The Benefits of Contact Lenses

Contact lenses open up a world of possibilities. For many people, they are a comfortable and convenient alternative to glasses, whether you want clearer vision for sport, flexibility in your day-to-day life, or specialised solutions for certain eye conditions.

At Illume Eye Care in Auckland, we fit a wide range of modern contact lenses, including daily disposable lenses, multifocal lenses, myopia management lenses, orthokeratology, and specialty lenses for complex prescriptions.

Here are some of the key benefits of contact lenses.

Freedom for Active Lifestyles

Contact lenses move with your eyes, giving you a full, natural field of vision without frames limiting your view.

This can be particularly helpful for people who play sport, exercise regularly, or lead active lifestyles. Contact lenses also eliminate concerns about glasses slipping, bouncing, or being knocked off during activity.

Many athletes prefer contact lenses because they provide clearer peripheral vision and greater freedom of movement.

No Fogging or Reflections

Unlike glasses, contact lenses won’t fog up when moving between different temperatures or while wearing masks. This makes them particularly useful in:

  • Certain workplaces
  • Cooking environments
  • Outdoor activities
  • Winter sports or humid conditions

Without reflections or fogging, many people find their vision feels more consistent throughout the day.

A Natural Look

Some people enjoy the flexibility contact lenses offer when it comes to their appearance.

Contact lenses allow you to change your look for the day, without glasses altering your appearance. Many patients choose to alternate between glasses and contact lenses depending on their activities or personal style.

Myopia Management for Children

Specially designed contact lenses can help slow the progression of myopia (short-sightedness) in children.

Myopia management contact lenses provide clear vision while also helping to reduce how quickly myopia worsens as children grow. Slowing myopia progression can reduce the long-term risk of eye conditions associated with higher levels of myopia later in life.

At Illume Eye Care we offer a range of evidence-based myopia control contact lenses, including daily disposable options designed specifically for children.

Contact Lenses for Reading and Presbyopia

If you find yourself needing reading glasses, multifocal contact lenses may allow you to see clearly at multiple distances.

These lenses are designed to help with:

  • Distance vision
  • Intermediate tasks such as computer work
  • Near tasks such as reading

For many people, multifocal contact lenses provide the convenience of clear vision without constantly switching between glasses.

Increased Confidence for Children and Teens

Research has shown that contact lenses can positively influence confidence in young people.

The ACHIEVE study demonstrated that children who wear contact lenses often report improvements in self-esteem, particularly in areas such as:

  • Physical appearance
  • Participation in sport
  • Social confidence

For many children and teenagers, contact lenses can make everyday activities feel easier and more comfortable.

Orthokeratology: Clear Vision Without Lenses During the Day

For some prescriptions, Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses can gently reshape the cornea overnight while you sleep.

This means you can wake up with clear vision during the day without needing glasses or contact lenses.

Orthokeratology is also widely used as part of myopia management for children, helping both correct vision and slow the progression of short-sightedness.

Sharper Vision for Complex Prescriptions

For people with very high prescriptions or certain corneal conditions, contact lenses can sometimes provide clearer vision than glasses.

Specialty contact lenses may help improve vision in conditions such as:

  • Keratoconus
  • Irregular corneas
  • Post-surgical corneas
  • High prescriptions

These lenses sit directly on the eye, reducing optical distortions that can occur with glasses in complex prescriptions.


Expert Contact Lens Care at Illume Eye Care

Modern contact lenses are more comfortable, breathable, and convenient than ever before. With the right fitting and guidance, many people who previously thought contact lenses were not suitable for them may find excellent options today.

At Illume Eye Care in Ponsonby, Auckland, our optometrists provide personalised contact lens assessments and fittings tailored to your eyes, lifestyle, and vision needs.

Whether you are new to contact lenses or exploring more advanced options, we can help you find a solution that works for you.

 

Book a contact lens consultation to explore your options.

 

 
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Frequently asked questions about Contact Lenses

Do I need a contact lens fitting if I already know my glasses prescription?

Yes. Glasses prescriptions and contact lens prescriptions are different. A contact lens fitting assesses:

  • Lens curvature and siameter
  • Eye surface health
  • Tear film stability
  • Lens movement and fit
  • Oxygen requirements

Ordering lenses without professional fitting can increase the risk of discomfort and complications.
What happens during a contact lens fitting?

A comprehensive contact lens assessment includes:

  • Prescription testing
  • Corneal measurements
  • Tear film and dry eye assessment
  • Lifestyle discussion
  • Lens trial fitting
  • Insertion and removal training
  • Aftercare planning

Specialty lenses such as OrthoK or scleral lenses may require advanced imaging and additional follow-up visits.

You can find out more here
How often should contact lenses be checked?

Even if your lenses feel comfortable, regular contact lens reviews are important to monitor:

  • Eye health
  • Corneal oxygenation
  • Tear film quality
  • Lens fit
  • Prescription changes and Vision
  • Early complications

Most patients benefit from annual reviews, though some specialty lens patients require more frequent monitoring.
Are contact lenses safe?

Yes — contact lenses are very safe when fitted properly and worn as advised by your optometrist. Modern contact lenses are highly breathable and designed for comfort and eye health.

The biggest risks usually come from poor hygiene, overwearing lenses, sleeping in lenses not designed for overnight wear, or using tap water with lenses.

Proper fitting, regular reviews, and good lens care dramatically reduce complications.
Can I wear contact lenses if I have dry eyes?

Often, yes. Many people assume dry eye means they can’t wear contact lenses, but modern lens materials and personalised management can make contact lenses comfortable again.

At Illume Eye Care, we assess:

  • Tear quality and tear stability
  • Meibomian gland function
  • Inflammation and blepharitis
  • Digital eye strain
  • Lens material compatibility

For many patients, daily disposable lenses, silicone hydrogel lenses, scleral lenses, or orthokeratology lenses may actually improve comfort compared with standard soft lenses.
What are the best contact lenses for dry eyes?

There is no single “best” contact lens for dry eyes — the right option depends on your eyes, tear film, lifestyle, and prescription.

Some patients do best with:

  • Daily disposable lenses
  • Silicone hydrogel lenses
  • Lower water content lenses
  • Specialty scleral lenses
  • Orthokeratology lenses

Comfort is influenced by lens fit, lens design, blinking patterns, environment, and eyelid health — not just the lens brand alone.
Can children wear contact lenses?

Absolutely. Many children successfully wear contact lenses for sport, confidence, convenience, and myopia management.

Children are often excellent contact lens wearers because they:

  • Follow routines well
  • Adapt quickly
  • Enjoy freedom from glasses
  • Can benefit from myopia control technologies

At Illume Eye Care, we commonly fit children with:

  • Myopia management soft lenses
  • Orthokeratology (OrthoK)
  • Daily disposable lenses for sport and activities
What is Orthokeratology (OrthoK)?

Orthokeratology, or OrthoK, uses specially designed overnight contact lenses to gently reshape the front surface of the eye while you sleep.The lenses are removed in the morning, allowing clear daytime vision without glasses or contact lenses.

While suitable for adults, OrthoK is also one of the most evidence-supported methods for slowing childhood myopia progression.

You can read more on OrthoK here
Is OrthoK safe?

Yes — when properly fitted and monitored, OrthoK has a strong safety profile comparable to many reusable soft contact lenses.

Good hygiene and regular follow-up care are essential. 

We provide detailed training on:

  • Lens insertion and removal
  • Cleaning and disinfection
  • Safe overnight wear
  • Recognising warning signs of complications
Can contact lenses slow myopia in children?

Yes. Certain contact lenses are specifically designed to help slow the progression of short-sightedness (myopia) in children.

These include:

  • Orthokeratology lenses
  • Multifocal soft contact lenses
  • Specialty myopia control lens designs including MiSight and Acuvue Abiliti

Slowing myopia progression can help reduce the long-term risk of retinal detachment, glaucoma, myopic maculopathy, and other eye disease later in life.

You can read more about Myopia Management here
Can I wear contact lenses with astigmatism?

Yes. Modern toric contact lenses can successfully correct most levels of astigmatism and provide excellent vision. 

There are soft toric lenses including daily disposables, rigid lenses, hybrid lenses, and specialty lens designs available depending on your prescription and eye shape.
Can I wear contact lenses if I need reading glasses?

Yes. Multifocal contact lenses can help correct both distance and near vision, reducing the need for reading glasses.

Options may include:

  • Multifocal soft lenses
  • Monovision
  • Multifocal rigid lenses
  • Multifocal OrthoK in some cases

Many patients in their 40s, 50s, and beyond continue wearing contact lenses very successfully.

You can read more about multifocal contact lenses here
Are daily disposable lenses better?

For many patients, daily disposable lenses are the healthiest and most convenient option because you start with a fresh sterile lens each day.

Benefits may include:

  • Superior comfort
  • Reduced allergy symptoms
  • Reduced deposit build-up
  • Lower infection risk
  • No cleaning required
  • Ideal for occasional wear or travel

However, reusable lenses can still be excellent options depending on prescription, dry eye status, and lifestyle.
Can I sleep in my contact lenses?

Only if specifically advised by your optometrist.

Most standard soft contact lenses should be removed before sleep.

Sleeping in lenses increases the risk of infection and inflammation. 

Orthokeratology lenses are specifically designed for overnight wear and are managed differently.
Why do my contact lenses become uncomfortable by the end of the day?

This is extremely common and can happen for many reasons, including:

  • Dry eye disease
  • Meibomian gland dysfunction
  • Digital eye strain
  • Poor blinking
  • Allergies
  • Lens deposits
  • Inappropriate lens material
  • Incorrect fit

Many people assume discomfort is “normal,” but often there are solutions available.
What should I do if my contact lenses suddenly become uncomfortable?

Remove the lenses and avoid wearing them again until your eyes have been assessed. Key warning signs of a problem include:

  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Light sensitivity
  • Discharge
  • Sudden blurred vision
  • Excessive watering

These symptoms can indicate infection or inflammation and should be reviewed promptly.
Can contact lenses damage my eyes?

Healthy contact lens wear should not damage your eyes when lenses are:

  • Properly fitted
  • Worn correctly
  • Replaced as directed
  • Reviewed regularly

Problems are more likely when lenses are overworn, slept in, poorly cleaned, purchased without professional fitting or with an expired prescription, or worn despite discomfort.
Can I wear contact lenses while using screens all day?

Yes, but screen use can worsen dryness and contact lens discomfort because we blink less while concentrating on screens. Helpful strategies include:

  • Conscious blinking
  • Screen breaks
  • Preservative-free lubricating drops
  • Optimising screen height
  • Managing dry eye disease
  • Choosing appropriate lens materials

Read more on Digital Eye Strain here
Can I swim or shower in contact lenses?

It is best to avoid water exposure while wearing contact lenses. Tap water, pools, spas, lakes, and showers can expose lenses to microorganisms including Acanthamoeba, a rare but serious eye infection risk.
What specialty contact lenses does Illume Eye Care offer?

At Illume Eye Care, we provide a wide range of contact lens options including:

  • Soft contact lenses
  • Daily disposable lenses
  • Multifocal lenses
  • Toric lenses for astigmatism
  • Orthokeratology (OrthoK)
  • Myopia management lenses
  • Rigid gas permeable lenses
  • Keratoconus and irregular cornea lenses
  • Dry eye-friendly specialty lenses

We combine advanced diagnostics with personalised fitting to help patients achieve healthier, more comfortable vision.

Illume Eye Care in Ponsonby, Auckland provides expert contact lens fitting for children, adults, dry eye patients, and complex prescriptions.

Whether you’re completely new to contact lenses or looking for more comfortable options, our team can help you find the right solution for your eyes, lifestyle, and long-term eye health.