Frequently Asked Questions

Got a question about ordering contact lenses online? We’re here to help! Our handy FAQ covers everything from payment methods and Eye Love Vue promotional codes to getting started with contact lenses for the first time. Need help? Give our friendly customer services team a call on 0330 133 13 14 or email us: [email protected]

It is recommended that everyone attends an eye test at least every two years. Contact lens wearers need to attend an additional check-up to ensure their lenses still meet their prescription; this is usually every 12-24 months dependent on the recommendation of your optician.
We would advise that you speak to your optician about changing the type of lenses you wear. However, our optician has put together a list of compatible and upgrade lenses for all contact lenses. So you can see what the compatible monthly or daily would be for your current lens and discuss this option with your optician.
All contact lens prescriptions include a least three values: base curve, diameter and power. However for toric or multifocal lenses additional values will be added to the prescription, usually no more than four.
The specifications you can expect to see are as follows:
Base Curve (BC): The curvature of the lens in millimetres usually between 8.3 and 9.0.
Diameter (D): The diameter of the contact lens. This number ranges from between 13.8 to 14.5.
Power (PWR/SPH): Is a + or - figure followed by a number e.g. -4.50 or +0.25. This represents the level of visual correction needed, and whether your lenses correct long-sightedness (plus/+ powers) or short-sightedness (minus/- powers). For some contact lenses the power may also be 0.00, plano or displayed with this symbol ∞ which is for non-prescription use e.g. coloured contact lenses.
If you have astigmatism the following values will also be required:
Cylinder (CYL): A minus number that increases in a scale of 0.25 dioptres, ranging between -0.25 to -2.75.
Axis (AX): A number between 0 and 180, that determines the direction needed to correct your astigmatism.
If you wear multifocal contact lenses the following values will also be required:
Addition (ADD): A + number between 0.50 and 3.00, or referred to as high, medium or low. This is an additional power that determines the level of correction needed for you to focus on near objects.
Dominant (D): A choice between "D" and "N" to determine which is the dominant and the non-dominant eye.
Your contact lens prescription or lens specifications are printed on the end or side of your contact lens box and labelled on the top of the blister packs that contain your lenses. Your optician will hold a copy of your written prescription; you are legally entitled to have a copy of this once you have completed your initial contact lens trial.
Yes, if you have different prescriptions in each eye. If you have the same prescription in both eyes it doesn't matter which lens goes in which eye. It is advisable to keep each lens to the same eye for hygiene purposes.
Do not worry; it is impossible to lose a contact lens in the back of your eye. Sometimes the lens can become stuck under the eyelid but it can easily be dislodged by looking in the direction of the lens or rubbing the eyelid gently, otherwise your optician will be able to retrieve it for you by lifting your eyelid.
Yes some contact lenses can help to filter out damaging UVA and UVB light. Acuvue is the only brand where all its contact lenses have UV blocking technology. Other UV filtering lenses include: Avaira, Avaira Toric, Biomedics 55 Evolution, Biomedics Toric and everclear UV. If you are not sure whether your lenses include UV absorbing technology speak to your optician.
When applying your contact lens you can tell whether the lens is inside out by examining the shape of the lens on your finger. If the lens looks like a small bowl or "U" it's the right way, if the edges curve outwards, making the exterior look sharp and pointed then it's inverted.
You should always put your contact lenses in before applying make-up to avoid getting any on the lens, which can cause discomfort in the eye. When it comes to removing make-up it is best practice to remove and clean your lenses first before taking off your make-up.
When you attended a contact lens fitting with your optician they would have determined the contact lenses that best fit your eyes and lifestyle. It is very important to tell your optician what you wish to wear your lenses for, how many days a week and for how many hours a day. We have produced a 'Guide to Contact Lenses' to help our customers choose the lenses that are right for them.