  |
TO ORDER CONTACTS, CLICK
HERE
Why wear contacts?
Contact lenses are a popular alternative to eyeglasses. Many people
use contacts for cosmetic reasons, while others use them for
convenience and recreational purposes. Contact lenses are available
in virtually all prescription types, including astigmatism and
bifocals. Contacts frequently have
distinct advantages over glasses, especially in high prescriptions.
Peripheral vision is increased with contacts compared to glasses,
which is important in such activities as driving a car or playing
sports. Also, there is a more normal image size when using
contacts, which keeps vision from becoming distorted with thick
glasses. Have you ever looked at someone who was wearing a high
prescription and their eyes appear very small or very large? This
smaller, or larger, image size is apparent to you and the
person on the other side of those glasses. Contact lenses in these
cases can be a better choice both cosmetically and visually.
Important information about contacts:
Contact
lenses are medical devices that require ongoing care. They are
foreign bodies that are worn on the eye and must be cared for in the
proper manner in order to avoid serious complications. When
contacts are worn and cleaned as instructed by your doctor, the
risks to your eye health and vision are low, but not zero.
Environmental factors, non-compliance, over-wear, and individual
differences can affect the success of your contact lens experience.
Keep in mind that eye infections can occur even in the healthiest of
eyes, and wearing contact lenses increases those chances. This
is why it is imperative to have a pair of glasses in your current
prescription to wear when you are unable to use your contacts.
Contact lens examination
A contact
lens exam is done only after your annual eye health exam. If you
are interested in contact lenses and your eyes are healthy, chances
are good that there is a contact lens out there that can meet your
needs. After selecting the proper contact lens to fit your
lifestyle, we check your vision and the fit of the lenses in order
to ensure minimal risk of complications. In most cases, diagnostic
(or trial) lenses are used at the first visit so that you may try
the contacts before purchasing a supply. If the lenses appear
satisfactory, you will be trained in inserting and removing them
from your eyes, and also how to care for them.
Usually, a
contact lens follow-up appointment is necessary in order to
finalize your prescription. Your failure to return to the office as
instructed may result in additional charges. At the follow-up
visit, the contacts will be rechecked to ensure that your vision is
acceptable and the lenses are clean. If you or the doctor notice
any problems, the prescription may be adjusted or a different type
of contact lens selected. If all is well, a prescription will be
issued and you will be offered the opportunity to purchase up to a
one-year supply of contacts through our office. Our prices are
competitive and we are happy to provide these services allowing you
to get your lenses from a doctor you trust. However, you do have
the option to take your prescription elsewhere.
Contact
lens prescriptions expire after one year. Contact lens fitting and
evaluation must be renewed annually in order to maintain your eye
health and vision. These fees are separate from your annual eye
health exam fees. Also, complications that may arise from contact
lens wear are not included in the contact lens fitting fees.
Types of Contact Lenses
-
Disposable lenses
these are contacts that are designed to be thrown away every 2
weeks to 1 month. These are the most popular lenses by far
because of the convenience of having extra lenses, the reasonable
cost and the health benefits of frequently replacing lenses.
Daily disposable lenses are also available: no cleaning required,
just throw them away at the end of the day.
-
Silicone Hydrogel
lenses these lenses are also disposables and are made up
of a highly breathable material allowing more oxygen to get to the
eye. These lenses help prevent the eyes from feeling dry and the
chance for infections is much less. Because these lenses are so
porous, many people are able to sleep in the lenses without
complications.
-
Colored Contacts
whether you want to change the color of your eyes completely, or
just highlight your true eye color, these lenses can do the
trick. You can use them on a daily basis, or just when you want
to have some fun.
-
Toric lenses (for
astigmatism) in the past, many people were told that
they could not wear contacts because of their astigmatism. This
is not the case today. There are many different contacts
available that can correct small and large amounts of astigmatism.
-
Bifocal/Multifocal
lenses this type of lens does not work quite the same as
bifocal or progressive glasses. It uses a simultaneous vision
design so that you can see both distance and near without having
to move your eyes up or down.
-
Rigid Gas Permeable
(RGPs) although the majority of todays contact lens
wearers use soft contact lenses, RGPs continue to be a first
choice lens for certain patients. They offer superb optical
clarity and have advantages over soft contact lenses when
correcting an astigmatic or bifocal prescription.
|
