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Our
practice can fit all types of contact lenses, including specialty lenses for those with astigmatism,
bifocals, and hard to fit patients. With our thorough evaluation we can
determine which contact lens is best for your visual needs.
If you're
interested in wearing contacts, we will be happy
to provide a contact lens evaluation at the time of your exam. A contact
evaluation involves tests and procedures beyond those performed during a
standard comprehensive eye examination. These specialized tests and
procedures will allow us to determine if your eyes are suited for lens
wear. Your eye and general health will be evaluated for any conditions
which may not allow for safe lens wear.
After the contact lens evaluation, a contact lens fitting will
determine the type and measurements of the most suitable contact lens
for you. Our goal is to find the best possible fit to ensure optimum
vision, comfort and safety with your new contact lenses. A series of
important follow-up visits have been designed to maintain continuous eye
health, accurate contact lens fit and optimum visual acuity. During
these visits, any necessary lens changes or prescription changes are
advised.
What
types of contact lenses are available?
 Contact
lenses are generally categorized as "hard" lenses or
"soft" lenses. As the name implies, hard contact lenses are
manufactured from a rigid, clear material. Originally, hard
contacts were made from polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), but modern hard
lenses usually combine PMMA with other plastics to increase the oxygen
permeability for better eye health. These new hard lenses are
called rigid gas permeable (RGP) contacts. Soft contact lenses are
made from a plastic hydrogel polymer, hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA)
and have a high water content for added comfort.
In
addition to being categorized as either "hard" or
"soft," contact lenses may also be identified by their
"wearing" characteristics (extended wear, daily wear,
disposable, etc.) and according to the type of prescription (toric,
aspheric, bifocal, etc.). The following descriptions are those generally
used by the ophthalmic community in describing the various types of
contacts lenses.
 Daily
wear soft lenses
These lenses are made of flexible, soft plastics that allow oxygen to
pass through to the eye. They are easy to get used to and comfortable to
wear. Because they fit close to the eye and are more difficult to
dislodge, they are often recommended for sports. They won't work to
correct all vision problems and may not provide the sharp vision
required by some wearers. They also require daily removal and cleaning.
Disposable
soft lenses
Disposable soft lenses are normally worn for one or two weeks and then
discarded. Disposable
soft contact lenses in general are a healthier lens choice when compared
to conventional daily wear lenses. Disposable lenses virtually eliminate
the experience of gradual deterioration, discomfort, irritation, or eye
infections from contact lens use. With disposables, you will always
experience fresh contact lenses. Not only are these lenses more
comfortable, they are more convenient and quite cost effective. They are easy to get used to and comfortable to wear. Because
they fit close to the eye and are more difficult to dislodge, they are
often recommended for sports. They won't work to correct all vision
problems and may not provide the sharp vision required by some wearers.
They also require daily removal and cleaning, but they require less
cleaning than daily wear soft lenses.
Daily
wear disposable soft lenses
One day disposable contact lenses are the most exciting development
to occur in soft lenses in the last few years. Recent studies have shown
that the newer one day contact lenses are the safest soft contact lens
offered. It is the simplest soft contact lens solution - wear for one
day and throw them away. This is the best modality for patients who are
sensitive to solutions, wear lenses only for special activities such as
sports, have a history of contact lens infections or anyone that wants
the healthiest soft contact lenses. Wearing one day lenses cuts out the
average cost of $130 a year spent on cleaning supplies for soft contact
lenses.
Planned
replacement soft lenses
These contact lenses are replaced on a planned schedule, usually every
two weeks, monthly, or quarterly. They are available for most
prescriptions and require minimal care because they are frequently
replaced.
Extended-wear
lenses
Either soft or RGP lenses, these can usually be worn for up to 7 days
without removal. Because of the continuous wear, more frequent visits to
the eye doctor for follow-up care may be required.
Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lenses
(RGP's)
RGP's are one of the healthiest contact lenses available because they
allow for the passage of oxygen and carbon dioxide through the contact
lens, hence the term gas permeable. RGP's are custom made for each eye
and have the added benefits of lasting sometimes 2-3 years and providing
the clearest vision possible.
Daily
wear rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses
RGP lenses are manufactured from slightly flexible plastics that allow
oxygen to pass through. These lenses may provide sharper vision than
soft lenses and can be used to correct most vision problems. They are
also more durable and easier to care for, but often require a longer
adaptation period.
Spherical
contact lenses
Soft or hard contact lens that contain a single prescription power.
Aspheric
contact lenses
Premium contact lenses for borderline astigmatic patients and for those
who are just beginning to develop presbyopia.
Toric
contact lenses
Soft or hard contact lenses that contain both a spherical and cylinder
component to correct prescriptions that have astigmatism. These lenses
may be thicker in one area than another in order to maintain correct
orientation on the eye.
Bifocal
contact lenses
Like bifocal eyeglasses, bifocal contact lenses are designed to provide
sharp vision up close and at a distance. Several different designs are
available depending on the specific needs and adaptability of the
patient.
Monovision
contact lenses
A term sometimes used in a special contact lens fitting technique that
is an alternative to bifocal contacts. Using this technique, the eye
doctor fits a near vision contact for reading in one eye and a distance
vision contact in the other. The technique is very effective for some
patients, but does require some adaptation and sometimes results in
compromised depth perception.
For more
information on contacts see Consumer Guide to Contact Lenses - AllAboutVision.com
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