Contact Lens Exams
Why You Need Annual Contact Lens Exams
Contact lenses are medical devices that can hurt your eyes if they don't fit right. Each brand fits differently on each person's eyes, and this can change over time due to health changes, dry eyes, and aging.
You need to see your eye doctor every year to renew your prescription and make sure your lenses still fit properly and are safe to use.
Types of Contact Lenses
Contact lenses come in different types, and each has its own benefits:
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These lenses are worn once, then thrown away. Daily lenses are convenient and easy to use with no cleaning needed.
Benefits:
Lower risk of infections, eye irritation, dry eyes, and allergies
No cleaning supplies needed
Always have a fresh, clean lens
Most convenient option
Drawbacks:
Higher yearly cost than other options
Cost: They typically cost more per year than other options, but you don't need to buy cleaning supplies.
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These lenses are worn for up to a month or two weeks, then replaced. You must clean, disinfect, and store them overnight after each use.
Benefits:
Lower yearly cost than dailies
Good for regular lens wearers
Drawbacks:
Must clean and store daily
Higher infection risk than dailies
Need to buy cleaning supplies
Can build up deposits over time
Cost: Lower yearly cost than dailies, but you need to buy cleaning solutions and cases.
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RGP lenses are made from a hard, breathable material that gives excellent vision clarity. They work well for people with astigmatism or irregular cornea shapes.
Benefits:
Clear vision, especially for people with high astigmatism or irregular corneas
Drawbacks:
Take longer to get used to
Much less comfortable than soft lenses
Can pop out more easily
Understanding Presbyopia: Vision Changes After Age 40
Starting around age 40-45, everyone's vision changes. You'll need different prescriptions for near and far vision. This condition is called presbyopia.
This means the contacts you've used for years may no longer work well for close-up vision, since they only correct distance vision.
Best solutions for clarity:
Progressive glasses - The simplest and most effective option
Contacts plus reading glasses - Wear contacts for distance and reading glasses over them when needed
While there are contact lens options for presbyopia, they typically won't give you the same clear vision as glasses. The goal is to handle 80-90% of daily activities without extra glasses - like reading, using your phone, and driving.
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These lenses have multiple prescriptions built in, so you can see clearly at near, medium, and far distances.
Benefits:
Better for computer use
Both eyes work together
Drawbacks:
May cause slight blur for distance vision
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One eye is corrected for distance vision, the other for near vision. Your brain learns to use each eye for different tasks.
Benefits:
People who adapt usually get better clarity than with multifocal contacts
Drawbacks:
Some people feel uncomfortable when eyes aren't working together
Can affect depth perception
May make driving or using stairs more difficult
Choosing the Right Contacts
When picking contact lenses, consider:
Your prescription
Your lifestyle
Your budget
Important: Talk to your optometrist to find the best type for you. We'll also teach you how to properly care for your lenses and prevent eye infections.
Ready to Get Started?
Contact lenses offer a convenient way to correct your vision with many options available. By understanding the different types and working with your optometrist, you can find the right contacts for your needs and lifestyle.
Schedule your contact lens exam today to find the perfect fit for your eyes and lifestyle.
