1. Can everyone wear contact lenses?
Contact lenses are now available for just about any prescription however not everyone who wears eyeglasses can successfully wear contact lenses. Certain conditions such as dry eye, blepharitis, severe allergies, corneal disease or dystrophies may make contact lens wear a challenge or even unsafe. Even in the absence of these conditions, some people have sensitive corneas and are unable to adapt to contact lenses. A Doctor of Optometry can assess whether you are a good candidate for wearing contact lenses.
2. What happens during a contact lens fitting?
If you want to wear contact lenses, you will need a separate prescription which is often different than your eyeglass prescription. During a contact lens fitting your Doctor of Optometry will determine the prescription required to correct your refractive error such as nearsightedness, and tests will be performed to assess your eye health. Further information will be collected in order to determine the best contact lens shape and material to fit your eyes. You may also be asked questions about your work and hobbies in order to better understand which contact lens would best fit your lifestyle. Your contact lens fitting will also provide instruction regarding insertion and removal as well as care and handling tips. A poorly fitted contact lens can lead to visual distortion, discomfort, inflammation, infection and potentially permanent damage.
3. I have astigmatism. Can I wear contact lenses?
Yes, there are excellent options available. Contact lenses that correct for astigmatism are called toric lenses. They have a more complex design with two different powers in the lens to correct the unique shape of your cornea.
4. I wear bifocals. Can I wear contact lenses?
Yes, new technology has produced multifocal lenses which are designed to allow for better distance, intermediate, and near vision than ever before while wearing contact lenses
5. Can kids wear contact lenses?
Yes, kids can wear contact lenses. There is no set rule about when a patient becomes old enough to wear contact lenses for the first time, but is a decision to be made between your Doctor of Optometry, the parent and patient, when all mutually decide when or if the child is mature enough to manage the responsibility. With how simple daily disposable contact lenses are to wear and care for, and the great range of prescriptions they are now available in, they are a great option for kids.
6. Can my contact lens become lost behind my eye?
No it cannot as there is a thin, continuous tissue that lines both the eyeball and eyelid, forming a pocket of sorts at its upper limit under your top eyelid. This means that a contact lens that dislodges from the front surface of your eye cannot go far. If you have difficulty in retrieving a dislodged lens in your eye it is always advisable to contact your Doctor of Optometry for instructions.
If you want to try contact lenses for the first time, or if you already wear contact lenses and want to see what's new in contact lenses for your prescription, call or email our office today for a contact lens fitting appointment.