Contact Lenses
What Are Contact Lenses?
Contact lenses are thin, curved discs designed to rest on the surface of your eye to correct vision problems. They come in several varieties, including soft disposable lenses, rigid gas-permeable lenses and scleral lenses that offer crystal-clear vision. Soft disposable lenses come in versions that can be replaced daily, biweekly or monthly.
Modern contact lenses are made from advanced materials that allow oxygen to reach your eye while providing comfort throughout the day. Whether you need correction for nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, there’s likely a contact lens option available for you.
Do I Need a Prescription for Contact Lenses?
Yes, contact lenses are FDA-regulated medical devices that require a valid prescription to purchase or dispense. This regulation is important because it ensures that your contact lenses are properly fitted to your specific eye shape and vision needs.
An incorrect fit can cause discomfort and harm your eyes. Your prescription should be renewed once it’s expired through a contact lens exam to ensure your eyes remain healthy and the lenses continue to fit properly.
If you are interested in learning if contact lenses may be right for you, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor at Associated Eye Care. They will fully evaluate your eyes and vision to determine your vision correction options.
Contact Lens Candidacy
Most people who need vision correction can wear contact lenses successfully. However, your eye care provider will need to evaluate several factors to determine if contacts are right for you.
These factors include your vision prescription, ocular anatomy, eye health, lifestyle needs, and ability to care for the lenses properly. Some people may find that part-time wear better suits their lifestyle, while others might prefer full-time wear.
Your eye care provider can help determine the best option for your specific situation.
What is a Contact Lens Exam?
A contact lens exam is a specific eye exam that goes beyond a routine visit. During this exam, we will assess your vision with and without your current visual aids. If you are currently wearing contacts, we will test your vision to ensure you do not need an updated prescription.
We may perform what is called an “over-refraction,” which helps to determine if any prescription changes are needed. Your eye doctor will also examine the front of your eye to ensure the lenses fit properly.
Another important part of a contact lens exam is the evaluation of any changes in your corneal curvature from contact lens wear and reviewing your wearing schedule and care routine. This exam is essential for maintaining eye health and ensuring an optimal contact lenses fit while providing precise vision correction.
What Happens During a Contact Lens Fitting?
A contact lens fitting is a detailed process where your eye care provider determines the exact specifications needed for your contact lenses. The fitting includes careful measurement of your eye’s curvature, size, and other characteristics to ensure proper lens selection.
We will place diagnostic lenses on your eyes to evaluate the fit and vision quality. You’ll also be trained in the insertion, removal, and proper care of your lenses.
The fitting process includes follow-up visits over several months to ensure the lenses continue to perform well and that your eyes remain healthy.
Do you want to learn more about contact lenses or determine if they might be right for you? Schedule an appointment at Associated Eye Care today!
