Scheduling a contact lens fitting is the first step to getting a pair of coloured contacts. It is worth noting that an eyeglass prescription is not the same as a contact lens prescription. A contact lens prescription will test for other information such as the size and curvature of the lens.

Each eyeball is shaped differently and may come with unique problems that need to be corrected with lenses, like astigmatism or presbyopia. Hence, it’s not uncommon to require different types of contacts from separate brands for each of your eyes.

Even for a person who has perfect vision, the same factors like size and curvature of the eyeball have to be taken into account in order to find a healthy lens fit. A good pair of contacts lets your eyes feel comfy and hydrated, whilst ensuring that the cornea gets enough oxygen.

When you arrange a contact lens fitting, your optician should share with you a prescription that includes the following:

• OD and OS: OD stands for oculus dexter, which is Latin for the right eye, and OS is short for oculus sinister, Latin for the left eye. Under each of these letters, you will find the terms below.

• PWR: PWR means power, and is also known as SPH (sphere) – it tells you the refractive power of the lens that is needed to correct your degree of long-sighted or short-sighted vision. A negative (-) number indicates near-sightedness or myopia, whereas a positive (+) number indicates long-sightedness or hyperopia.

• BC: The base curve is the extent to which the contact lens curves – measured according to the curvature of your eye’s cornea. A base curve that is too small for your eye will cause the lens to squeeze the cornea; however, a base curve that is too large will result in your contacts falling out easily.
  When your prescription does not include a base curve, it means that the contact lens brand (recommended to you by your optometrist) does not require a specific base curve. Instead, the lens only has one base curve that provides a flexible fit for most eyes. Except for Acuvue, most disposable contact lenses in Singapore only have one base curve.

• DIA: The diameter of the contact lens is also recorded to ensure that the lens covers the correct areas of the eye. A lens that is too large or small can be uncomfortable or cause scratches, and is not safe for use.

Besides these, CYL (cylinder) and Axis values are other important measurements for people with astigmatism, as well as ADD, the added power in certain sections of the lens, for those who are getting multifocal contacts.

Naturally, there are two main types of coloured contact lenses: the first for those with perfect or close to perfect vision, and the second for those who require vision correction. Non-corrective coloured contact lenses are for people without a degree or a very low degree. Nonetheless, the optometrist will take note of the base curve and diameter prescriptions to find the user a fitting pair of contact lenses.

Conversely, prescription contact lenses include myopia or hyperopia lenses, multifocal lenses, and astigmatism lenses. Your optician will advise you should you require these types of contacts, as well as recommend the ideal lens brands for you. Reliable and bestselling astigmatism lenses, for instance, recommended by most optometrists in Singapore include Air Optix, Biofinity Toric and Acuvue Oasys.

The choice between daily and monthly contact lenses depends on a few factors like convenience, comfort, and cost – all of which are affected by your lifestyle and how often you plan to wear your contacts.

• Convenience: Daily contact lenses are quick and fuss-free. After each daily use, you can simply toss them in the bin and wear a new set the next morning. Monthly contact lenses require more delicate care; you’ll have to wash the lenses with contact lens solution and store them well for your next use.

• Comfort: First-time wearers might enjoy using daily contact lenses better because they are softer and comfier. We also recommend dailies to those who regularly switch between spectacles and contact lenses or only wear contacts on special occasions. Monthly contact lenses are ideal for full-time wearers daily.

• Cost: Compared to wearing daily lenses every day for a month, monthly contact lenses are more affordable.

• Hygiene: Our eyes release lipids and proteins that build-up on the contact lenses over time. Because daily contacts are changed everyday and thus are not susceptible to deposit build-up, they are considered the safer option. In addition, contact lens toxicity can also be caused by poor hygiene, lack of proper care, as well as preservatives in contact lens solutions. Hence, daily contact lenses cause lower risk of eye infections than monthly contacts.

Finally, have fun picking out your favourite colours available at the optical store! Besides colour, there is also a generous range of colour contact lens designs that you can play around with:

• Enhancement tints use subtle shades to brighten and enhance your natural eye colour.

• Vivid tints have more vibrant colours like Green Envy, Blue and Brazen, and Grey Storm, to boldly spice up your style.

• Circle lenses, also known as doll eye or limbal ring lenses, are designed with a dark outer ring with inner hints of colour, that increase the appearance of your pupil size as well as fashion a sharp, clean, wide-eyed look.

All in all, you should prioritise your eye health and safety when purchasing coloured contact lenses, especially when doing so for the first time. Get an accurate contact lens prescription by scheduling an appointment with a reliable optical store in Singapore. This is so that the optometrist can guide you through your very first contact lens purchase – from advising you on the best brand and type of lenses, helping you decide between daily or monthly contacts, to even teaching you how to wear them the right way. With a current prescription, you can also choose to purchase future contact lenses online – always best from trusted optical stores.

Better Vision’s professional opticians are dedicated to finding the best fit of coloured contact lenses just for you. As a leading optical store in Singapore, we offer lenses from premium brands like Acuvue, Air Optix, and Biofinity to ensure maximum comfort and style. Schedule a contact lens fitting with us today!