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For millions of people who need vision correction, contact lenses offer a world of freedom. They provide a wider field of vision than glasses, don’t fog up in changing temperatures, and offer the convenience of clear vision without anything sitting on your face, which is great for sports and an active lifestyle. However, contact lenses are medical devices that sit directly on your eyes, and they aren’t the right choice for everyone. If you’re considering making the switch from glasses, it’s important to understand the basics of contact lenses and to have a professional fitting to determine if you are a good candidate.
The Benefits and Responsibilities of Contact Lenses
The advantages of contact lenses are clear:
- Natural, Unobstructed Vision: They move with your eye, providing a full field of focused vision without the frames of glasses getting in the way.
- Convenience for Active Lifestyles: They won’t fall off or get in the way during sports, exercise, or other physical activities.
- A Glasses-Free Look: Many people prefer the cosmetic freedom of not wearing glasses.
However, this freedom comes with responsibility. Because contact lenses sit on your eyes, proper hygiene is absolutely critical to prevent serious eye infections. This includes always washing your hands before handling your lenses, using fresh solution every day, and never sleeping in lenses unless they are specifically approved for overnight wear.
Types of Contact Lenses
Contact lens technology has come a long way. There are now options to fit almost any lifestyle and prescription.
- Soft Contact Lenses: These are the most common type. They are made of a soft, flexible plastic that is very comfortable. They are available in different wearing schedules:
- Daily Disposables: You wear a fresh new pair every single day and discard them at night. This is the most hygienic and convenient option.
- Two-Week or Monthly Disposables: You wear the same pair of lenses every day for a set period, but you must remove, clean, and disinfect them every single night.
- Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses: These are made of a firmer material and often provide crisper, sharper vision, especially for people with astigmatism. They are more durable but can take longer to get used to.
- Toric Lenses: For people with astigmatism, these specialized lenses are designed to correct the irregular shape of the cornea.
- Multifocal Lenses: For people with presbyopia (the age-related need for reading glasses), these lenses act like bifocal glasses, providing clear vision at both near and far distances.
The Crucial Importance of a Professional Contact Lens Fitting
You cannot simply buy contact lenses based on your glasses prescription. A contact lens is a medical device that must be professionally fitted by an eye doctor. During a contact lens exam and fitting, your optometrist will perform several specific measurements:
- Corneal Curvature: They will measure the curve of your cornea to determine the correct base curve for your contact lens. A lens that is too flat or too steep will be uncomfortable and can harm your eye.
- Corneal Diameter: They will measure the size of your cornea to select the right lens diameter.
- Tear Film Evaluation: The doctor will check to ensure you produce enough tears to keep the lenses hydrated and comfortable. Chronic dry eye can sometimes make contact lens wear difficult.
After these measurements, you will be given a trial pair of lenses. The doctor will check the fit and your vision before finalizing the prescription. As the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) emphasizes, contact lenses are not a one-size-fits-all product and must be prescribed by a professional.
Your Monrovia Experts for Contact Lenses
If you’re interested in the freedom and convenience of contact lenses, the first step is a comprehensive eye exam and fitting. For residents in Monrovia, CA, the experienced team at Plaza Vision Optometry can help determine if you are a good candidate and can fit you with the perfect contact lenses for your eyes and your lifestyle. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.