Frequently asked questions
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Listed below are the most frequently asked questions. If you do not find the answer you a looking for please ring our freephone number 00800 6666 4444 from 09.00 - 19.00, Monday to Sunday with any questions you may have.
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How do I pay? |
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When you order you can select your method of payment. The most common method is by credit card. |
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What are LensWay's terms and conditions of purchase? |
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We always send our consignments by first class mail to ensure the fastest possible delivery. How fast we can deliver your products depend on what products you order. You can find the estimated date of delivery for your specific order by clicking the "Date of delivery" button before ordering. You can also find your estimated date of delivery on the order confirmation that will be sent to you by e-mail.
You may return unopened and unmarked items within 14 days of delivery. Always contact our customer services before returning goods. |
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Why do some contact lenses have small holes in them or cracks at the edges when blister packs are opened? |
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Modern lenses are mass-produced products, production and quality control is often automated. A lens with small defects may occasionally slip through. If this happens, you should always contact us so that we can notify the manufacturer. You will need to return the lens to us. All manufacturers strive to improve their quality, and your views are very appreciated.
According to the manufacturers, it is unfortunately not unusual for customers to attempt to complain about lenses that they themselves have damaged. A lens is sometimes trapped or cut apart in the lens case or by the finger nails. By examining the position of the damage on the lens, it is often possible for the manufacturer to arrive at a conclusion as to how it was damaged. |
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How does LensWay's confidentiality policy work? |
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LensWay adheres strictly to the Personal Information Act. According to this Act, you must give your consent for us to process and save details about you in our database. By purchasing your contact lenses from LensWay, you acknowledge this consent. All personal details, including your birth date, which you give us or of which we are made aware when you register as a purchaser or visit our home page, will be processed by LensWay in its capacity as the party responsible for personal details. The information will be used to enable us, in conjunction with purchases, to discharge our obligations to you, to conduct credit checks and for marketing purposes. LensWay will never permit a third party to use your personal details for marketing purposes. You have the right, on request, to see the personal details about you that are registered. If they are incorrect, incomplete or irrelevant, you have the right to request that the details be corrected or deleted. |
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Can I order even if I am in another country? |
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Yes. Go to www.lensway.com and choose the country from which you wish to order. |
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What should I do if I wish to return something to LensWay? |
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If you wish to return goods you must contact our customer support for further instructions. You may return unopened and unmarked items within 14 days of delivery. |
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How does LensWay use cookies? |
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What is a cookie? We use cookies on our Web site. A cookie is a small text file that is stored on your computer and contains information. Cookies can be divided technically into two types. One type saves a file permanently on your computer. Cookies of this type are used to produce a "one-off performance", for example if we want to inform you about something once, and avoid showing you this information again the next time you visit our Web site. The other type of cookies are called session cookies. Whenever you visit our web site, this cookie will be sent between your computer and the server to enable us to link to information, for example the language that you have selected. Session cookies are not stored permanently on your computer, they disappear when you close your browser.
Purpose of cookies. All cookies used on LensWay's home page, regardless of their type, are used to simplify your experience as a user, and not to store information, to record your behaviour or for any other purpose that could threaten your integrity or security. For example, we may store information on your computer via a cookie (type 1) for settings that you have entered with us in order to personalize and simplify your usage of our site. It is also worth noting that the storage of information via cookies means that it is not stored at LensWay, unless this has been expressly stated or approved.
If you turn off your cookies. Apart from the reason given above for session cookies (type 2), these are also required to enable us to provide a coherent, safe and fault-tolerant web site with the opportunity for personalization and logging-in, instead of just a number of loosely connected pages. If you turn off your cookies, we cannot guarantee that our services will function and it will not be possible to log in on the LensWay site. In order to prevent cookies, you can turn them off in the settings of your Web browser. Go to the respective browser supplier's home page for instructions about how to turn off cookies. |
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How come LensWay can offer better prices than my optician? |
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LensWay handles far greater volumes of contact lenses than your local optician. We have lower costs and can focus solely on contact lenses.
Large volumes Eye care practitioners meet only a few contact lens wearers every day and need to hold onto their orders for a couple of days or even weeks before ordering, in order to qualify for volume discounts from distributors. That is probably why their delivery times are longer than ours. At LensWay we do not wait for you to order your lenses - we already have them in stock.
Low costs Eye care practitioners have a high margin on contact lenses in order to cover other costs, such as rent, staff and stock of spectacles. We do not have any shops and do not have to cover any other costs with our prices, because we have one single focus - contact lenses.
Focus on contact lenses We are a contact lens company. We do not sell spectacles, skin care products or anything else. We are focused on having the largest possible stock of contact lenses available when you place your order. We want to offer the fastest, simplest and most conveient way of obtaining contact lenses. |
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Why should I order my contact lenses from LensWay? |
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LensWay always offers the most convenient way to obtain contact lenses. We have the fastest deliveries on the market, great prices and an award-winning customer support. |
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Can I be sure that I will receive original products when I order from LensWay? |
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Yes, we only sell original products from well known manufacturors. European law constitutes that medical products, such as contact lenses, must always be identical, regardless of who you buy it from. This means that you can be certain that the contact lenses that you receive from LensWay will always are identical to those that you receive from your optician - and that the service will be cheaper, faster and simpler. |
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How much can I save by choosing LensWay? |
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How much you save depends entirely on what lens you wear and on where you buy your lenses today. We always keep our prices as low as possible. You will also save a lot of time by choosing LensWay. |
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What does axis mean? |
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An axis (often abbreviated to AX) is one of the values or measurements used to describe toric lenses. Toric lenses are used to correct astigmatism, a condition marked by unevenness of the cornea. |
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Where can I find my parameters? |
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You can find your parameters on the paper copy of your prescription, or on the box containing your lenses. You will find details of the power/strength/sphere (SPH), base curve (BC) and diameter (DIA). If you have astigmatism you will also find an axis (AX or AXIS) and cylinder (CYL). If you use bifocal, multifocal or progressive lenses, you will find the extra strength or "add power". The brand name you were prescribed will also be described. If in doubt, please contact us. |
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What does extra strength or add mean? |
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Add power describes the difference in strength between the focal fields in multifocal and bifocal lenses. |
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What does base curve, BC or radius mean? |
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The base curve or radius (often abbreviated to BC) describes the curvature of the lens. |
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What does diameter mean? |
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The diameter (often abbreviated to DIA) is the size of the lens measured from edge to edge. |
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What does cylinder mean? |
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Cylinder (often abbreviated to CYL) is one of the values or measurements used to describe toric lenses. Toric lenses are used to correct astigmatism, a condition marked by unevenness of the cornea. |
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What is the difference between Purevision and Air Optix Night & Day Aqua? |
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Both PureVision and Air Optix Night & Day Aqua are so-called silicon hydrogel lenses and are approved for wearing while sleeping for up to 30 days, although they are manufactured from different materials. Air Optix Night & Day Aqua lets far more oxygen through and has lower moisture content. Air Optix Night & Day Aqua has a smaller diameter and 2 base curves (radii), while PureVision only has one single base curve. The surface treatments on the lenses are also different. You cannot simply switch between these lenses, and they must be tried out individually. Several other lenses are approved for wearing while sleeping, although most for only up to 6 nights. The majority of opticians now only recommend silicon hydrogel lenses for all-day use, because they are so much safer than older types of all-day lenses. |
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What are toric lenses? |
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Toric lenses correct a type of diffraction error known as astigmatism. |
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How do progressive and bifocal lenses work? |
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The most common progressive lenses have a gradually stronger power towards the centre. This enables clear vision at both long and short distances, so-called simultaneous vision. Bifocal lenses also provide simultaneous vision. They have different zones in the central part of the lens for vision at long and short distances. |
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Why should I wear extended wear contact lenses? |
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When using extended wear lenses you do not have to remove, clean or handle your lenses every day. Since the material in extended wear lenses admits extra oxygen to the eye (cornea) you can keep them in your eyes for longer time periods. If you wish to change to extended wear contacts you must consult a qualified eye care practitioner. |
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Why are toric lenses with colour not available? |
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Coloured toric lenses are available (although not in LensWay's range), but they are not very common. Since the demand is not very high most contact lens manufacturers have concluded that it is too expensive to produce coloured toric lenses. |
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Which lens solution is best for my lenses? |
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We recommend that you follow your prescription, which also covers the choice of lens fluid.
The lens fluids in our range are suitable for all soft contact lenses and can be used for both washing and cleaning the lenses.
Certain chains of opticians sell lens fluid under their own brands. If you cannot find the fluid that you are using today, contact our customer services so that we can tell you the fluid to which it corresponds.
You can read more about lens fluids on the appropriate product information page. |
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Which coloured lenses will work for me? |
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The type of coloured lenses you should wear depends on your natural eye colour and the result you desire. People with naturally light eyes get the best results by using a lens that enhances their natural eye colour. People with naturally dark eyes get the best results by using opaque coloured lenses, so that their natural colour doesn't show through and overpower the new colour. For optimal results, consult an optician. If you need prescription lenses, you will need to obtain a new prescription before you can order coloured lenses. |
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Is Acuvue a monthly lens or a 2-week lens? |
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Acuvue can be prescribed either as a 2-week lens or as a monthly lens. Always follow your optician's instructions and replacement schedule. |
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Will I still need to go for check-ups at my optician's? |
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Yes. Since your eyes are constantly changing we recommend that you have your eyes examined by a qualified eye care practitioner at least once a year. |
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What is the difference between an eyesight test for a contact lens wearer and a spectacle wearer? |
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When examining the eyes of a contact lens wearer, the optician will examine the eyes with a so-called split lamp and make sure that the power of the lenses is correct. The optician will verify that there are no signs of side-effects such as lack of oxygen, chafing, irritated eyelids, excessive reddening of the eyes or vascular invasion. The optician will also look for signs of eye disease such as cataracts and glaucoma, etc. Various side-effects of contact lenses are quite common. It is important that these are discovered in time so that the fit can be changed as required and the customer can be given advice to avoid that the problem develops into a serious condition. Contact lens wearers tend to handle their lenses carefully initially, but often become less conscientious after some time. The eye examination provides a good opportunity to update your handling procedures. Contact lens technology is developing rapidly, your optician can keep you up to date if a new innovation that suits your particular needs appears on the market. |
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Do I need to send in my prescription to purchase from LensWay? |
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To order from LensWay you must have a contact lens prescription from an optician, but you do not need to send anything to us. You simply confirm that you have a prescription when you order your lenses. |
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Is it possible to have an eye examination for contact lenses or an eyesight test at an optician's without purchasing lenses? |
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Yes. You choose when you want to buy contact lenses. You can always have an examination at your optician and obtain a copy of your records, where all prescriptions and parameters must be noted. Then you can purchase your contact lenses from LensWay. |
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What can happen if I order lenses for which I do not have a prescription? |
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You must never take the risk of ordering a lens that has not been prescribed for you. It may cause irreparable harm to your eyes, but the most likely outcome is that the lens will not feel at all right and that you simply will not be able to wear it. (See LensWay's terms and conditions of purchase). When purchasing from LensWay you confirm that you have been prescribed the contact lenses you order by a qualified eye care practitioner, therefore we do not take responsibility if you order a lens that has not been prescribed for you. |
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Why is it important to have an eyesight test every year? |
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Your eyes are constantly changing which means that your contact lens parameters may need to be altered. Your optician will also ensure that your eyes are still healthy. |
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If I have dry and sensitive eyes, what type of lens will my optician try? |
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There can be many reasons for dry eyes, and you will often need to try out different types to find a good solution. Sometimes changing your contact lens solution or changing to a contact lens with lower fluid content can help. The lenses that usually work best for dry eyes are the new silicon hydrogel lenses, for example Focus Night & Day or PureVision. |
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I have never worn contact lenses. What should I do? |
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If you have never worn contact lenses before you must have an optician examine your eyes. The optician will recommend the lens that suits you and your needs best. You can also learn how to clean and handle your lenses properly. Once you have a prescription for contact lenses you can order them from LensWay. |
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What are the risks if you wear a monthly lens for longer than a month, or a daily lens for longer than a day? |
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Wearing contact lenses for a longer time period than the intended is not to recommend. The period of use is set to ensure that the majority of users will not notice any significant deterioration in comfort or visual acuity. When contact lenses are worn for a longer period than the recommended the health risks increase. The biggest advantage with daily lenses is that you do not have to clean them. If you start wearing them more than once they must be cleaned and disinfected. Without proper cleaning they can harm your eyes. |
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My eyes become irritated when I wear contact lenses. What should I do? |
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First check that you are wearing lenses that conform to your prescription, and that the lenses are not defective. Contact our customer services if you have any questions. If you have problems, stop wearing the lenses and consult your optician. |
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Can I purchase coloured lenses without having an eye examination by an optician? |
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Yes, you can order coloured lenses without power even if you do not have a prescription. However, we are unable to guarantee the colour result or the fit, and we recommend that you first try the lens out with an optician. The optician will also show you how to care for and handle your lenses in the right way. |
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Which bacteria, fungi and amoebae colonize lenses, and what can they do? |
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Many different microorganisms are capable of producing side-effects in conjunction with contact lenses. The most serious side-effect is infection in the cornea. If bacteria are present on the lens, this need not mean that you will get an infection, although the risk will increase. Bacteria on the lenses can also cause inflammation in the eye. That is why it is always important to ensure good hygiene and to follow the cleaning and disinfection instructions closely. With the fewest possible bacteria on the lenses and in the storage case, the risks of infections and inflammations will reduce.
The Pseudomonas bacterium, for example, is capable of producing severe infections, which in the worst case can lead to serious visual impairment. Fungi (e.g. Candida) rarely cause infections in the cornea, unless the individual is already in a poor general state of health or has an immune system deficiency. However, they can grow on the lens and destroy it. Mould fungus also occurs when the lenses have been left standing too long in a fluid without preservative. The most feared and treatment-resistant infection is caused by Acanthamoeba. This is a single-celled organism that occurs naturally in the soil, water, etc. It is a very rare infection, but it is highly resistant to treatment and almost always leads to visual impairment or even blindness. |
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For how many hours can I wear my contact lenses without taking them out? |
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How long you can wear your contacts varies depending on the type of lens and your individual circumstances. The new silicon hydrogel lenses, for example Focus Night & Day and PureVision, can usually be worn for the entire day without any problems, they are also approved for wear while sleeping. Other soft lenses often give red eyes or dryness problems towards the evening, and you will usually have to take them out earlier in the evening, perhaps after only 10-12 hours. The period of wear can be extended with the help of moisture drops such as Blink. |
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Can a lens be harmful in any way if it feels good to wear (though it has not been prescribed for me)? |
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You must never take the risk of ordering a lens that has not been prescribed for you. It may cause irreparable harm to your eyes, but the most likely outcome is that the lens will not feel at all right and that you simply will not be able to wear it. (See LensWay's terms and conditions of purchase). A contact lens can harm your eyes even if it feels good. |
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What can happen if I fall alseep with my contact lenses in place? |
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People often sleep in lenses that are not intended for that purpose. That severely increases the risks of infection and other problems. If you do this often, you will place a heavy load on the eye, which can lead to long term damage. If you sleep with a lens in your eye the occasional night, the risks of serious consequences are not particularly high, although you will often experience discomfort on waking. |
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