In 1887 the first contact lens was manufactured from glass and covered the entire eye. Contact lenses have evolved a lot since then and there are many types of lenses available to meet the individualized needs of our patients. Whether you have astigmatism, dry eyes, irregular corneas or are just tired of using reading glasses, there are many options and we are prepared to explore them with you! Below you’ll find a description of some of the contact lenses available in our office.
Soft contact lenses are a popular choice for vision correction due to their comfort, flexibility, and ease of use. Made from flexible, water-absorbing materials, soft lenses mold to the shape of the eye, making them more comfortable than traditional hard lenses. They come in various types to address different vision needs. Here’s a breakdown of the different types of soft contact lenses:
Single Vision Lenses: Single vision contact lenses correct one type of refractive error, such as nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia). They have a single prescription throughout the lens, which makes them ideal for people with straightforward vision correction needs. These lenses are designed to focus light onto the retina and provide clear vision at all distances, depending on whether the prescription is for nearsightedness or farsightedness.
Bifocal and astigmatism (or a combination of the two) contact lenses to provide clear vision at near, far and on the computer. Say goodbye to reading glasses!
Daily Wear vs. Extended Wear:
Daily Wear: Disposable Contacts: 75% of our patients wear 1-day soft disposable soft contact lenses. A safer option for contact lens wearers, these lenses are replaced daily and there is no need for contact lens solution. 1-day lenses are also the best option for occasional contact lens wear.
Extended Wear: These lenses can be worn continuously, including overnight, for a longer period (typically up to 6-30 days), depending on the type. However, extended wear lenses require special care to minimize risks like dryness and infections.
3. Toric multifocal contact lenses: are a specialized type of contact lens designed for individuals who have both astigmatism and presbyopia (age-related difficulty focusing on close objects). These lenses combine the features of toric lenses (which correct astigmatism) and multifocal lenses (which provide vision correction at multiple distances—near, intermediate, and far).
Here’s how they work:
Correction for Astigmatism (Toric): Astigmatism occurs when the cornea isirregularly shaped, causing blurry or distorted vision. Toric lenses have different powers in different parts of the lens, compensating for the uneven curvature of the eye. These lenses help to focus light properly on the retina, ensuring clearer vision for those with astigmatism.
Correction for Presbyopia (Multifocal): Presbyopia is the natural loss of the eye's ability to focus on nearby objects, often starting around age 40. Multifocal lenses have multiple prescriptions within the same lens, allowing you to see clearly at various distances (near, intermediate, and far). This eliminates the need for reading glasses or bifocal lenses.
Unsuccessful With Contacts In The Past? Give It Another Try.
Ever been told you’re not a candidate for contact lenses, or maybe you tried them before and were disappointed with the vision and comfort? It may be worth another try. Our doctors are experienced in prescribing a great number of specialty contacts lenses and they have the patience to work with you to find the right lenses for you! If you are new to contact lenses or just need a refresher, our experienced technicians will teach you how to handle and care for your lenses before you leave the office. You will be given sample lenses that will allow you to ensure that your comfort and vision are good before your prescription is finalized. We are here to help you experience the freedom of great vision with contact lenses!
When Are Contacts Lenses An Option?
Contacts are a great alternative to correcting your vision with eyeglasses. Whether you choose to wear contacts most days, on the weekends or special occasions, or for outdoor activities, they provide the opportunity for improved vision without the hassle of eyeglasses.
Contact Lens Benefits:
Wear great sunglasses over your contacts!
Improved comfort for patients who find it challenging to find a comfortable frame or who have sensitivities to typical frame materials.
Improved depth perception with contact lenses for patients with eyes that have two very different prescriptions.
Multifocal contact lens wearers will enjoy good near vision at any angle regardless of head position, unlike the requirements of most multifocal eyeglasses which require reading material to be held below eye level for clear vision.
Reduced distortion or swim in contacts when in motion for patients with large prescriptions or astigmatism.
Unlike eyeglasses, contact lenses won’t fog when you exit your car or enter an environment with a dramatic change in temperature or humidity (ie Air Conditioning, a cooler or an oven).
Improved peripheral vision with contact lenses that move with your eyes, unlike eyeglasses where clear vision ends at the edge of the frame.
Contacts To Correct Your Vision
Contact lenses have come a long way since the first contact lens was manufactured in 1887! Soft contact lenses were first introduced in 1971 and changes in materials and manufacturing have made contact lenses an option for many patients.
They Make Contacts for:
Near-sightedness (Myopia)
Far-sightedness (Hyperopia)
Astigmatism
Multifocals for those needing a different prescription to see far than they do to see close
Changing eye color
Slowing the progression of Myopia in children
Dry Eyes, Little Eyes, Big Eyes, Younger Eyes, Older Eyes
1 day of wear, 1 week of wear, 2 weeks of wear, 1 month of wear, 3 months of wear, 1 year of wear. (with nightly removal: we never recommend overnight contact lens wear)
Our doctors here at SeaView Eyecare are skilled, experienced and ready to take on your easiest or toughest, contact lens needs.
Call us to schedule your routine exam with a contact lens evaluation today!
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