Q2. What do contact lenses do?

A2. Their main function is a corrective device but there are lenses for cosmetic (aesthetic) reasons and therapeutic lenses to treat certain eye conditions such as a corneal abrasion.

They are mainly worn for corrective reasons. This means correcting what are known as ‘refractive errors’ which refers to problems with the way light passes through the eye. This prevents the eye from focusing properly on objects which results in blurred vision.

This is due to an anatomical fault in the eye: this is either an irregular shaped lens or cornea or a problem with the overall shape of the eye. This is usually due to genetic reasons.

Most lenses are worn to correct short sightedness.

Find out more in our contact lenses section.

FAQ:

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Contact lenses FAQs

1. What is a contact lens?
2. What do contact lenses do?
3. What are the different types of contact lenses?
4. Can anyone wear contact lenses?
5. Can children wear contact lenses?
6. What are soft lenses?
7. What are gas permeable lenses?
8. Which are the right lenses for me?
9. Are contact lenses safe?
10. Are contact lenses easy or difficult to use?

11. What are the advantages of contact lenses over glasses?
12. What is contact lens aftercare?
13. Why is it so important to care for your contact lenses?
14. What are the risks with wearing contact lenses?
15. Should I buy contact lenses in store or over the internet?
16. Can you get bifocal contact lenses?
17. I have astigmatism: can I wear contact lenses?
18. I play sport: which type of contact lenses should I wear?
19. What are novelty contact lenses?
20. I have never worn contact lenses. What is my first step?

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