Contact Lens Specialist in Delhi

What Are Contact Lenses?

Contact Lenses (CL) are small, thin, curved transparent discs designed to rest on the cornea—the clear front surface of the eye. They cling to the tear film over the cornea because of surface tension, the same force that makes a drop of water stick to a glass.

Contact lenses are mainly used to correct near-sightedness, far-sightedness, and astigmatism. When used with proper care and supervision, they are a safe and effective way to correct vision. For many people, contact lenses provide a convenient and comfortable alternative to eyeglasses, depending on eye health and lifestyle.

At Shreya Eye Centre, our specialists provide precise and comfortable contact lens fitting in Delhi, helping you choose the right lenses for clear vision and all-day comfort.

However, one must remember, they are health devices, not commodities or beauty aids, and not everyone can wear them. Also, their use can affect the well being of your eyes and only an optometrist or an ophthalmologist (Eye Surgeon) is qualified to assess the health of your eye. Your healthy vision is the first priority.

What Are The Types Of Contact Lenses Available?

There are basically two types of Contact Lenses:

• Rigid Gas-permeable (RGP) Contact Lenses which are also known as “semi-soft lenses”
• Soft contact lenses hard contact lenses have become obsolete now.

Soft Lenses can be further classified depending on the type of wear:

• Daily Wear
• Extended Wear
• Disposable (Quarterly, Monthly, Fortnightly, Weekly And Daily)

What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Each Type Of Contact Lens?

RGP (Semi-soft) Lenses

RGP lenses are made of special, firm plastics combined with other materials, such as silicone and fluoropolymers, which allow oxygen in the air to pass directly through the lens. These lenses are very durable and typically last longer than soft lenses. RGP lenses provide excellent quality of vision, have a long life, and can correct astigmatism as well as uneven curvature of the cornea.

The disadvantages are that these may take a little longer to get used to, it is easier for dust to get behind RGP lenses, causing irritation and discomfort, and one can’t switch back and forth with glasses as easily. However, regular wearers find them comfortable and the visual acuity outstanding.

Soft lenses

Soft lenses are made of flexible water-absorbent (hydrophilic) material having water content between 30-80%. These lenses are comfortable the moment they are inserted in the eye. They are less likely to dislodge and can be worn for longer periods. However, their biggest disadvantage is that they cannot correct higher degrees of astigmatism. They also need to be changed more frequently.

Which Type Of Contact Lens Is Best For Me?

Every individual’s eyes and lifestyle are unique, so the best contact lens choice depends on several factors. If you value initial comfort, soft contact lenses may be more suitable, while rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses generally last longer. For occasional wear (once or twice a week), soft (hydrophilic) lenses are usually more appropriate.

Not everyone can wear both types. After a thorough eye and vision examination, our specialists at Shreya Eye Centre can advise whether RGP lenses, soft lenses, or both will suit you best. During your initial consultation, tests and measurements are performed following a complete visual evaluation to determine the optimum contact lenses for your needs.

In addition, factors like medications, ocular health, allergies, and family medical history play an important role in lens suitability. Lifestyle habits such as frequent computer use, exposure to air-conditioning, or working in dusty environments also influence lens choice.

With expert contact lens fitting in Delhi, we ensure you find the most comfortable, safe, and effective option tailored to your eyes and daily routine.

What Is The Difference Between Daily-wear And Extended-wear Lenses?

Daily-wear contact lenses are designed to be removed each day for cleaning, and should be taken out before you sleep or nap.

Extended-wear Lenses

Extended-wear Lenses can be worn continuously for up to seven days before they are removed for cleaning, depending on how oxygen-permeable the lens material is. Extended-wear lenses can also be prescribed to be removed each day for cleaning and slept in occasionally when special circumstances arise.

Many variables are considered in deciding between daily-wear and extended-wear lenses for each person’s needs. Since the risk of serious eye infections is higher in extended contact-lens wearers, they are generally prescribed in carefully selected individuals who are frequently monitored by eye care professionals.

Daily-wear Lenses

Daily-wear Lenses should never be worn as extended-wear lenses. Misuse can lead to temporary and even permanent damage to the cornea. People who wear any type of lens overnight have a greater chance of developing infections of the cornea. These infections are often due to poor cleaning and lens care. Improper over-wearing of contact lenses can result in intolerance, leading to the inability to wear contact lenses.

What Are Disposable Lenses, Frequent And Planned Replacement Lenses?

Disposable contact lenses and frequent replacement lenses are designed to be worn for a specific period of time and then replaced with a fresh pair. “Disposable” lenses generally refer to those replaced every two weeks or less, depending on the schedule recommended by your eye specialist.

Disposable lenses are usually prescribed in multi-packs, offering several weeks’ supply at once. Frequent or planned replacement lenses follow a fixed schedule—most often every two weeks, monthly, or quarterly.

The main purpose of replacing lenses frequently is to avoid discomfort, dryness, blurred vision, or allergic reactions caused by protein and lipid deposits that build up on the lens surface. As these deposits age and change chemically, they can increase the risk of bacterial adhesion, leading to potential eye infections—even if the lenses still feel comfortable.

For safe and healthy vision, it is essential to discard contact lenses after the prescribed period, even if they appear fine. Your eye care practitioner will recommend the ideal replacement frequency for your eyes and lifestyle.

At Shreya Eye Centre, our specialists provide expert contact lens fitting in Delhi, ensuring you choose the safest and most comfortable lens type with a proper replacement schedule tailored to your needs.

If I Only Wear My Fortnightly-disposable Contact Lenses Part Time, Do I Still Have To Replace Them Every Two Weeks?

No, the two weeks refers to the actual amount of wearing time so they can last longer than two weeks if you are not wearing them full time.

Do People Experience Discomfort Or Pain When Using Contact Lenses?

Most first time wearers are delighted with the level of comfort that contact lenses provide. Initial contact lens fittings by professional eye care practitioners can minimize or eliminate any irritation associated with new lenses. After a brief adjustment period, most people report they can no longer feel contact lenses on their eyes.

Can Contact Lenses Be “blinked” Out?

With normal use, contact lenses will stay firmly in position. However, they can come out under certain conditions. High winds can cause the eyes to water and pull the eyelid tight against the eye, increasing the chance of lens loss. A sharp blow to the head may dislodge rigid gas permeable lenses. And rubbing your eye carelessly may result in a lost lens.

Describe to your eye care practitioner all of the circumstances in which you are likely to wear your contact lenses. This will help him or her prescribe a type of lens that is less likely to be dislodged given your activities.

What Are The Basics Of Daily Contact Lens Care? What Are My Options?

Your eyes and your vision are precious, and good contact lens care can help assure a lifetime of healthy eyes. It’s important to follow the instructions for daily or weekly lens care prescribed by your eye care professional for your type of lenses. The basic steps include cleaning, rinsing, and disinfecting (for storing).

• Cleaning solutions remove dirt, protein, oils, mucus, and debris that get on the lens during wear.
• Disinfecting solutions kill bacteria and other germs on the lenses. Disinfection is necessary to help prevent serious eye infections.
• Rinsing solutions remove other solutions from the lenses. They also prepare the lenses for wear.
• Enzyme solutions remove protein and other deposits that accumulate on the lenses over time.
• Rewetting solutions are used to wet (lubricate) the lenses while you are wearing them, to make them more comfortable.

These steps can be performed using separate solutions. However, recently, there has been a strong movement to “one-bottle” systems. These all-in-one solutions are the easiest and quickest to use. You should not make your own lens care solutions, nor should you mix different brands of solutions unless instructed by your eye care practitioner.

However, if you are particularly sensitive to chemicals, it may be better to use a hydrogen peroxide system. One must remember that all contact lens cases need frequent cleaning, including disposable lens cases. As a rule never bring any contact lenses in contact with tap water as it can be source if serious (sight-threatening) eye infection

Is It Necessary To Use Protein Remover Tablets In Additions To My Normal Daily Cleaning Procedure?

The need to use protein remover tablets depends on the amount of protein deposits your eyes produce and how often you replace your lenses. Protein deposits are normal. But as they age, they can change in chemical composition, contributing to discomfort and poor vision or leading to allergies.

Regardless of your lens replacement schedule, however, daily cleaning is important for eye health. Consult your eye care practitioner for the best advice regarding your replacement and cleaning schedules

Weekly enzyme cleaning helps keep soft lenses free from deposits of protein naturally produced in your eyes and carried by your tears. Lately, solutions are available, which eliminate the need for enzyme cleaning as well. Soft extended-wear contacts are the most likely to have protein build-up and cause lens-related allergies.

Soft daily-wear lenses are less likely to create problems. Rigid gas-permeable lenses may be good choices for someone with allergies, as less protein is deposited on the lenses. If these deposits become a problem, your eye care practitioner may recommend a type of contact lens that you replace more frequently. Depending on the replacement frequency, using a protein remover in addition to your daily cleaning regimen may not be necessary

The type of care contact lenses require, and how long they should be worn, is something each eye care professional will prescribe for each patient. Personal wear and care regimens may depend upon the type of contact prescribed, the nature of the vision problem being corrected, and the individual’s unique eye chemistry. Regardless of the type of lens you wear, you will find that lens care is now easier and more convenient than ever before.

Cosmetics And Contact Lenses

While some cosmetics may interfere with contact lens performance and the wearer’s tolerance for contacts, others are safe. Some rules should be followed when using cosmetics:

• Insert lenses before applying eye makeup and take them out before removing cosmetics.
• Use hair spray and other aerosols before lenses are inserted. Allow time for the aerosol mist to settle from the air or go to a different area before handling lenses.
• Completely remove residual cosmetics from you hands with mild, additive-free soap before handling lenses.
• Use cream shadows instead of powders and avoid using shadows with glitters.
• Use water based cosmetic formulations.
• Use hypo-allergenic cosmetics.
• Avoid using mascaras containing fibers for extra lash length.
• Avoid using saliva to wet applicators.
• Don’t apply eyeliners and pencils inside the upper or lower eyelid margin.

Is It OK To Play Sports While Wearing Contact Lenses?

Wearing contact lenses for sports is a more flexible and stable form of eye correction than eyeglasses, and athletes of all kinds have discovered the advantages of wearing contact lenses when participating in sports or working out.

Contacts don’t steam up from perspiration, don’t smudge and don’t get foggy if you go from cold to warm temperatures. They provide better depth perception and complete peripheral vision. Today’s close-fitting contacts stay on your eyes, even during vigorous activity.

If your sport involves vigorous exercise, a soft contact lens is an appropriate choice. Your eye care practitioner can help determine the best type of lenses based on your sport or activity to help protect your eyes and your contacts, goggles should be worn when you swim.

Is It OK To Swim While Wearing Contact Lenses?

Pool water can cause discomfort due to chlorine. It is best to avoid swimming with your contact lenses on because it exposes your contacts to bacteria and other microorganisms in the water. These can adhere to your lenses and place you at risk of eye infections.

If you do swim with your lenses, you should wear goggles with a firm seal. If you don’t wear goggles, the contact lenses may float from your eyes. They may also absorb the pool water, one consequence of which may be that they adhere quite firmly to the eye.

If this occurs, it is advisable to leave the lenses alone for 10-15 minutes until your natural tears have replaced the water in them, before trying to remove them. You should then disinfect them immediately afterwards.

I Have Dry Eye Problems. Can I Wear Contact Lenses?

You’re less likely to have success with contact lenses than someone who does not have this condition. This does not mean that you cannot wear contact lenses at all. It simply means you may have a shorter contact lens wearing period than normal or that you may choose to wear your lenses only occasionally. You can increase the comfort of your lenses by inserting eye lubrication drops.

For the same reason, wearing contact lenses while traveling by plane can be uncomfortable. The low humidity in aircraft cabins contributes to dry eye symptoms and contact lens discomfort. It may be helpful to put lubrication drops in your eyes before you enter the aircraft, or during flight.

If symptoms persist or become severe, it is probably easiest and best to wear eyeglasses when flying. As always, it is best to consult your eye care practitioner for the best advice regarding whether you should wear contact lenses and what type of lenses may be suitable for such a condition.

My Doctor Told Me I Couldn’t Wear Regular Contact Lenses For Presbyopia. Why Not?

Presbyopia is a vision condition (generally after the age of 40 years) in which the eye cannot focus on near objects. In most cases, reading glasses or bifocal glasses are prescribed to correct presbyopia. In order for a contact lens wearer to read, he or she has to wear reading glasses over the contacts.

But contact lenses can be prescribed also. Special bifocal contact lenses are also available in both rigid gas permeable or soft lens designs.

As an alternative, many practitioners prescribe a system called monovision where one eye is fitted with a distance lens and the other with a reading lens, with the brain automatically switching to the eye more clearly in focus. Monovision is a good solution for some people, but not everybody can successfully adapt to the arrangement.

I Have Astigmatism And Was Told I Couldn’t Wear Contacts. Is That True?

No. Most people with astigmatism can wear contact lenses. In astigmatism, the curvature of the cornea varies in different axes and spectacles with a cylindrical number are prescribed for its correction. For those wishing to wear contact lenses, the fitting procedure takes more time, and certain lenses don’t provide vision as good as glasses, but only in special circumstances can a person with astigmatism not be fitted with contact lenses.

In astigmatism, rgp (“semi-soft” lenses) provide sharper vision. This is because rigid lenses retain their shape and placement on the cornea better than soft lenses, and helps the eye to conform to the shape of the contact lens, thus masking the need for an astigmatic correction.

If you have a small amount of astigmatism, between zero and 1.00 (either +1.00 or -1.00), you may still be able to wear a regular spherical soft lens, although with not as good quality as rgp lenses. In higher degrees of astigmatism, only rgp lenses will provide sharp vision; regular soft lenses will not help.

If you have a significant amount of astigmatism, and still wish to wear soft contact lenses, you can wear a special type of soft contact lens called a toric lens, which will correct your astigmatism. Properly fitting a toric lens takes more of your time and requires more expertise than regular contacts. However, these lenses are typically more expensive.

What Are Therapeutic Contact Lenses?

Advances in materials technology and better understanding of the eye’s needs in health and disease have enabled the development of soft and rigid lenses to aid in protecting and helping a sick eye (especially certain corneal disorders) to heal.

This acts as a transparent bandage which protects the injured or diseased cornea, and acting as a reservoir of medication inserted into the eye. A variety of conditions may be treated and in some cases, even cured in this manner. These unique lenses are frequently combined with precise medication delivery schedules to help heal the eye.

What About Contact Lenses As A Vision Treatment For Young Children?

Certain children who are born with cataracts, or develop them in early childhood, need to undergo cataract surgery. However they may be too young to be implanted with intraocular lenses (iol). While surgery can protect their vision, this procedure often leaves them very farsighted.

Contact lenses can provide them the best vision possible and even help their own vision develop better, since spectacles are not a practical alternative for this group.

When contact lenses are prescribed for infants and toddlers, parents and other family members can learn how to insert, remove and clean the lenses. Children of all ages can adapt easily to wearing the lenses

Can Contact Lenses Be Fit If I Have Had Refractive Surgery And Have A Residual Spectacle Number?

Yes, but the refractive surgery will have altered the contour of your eyes, requiring a more specialized lens than normal. It is best to consult your eye care practitioner who will advise you based on the details of your specific history and requirements.

Can Contact Lenses Be Fit If I Have Had Refractive Surgery And Have A Residual Spectacle Number?

Yes, but the refractive surgery will have altered the contour of your eyes, requiring a more specialized lens than normal. It is best to consult your eye care practitioner who will advise you based on the details of your specific history and requirements.

Why Is It Necessary For Contact Lens Wearers To Have Regular Eye Exams Even If Their Prescription Hasn’t Changed?

Eye exams are important not only to check your prescription but also to evaluate the health of your eyes. This is especially important for contact lens wearers because the contacts could be causing damage to your eyes without necessarily causing any obvious symptoms.

Sometimes, one may experience symptoms such as – redness of eyes, stinging, burning or itchy eyes, excessive tears, unusual eye secretions, and changes in vision. Such symptoms could be due to many reasons. On feeling of any discomfort, you should remove and examine your contact lenses immediately.

If your lens appears damaged, torn or ripped, do not put the lens back on your eye. Put on a new lens or contact your eye care practitioner to order a new lens. If your lens is not damaged, but the irritation persists, contact your eye doctor immediately.

Who Should NOT Wear Contact Lenses?

While most people who need vision correction can safely wear contact lenses, there are certain conditions where they may not be the best choice. You may be advised to avoid contact lenses if you have:

• Frequent eye infections

• Severe allergies

• Dry eye syndrome or improper tear film

• A work environment that is excessively dusty or dirty

• Difficulty handling, cleaning, or caring for lenses properly

Whether or not contact lenses are suitable for you depends on:

• Your individual needs and expectations

• Patience and motivation during the adjustment period

• Following proper guidelines for wear, disinfection, and cleaning

• Management of any underlying conditions that may prevent safe lens use

At Shreya Eye Centre, our experts carefully evaluate your eye health and lifestyle before recommending lenses. With professional contact lens fitting in Delhi, we ensure your safety, comfort, and the best possible vision correction.