As a contact lens wearer, I am aware of the feeling of freedom one experiences when changing from spectacles to contact lenses. Many people are discouraged by the potentially risky health implications. I can completely understand this fear the eyes are, after all, incredibly vulnerable and delicate organs.

However, after wearing contact lenses for over ten years, I can categorically support the fact that contacts do not damage your eyes. The lenses on sale are designed primarily for comfort and it is easy to forget that you are even wearing them at all. Book a consultation with your optician and they will be sure to find the most suitable contact lenses for you.

The thin silicon lenses fit over your cornea to correct farsightedness, nearsightedness and astigmatism. There is no distortion and the corrective effect is very close to natural vision. The most common problem people face is their contacts drying out in the warm weather or when they are fatigued. The best solution to this is to carry some contact lens friendly refreshing eye drops with you when you go out wearing your lenses

As well as having the choice of soft, rigid gas permeable, disposable, or extended wear lenses to correct vision, it goes without saying that contacts have their aesthetic appeal. Your face is unhampered by the frame of a pair of glasses, and people can see your eyes. Contacts will not modify your semblance or appearance in the way that glasses can.

But if you do fancy an exciting change, you could choose violet eyes one day or turquoise the next from the range of coloured or tinted contact lenses available. Also, you won’t be limited by having to stick to prescription only sunglasses. There is an abundance of inexpensive, stylish non-prescription shades on the market that you can wear whilst wearing contacts.

For lots of good reasons, contacts are the choice of sportspeople and athletes. They offer much greater freedom and comfort and their stability is not affected by physical movements.

When you wear contact lenses your entire field of vision is in focus, including the peripheral vision. This is especially significant in sports and whilst driving, where you need to see as much around you as possible. Contact lenses move simultaneously with eye movements, resulting in sharper, clearer vision.

Additionally, there are no irritating obstructions or reflections. You are not constantly aware of the frame, the edge of the lens, the discomfort of a pressure around the ears or over the bridge of the nose, and any distracting reflections from the back of the lens. Those disturbances are simply not there, leaving the wearer freed up to concentrate on the game, the drive, the run, the bike ride or whatever it may be. Plus, contacts won’t ever be affected by the rain or fog up with a change of temperature, or in steamier moments!

Contact lenses can provide a much-improved psychological and physical comfort for users and the freedom to enjoy sporting and other activities unhindered.