Contact Lens Evaluations
Similar to wearing eyeglasses or obtaining laser eye surgery, contact lenses can better your vision if they are correctly selected for you. In almost all cases, we recommend eyewear for our patients but we know that they may still prefer the convenience and lightness of contact lenses. They can inherently provide a wider field of view than eyeglasses allow and can afford many patients an active lifestyle without having to worry about losing or breaking their eyewear. And if you were one of those patients that were told at some point that you couldn’t wear contact lenses, you would be surprised to discover how far contact lens technology has come since it’s introduction almost a hundred years ago. There’s pretty much a contact lens that is suitable for everyone nowadays! Your first step in finding the right pair of contact lens however, is a visit to Dr. Faye for an eye exam and contact lens fitting.
Similar to your comprehensive eye exam, Dr. Faye will evaluate your visual needs, your eye structure, and your tear development to help determine the best type of contact lens for you. The doctor will combine her findings with a few more additional eye measurements before recommending a few styles. Some key notes she’ll consider when picking your contact lens are:
- Contact Lens Material Type
- Contact Lens Material Lifespan
- Optical Design of the Contact Lens
- Typical Duration of Patient Wear
- Patient Occupation
Once she’s narrowed her choices to a few options, Dr. Faye will educate you on her selection and what to expect when wearing contact lenses. She’ll provide you with a week long trial lens set to try outside the office, and you’ll get a chance to see what they are like while in your normal setting. Be forewarned that what was thought to be your ideal contact lens fit in office, may turn out completely different in the “real” world! At any rate, you will be asked to return for follow-up visits to make sure the lenses continue to fit properly and remain comfortable after prolonged periods of wear.
Some of the more common issues patients should look for when wearing contacts are:
Blurry or Cloudy Vision – Typically occurs when patients are wearing dirty or damaged contact lenses. However, this could also mean the onset of some more serious cases like glaucoma, macular degeneration, or cataracts.
Red, Itchy Eyes – Typical occurs when contact lenses get dirty due to improper handling or cleaning. Everyday things like smoke, dust, pollen, or make-up can irritate the eyes. If not treated correctly, this could lead to conjunctivitis (pink eye).
Sensitivity to Light – Typically occurs when contact lenses are excessively worn and have created corneal ulcers or abrasions. This could also be a symptom or side effect of some medicines.
Dry Eyes – Typically occurs when incorrect contact lens material is chosen or if the patient suffers from dry eye syndrome.
If you experience any of the above, please do not hesitate to contact us right away for consult at Wanderlust Eyecare.