Contact Lens Exams

 

Contact lenses are considered a medical device and can pose a risk to your eyes if they don't fit properly. Each brand of lenses fits differently on each individual's eyes, and this can change over time due to various factors such as health, dry eyes and aging. Therefore, it's necessary to see your eye doctor annually and have your lenses examined to renew your prescription and ensure the proper fit and usage.

Contact lenses come in a variety of types and styles, and each option has its own set of benefits and considerations:

  • These lenses are designed to be worn once and then discarded. Daily disposable lenses are convenient, easy to use, and require no cleaning or maintenance.

    Changing your lenses daily significantly reduces your risks of infection, eye irritation, dry eyes, allergies, and other common contact lens-related problems.

    When comparing a year supply, they typically cost more than other options, but they don’t require you to purchase the cleaning supplies that are required for other lenses.

  • These lenses are designed to be worn for up to a month or two weeks, respectively, regardless of how often you wore it, and then replaced with a new pair. These lenses must be cleaned, disinfected and stored overnight after each use.

  • Rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses are made from a rigid, oxygen-permeable material that allows for excellent vision clarity. RGP lenses are a good option for patients with astigmatism or other irregular corneal shapes. However, RGP lenses may take longer to get used to and are much less comfortable compared to soft lenses.

Understanding Presbyopia: Why Contacts Behave Differently After 40

As we age, our eyesight changes. Starting around 40-45 years old, we all require different prescriptions for both near and far vision. This condition is known as presbyopia. This means that after 40, the contacts you've been using for years may no longer work as well for up-close vision since they are meant to correct just far-away vision.

The simplest and most effective way to correct this type of vision is with progressive spectacle lenses. Or you may continue to wear contacts for far-away vision and wear reading glasses over the contacts. While there are other contact lens options available, they typically will not offer the same level of clarity as glasses.

The ultimate goal of these treatment options is to allow individuals to carry out 80-90% of their daily activities without the need for additional glasses. This means that people can enjoy activities such as reading, using their phones, and driving without needing to wear glasses the majority of the time.

  • These lenses have multiple prescriptions built into them, allowing patients with presbyopia to see clearly at near, intermediate, and far distances.

    Although these lens designs may cause a slight blur for distance vision, it can provide better comfort for computer use and ensure that both eyes are working together.

  • With this treatment, one eye is corrected for distance vision while the other eye is corrected for near vision. The brain learns to use the dominant eye for distance vision and the other eye for close-up vision.

    People who can adapt to this difference in vision between the eyes, typically experience better clarity for near and far vision compared to multifocal contacts. However, some people feel uncomfortable when their eyes are not working together. This can lead to difficulty with depth perception, which can affect daily activities such as driving or navigating stairs.

When choosing contact lenses, there are several factors to consider, including your prescription, lifestyle, and budget. It is important to consult with your optometrist to determine which type of contact lens is best for you. Your optometrist and their staff will also provide guidance on how to properly care for your contact lenses and minimize the risk of eye infections.

Contact lenses are a versatile and convenient option for vision correction, with a variety of options available to patients. By understanding the different types of contact lenses and consulting with your optometrist, you can find the right contact lenses to meet your unique needs and lifestyle.