the right lenses means prioritising comfort, convenience, and the health of your eyes. Daily contact lenses Daily disposable contact lenses are as easy as it gets—wear them once, then toss them away! Whether you’re out and about