Contact lenses are medical devices that allow many people to see well without their glasses. While many prefer this as an option, please understand that “one size fits all”, does NOT apply to contact lenses. In order to correctly assess contact lens fit, vision and safety, additional testing is required above and beyond a traditional eye exam. Eye size, power, and curvature are unique to each individual. Additional measurements are necessary to evaluate every contact lens wearer, and there are additional charges when compared to a vision exam for glasses only.
In addition to the refraction, we use multiple instruments, such as keratographers and topographers which allow us to accurately and precisely evaluate your eye. We then determine if you are a candidate for soft spherical, soft toric, rigid gas permeable (RGP), hybrid or scleral contact lenses. Trial lenses are assessed on the patient in order to minimize risks of contact lens complications. Ill-fitting lenses or contact lens over-wear significantly increase the patient’s likelihood of corneal irritation, infection, ulcer, and/or permanent vision loss.
Let the experienced eye doctors at Phoenix Ophthalmologists help you with all your contact lens questions and needs. Make an appointment today.
Soft Contact Lenses
Soft lenses are the most common type of contact lenses worn. Options of daily disposable, biweekly, monthly and quarterly lenses are available. Many people prefer the convenience of daily disposable lenses which minimizes or eliminates the need to carry extra solutions, and decreases the risk of bacterial infections compared to extended wear contact lenses.
Soft toric lenses are now able to correct many patients who have regular astigmatism whereas, multifocal soft lenses are available to help patients who find themselves with decreasing near vision after the age of forty.
Colored lenses are sometimes prescribed for patients who want to change their eye color. It is important to note these lenses still need to correctly fit the eye in order or minimize eye damage. It is both dangerous and illegal to buy colored contact lenses online without a prescription.
Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lenses
Lenses made of a rigid polymer usually between 9-11 mm in size. These used to be the only option for patients with astigmatism. Fortunately, now many patients successfully wear soft toric lenses which most patients find more comfortable. We still utilize these lenses in patients with irregular astigmatism secondary to keratoconus, corneal scarring, post corneal transplant, and post refractive surgeries such as RK, Lasik, and PRK. These lenses are custom made for the patient.
Hybrid Contact Lenses
As the name implies, these are a cross between a rigid gas permeable lens and a soft lens. The lenses have an RGP center which provides patients with fantastic optics, but the soft skirt peripherally may improve the comfort compared to a traditional RGP lens.
Scleral Contact Lenses
Sclerals are made from similar materials as the RGP lenses, however they are usually between 14 and 20 mm in diameter. These lenses rest on the white of the eye, or the sclera, which makes them significantly more comfortable for many people when compared to RGP lenses which rest on the cornea. Scleral lenses are also used for patients with irregular astigmatism secondary to keratoconus, corneal scarring, post corneal transplant, and post refractive surgeries such as RK, Lasik or PRK. In addition, they may be helpful in patients with severe dry eye disease. These lenses are custom made for each patient.
Make an appointment today with our experienced eye doctors for expert contact lens consultation.
