FAQs

What's the difference between hard and soft contact lenses?
Soft contact lenses are manufactured from hydrophilic polymers (water-loving plastics). Varying in percentage, the water content is what makes soft contact lenses pliable. Hard contact lenses are not manufactured from hydrophilic plastics and therefore do not contain water. Although they can provide good ocular health, they are not as comfortable initially as soft lenses. 

What are planned replacement lenses?
Planned replacement is a complete programme of contact lens vision care in which contact lenses are replaced at planned intervals throughout the year. The interval is decided by your eye care practitioner based on the lens chosen, and the patient's specific characteristics. Replacement cycles generally vary from one month to three months.

What is astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a common visual distortion caused by an irregularly shaped cornea. Approximately 45% of all patients requiring vision correction have astigmatism.

What is myopia?
Myopia is commonly referred to as short sightedness. A myopic eye sees near objects very clearly within a certain range while distance vision appears blurry.

What is hyperopia?
Hyperopia is more commonly known as long sightedness. A hyperopic eye sees distant objects clearly while near objects appear blurry.

What is presbyopia?
Presbyopia is a visual condition which becomes apparent in middle age, in which the loss of elasticity of the lens within the eye causes difficulty or inability to focus sharply for near vision.

What is the difference between daily wear and flexible wear?
Daily wear lenses are worn during the day and must be removed at bedtime. Flexible wear lenses are thinner or have a higher water content, allowing more oxygen to pass to the eye. They can be worn continuously, even overnight, for up to seven days. Eligibility for flexible wear use is evaluated by an eye care professional. 

What is the difference between disposable lenses and planned replacement lenses?
Disposable lenses are meant to be worn once and thrown away while planned replacement lenses are worn for a prescribed period of time and replaced at regular intervals. 

Can I order lenses from CooperVision or get a trial pair?
Due to the fact that contact lenses are medical devices regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, federal regulations prohibit CooperVision from selling or dispensing lenses to anyone other than a licensed eye care professional. We are unable to process any order for consumers. To obtain trial lenses or a prescription, you will need to see your eye care practitioner. They will be able to help you with your contact lens purchase and trial lens needs. 

I had laser surgery and now I want to wear contacts. What should I do?
You should speak to an eye care practitioner about the feasibility of wearing contact lenses. He/she is the best person to advise you on glasses vs. contact lenses based on your individual needs. 

I plan on asking for CooperVision contact lenses. Will I be charged for each lens while I'm trying them?
Opticians set the fees for the contact lenses that they sell. These fees are between the patient and the Optician only. Please have your Optician contact us regarding our policies.