Contact
Lens Care
We evaluate and prescribe all types of contact lenses. Our comprehensive
services include: initial evaluation, fitting, lens care and handling
instructions, follow-up care, and continuing professional care. We carry
hundreds of lenses in-office, including soft, gas permeable (daily &
extended wear), planned replacement, disposable, tinted, astigmatism,
and bifocal lenses, and can replace many lenses the same day. We can modify
lenses in-office when needed. The doctors have over 50 years combined
experience fitting contact lenses. New techniques and materials allow
many previously unsuccessful patients to now wear contact lenses.
The
2 Major Materials
Soft Contact Lenses are made from a gel-like plastic that contains approximately
38-79% water. They offer initial comfort and have a typical life of 12-18
months with proper care. Soft contacts range from disposable lenses, replaced
every day, every two weeks, every month, or every few months, to daily
wear lenses that are replaced when they wear out. They are often the vision
correction of choice for active sports, as they are very stable in the
eyes.
Rigid Gas Permeable Lenses, or RGP’s, are also known as oxygen permeable lenses. RGP’s are made of a durable plastic that allows oxygen to pass through it. They offer excellent vision and eye health, and because they don’t contain water, they resist deposits and cannot harbor bacteria inside the lens. They often retard teenagers nearsightedness progression. Most RGP lenses are custom made for an individual patient.
How
contact lenses are made?
While the two major types of contact lens materials are considerably different,
the manufacturing process is similar. Most contact lenses begin the manufacturing
process as a blank or button of a consistent size and shape suitable for
the computerized lathes used during the initial cutting process. Most
soft lenses are mass produced in stock sizes, and are immediately available
in many cases. RGP lenses, however, are usually individually made to each
prescription. Because they are custom made, RGP lenses are usually only
available from an eye care professional, and may take longer to order
than stock soft lenses. We stock both soft and rigid lenses in many prescriptions.
The
Comfort & Wear Factor
Soft lenses are initially more comfortable, but are replaced regularly.
RGP’s often require a slightly longer adaptation period, but most
patients achieve good comfort. RGP lenses, when properly cared for, can
typically last five years or more.
Professional
Fitting is Required
The fitting properties of a lens are determined by several factors, including
lens curvature, diameter, and power. The all-important factor is that
the lenses must fit well enough to center properly, but not so tightly
as to prevent an adequate oxygen supply to the cornea. Considerable professional
judgment is required for proper contact lens fitting and the related follow-up
care. The health of the eyes, tear flow, and eyesight all must be evaluated.
Frequently, the lenses must be worn a few weeks to determine if the oxygen
supply is sufficient and the eye is adapting properly. Follow-up evaluations
are critical to the long-term health of your eyes and can only be made
by a trained professional. The contact lens prescription is not finalized
until after these evaluations have occurred. Also, just like a prescription
for medication, a contact lens prescription has an expiration date. In
order to renew it, we must check to ensure the lenses are still fitting
properly, that you can see well, and that good eye health is being maintained.
(You may not know if a problem is developing. We want to catch small problems
before they become big ones.)
Care
& Handling
If cared for properly, both soft lenses and RGP’s require about
the same amount of care. Except for extended wear patients, all lens wearers
should clean their lenses daily with the appropriate daily cleaner, and
change the solution in the case prior to soaking overnight. Many soft
lenses and some RGP’s require a weekly cleaning with an enzymatic
cleaner, too. We can provide many solutions at a low cost. It is essential
that all lens wearers follow the instructions they were given by the assistants
and doctor concerning the care of their lenses. Like any medical device,
contact lenses must be monitored on a regular basis. This is to ensure
that your corneas are healthy and the lenses are fitting properly. Always
remember that routine eye examinations and scheduled follow-up appointments
with the doctor are essential for maintaining proper eye health.
About
oxygen transmission
Contact lenses transmit oxygen to the cornea. This is important from an
eye health standpoint, because the cornea is the only external tissue
in your body that must derive its oxygen supply directly from the air.
Based upon the amount transmitted, lenses are approved for various degrees
of wearing time. Rigid lenses usually pass as much and sometimes much
more oxygen than soft lenses.
Four Elements needed for Success
1. Motivation
Your desire to wear the contact lenses and your willingness to go through the normal adaptation period. The more motivated the patient, the better our chance of success.
2. The Right Type Eyes
Naturally, your eyes must have the proper physical characteristics in terms of corneal shape and lens prescription. All patients are carefully evaluated before contact lenses are recommended. New lens designs allow more people than ever
to be successful wearers, including people who may have previously been unable to wear them.
3. A Good Fit
Simply put, a good fit is dependent upon the clinical expertise of your doctor.
4. Your cooperation
You must adhere to the prescribed wearing schedules, lens handling techniques, and cleaning procedures, and keep your follow-up appointments with us.
Low
prices can be misleading
Quotes can be confusing, because several elements are involved in complete
contact lens care. People who perceive buying contacts as just the purchase
of a pair of lenses, fail to recognize the medical importance of specialized
eyecare. When you get contact lenses, you should have a professional eye
examination before the fitting, as well as follow-up care after the lenses
have been worn. Contact lenses are a medical device, not just a commodity.
Since misuse can lead to severe eye problems, your most important consideration
should be receiving quality care, not finding the lowest price. Your level
of success and satisfaction with contact lenses will be determined by
the skill and expertise of your eye doctor, your following his instructions,
and your obtaining regular check-ups. Do not sacrifice professional care
and service for a bargain price.
Your
doctor’s judgment is more important than lens brand
Patients frequently ask about certain well known brands because they are
highly advertised and enjoy a good reputation. Please be advised that
there are many excellent quality contact lenses on the market today for
a variety of vision problems. Our job is to know which kind is going to
work in your particular case. After examining you and evaluating such
things as your lens prescription, the shape and size of your corneas,
and your visual needs, we will be able to recommend the type of contacts
that are best for you. Our office provides specialized contact lens care.
Your eyesight is precious. Let us help you maintain it.
| Contact Lenses |
| Acuvue |
| Bausch & Lomb |
| Ciba |
| Boston |
| Lifestyle bifocal contacts |
| Alcon solutions |
Return to the top of the page.