Thanks to the wide variety of convenient options available, almost anyone can wear prescription contact lenses. If you do not want to wear glasses or go through corrective surgery, then you can consider contact lenses. Prescription contacts are special lenses that rest directly on the surface of your eyes to correct vision.
Prescription contacts are available at Carmi Eye Care in Carmi and the surrounding area. Our team will help you decide if contact lenses are the right choice for your lifestyle and vision needs. If so, we will go over the proper care and how to adjust to wearing contact lenses daily.
Call Carmi Eye Care at 618-374-0513 if you want more information about prescription contacts and to schedule an appointment.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology states that contact lenses are small prescription lenses worn directly on the top layer of the eye to correct certain vision problems and maintain eye health. While contacts are much more than small eyeglass lenses that fit on the eyes, they do function much like regular glasses. However, contact lenses adhere to the eyes' surface and move in tandem with the eyes.
Prescription lenses come in different forms, all designed to correct various vision issues. Options are based on how often you change the contacts, whether the lenses are for nearsightedness, and more. Toric lenses help correct astigmatism, while spherical lenses help correct nearsightedness or farsightedness. Additional lens options exist for monovision, bifocals, and multifocals.
Prescription contacts offer several benefits. Prescription contacts provide predictable vision correction, eliminate the need to wear glasses 24/7, provide better side vision than eyeglasses, and are easier to wear during sports.
Patients interested in wearing contacts will need an examination from our optometrist. During a contact lens exam, we will measure the condition of the patient's eyesight, the strength of their vision, and more. In some cases, this exam may take longer than a typical eye appointment. This is a thorough exam that involves several steps.
During the exam, our team will first determine if the patient's eyes are healthy enough to wear contacts. Since prescription contacts touch the eyes, we must determine the patient's eyes are healthy before they can try wearing contact lenses. With precise measurements, our team will be able to find the right contacts that fit comfortably on the eyes. If a patient is new to wearing contacts, we will teach them how to care for the lenses, along with placing and removing them from the eyes.
The Mayo Clinic states that there are two major groups of contacts, soft contacts and rigid gas permeable contacts. Soft contacts are extremely thin and are made mostly of water. Rigid gas permeable contact lenses are made of hard plastic that corrects most vision problems.
Rigid contacts are strong and last longer than soft contact lenses. Our team will help the patient evaluate the benefits of both types of lenses to make the right decision. Generally, a contact lens prescription is valid for one year.
Patients need to schedule an appointment with us to determine if they need to change their prescription. We can also check on the health of the patient's eyes and discuss any vision issues they might be having. If necessary, we will get a new prescription and be able to purchase additional lenses.
The type of contact lenses the patient has will determine how they take care of them. Follow all directions to prevent vision problems. If the patient has a hard time keeping the lenses clean, they can talk to our team about switching to daily disposable lenses. It is crucial to wash one's hands before handling contact lenses.
Patients need to use hair spray before and apply eye makeup after putting lenses in. Patients also need to take them out before removing makeup. Some contacts need special care and products. Always use the cleaning solutions, eye drops, and other cleaners recommended by our optometrist. Even though it might seem like the easiest option, never rinse the lenses with tap or distilled water.
The patient needs to rub each contact gently with their finger in the palm of their other hand. This helps remove surface buildup. Rinse the lens case after every use with a sterile solution, let it air dry, and replace it every three months. Not following the proper care instructions for prescription contacts can lead to eye infections and other serious vision issues.
If you are thinking about prescription lenses, call us at 618-374-0513. Our optometrist and the team at Carmi Eye Care can determine the right prescription and fit the lenses to your eyes. Remember, contacts come in different materials, shapes, and strengths. So it is crucial to work with a professional to find the right combination for your eyesight.
How long can I wear my prescription contacts?
Follow the doctor’s instructions on replacing your lenses, even if you do not wear them every day. If you have the disposable kind of contacts that are only good for one day, throw them out after wearing them, even if they still feel okay. When you wear prescription contacts for longer than you should or sleep in them, the risk for an eye infection increases considerably.
How long does it take to get used to prescription contacts?
It depends on the type of contact lenses you are prescribed. Most people find soft contacts to be comfortable. If you choose hard lenses or a hybrid, it may take a couple of weeks or longer for your eyes to adjust completely. Sometimes, a person may never feel truly comfortable wearing contacts and decide to go back to using eyeglasses.
Are there risks with wearing prescription contacts?
The risk of suffering eye damage from prescription contacts is low if you follow our optometrist’s recommendations. However, all prescription contacts reduce the amount of oxygen that reaches your eye. This lack of oxygen to the eye can increase the risk of eye problems. We will go over proper care techniques for contact lenses.
Are prescription contacts hard to put in?
Our optometrist can make sure the contact lenses fit you properly, so they are easy to put in and take out. While it may take some practice and patients, we can go over the proper method during the eye exam. During this exam, our team will take several measurements to make sure the contacts you get are the most effective option. We may also suggest some things you can do to get more comfortable touching your eyes. This will make putting in your contacts easier.
Is it possible for the prescription of my contacts to change?
Yes. Over time, the eyesight can shift or change in ways that require adjusting the prescription. By scheduling regular appointments with us, we can keep track of your eyesight and adjust the prescription accordingly.