*Considering first time contact lens wear?
*Wondering if there is something better for you than your current contact lenses?
*Do you want contact lenses for everyday wear, for sports, or just for the occasional special event?
*Have you always wanted to try contact lenses, but thought you couldn’t because you have astigmatism or dry eyes, or because you wear bifocal glasses?
The range of contact lenses available in today’s market allows for most patients interested in contact lens wear to find something suitable for them. However, there is no single contact lens that will work for every patient. For routine wear you might choose a monthly disposable lens, whereas for occasional special events, a daily disposable lens may be more convenient and cost effective. Young contact lens wearers are often fit with daily disposable lenses because they may be less compliant with keeping their lenses clean. There are specially coated lenses for dry eyes, toric lenses for astigmatism, and even bifocal or progressive contact lenses for presbyopia (patients who wear bifocal or progressive glasses).
Our optometrists are happy to help you determine if you are a good candidate for contact lens wear, and sort through the options to fit you with the most appropriate lens choice for your ocular needs and lifestyle.
TRIALING NEW CONTACT LENSES:
Usually a contact lens fit (never worn before) or refit(worn before, but want to try something new) is accomplished in 2 to 4 appointments over approximately one month. Trial lenses are used for this time period to determine whether the patient and the optometrist are both satisfied with the decision. At the end of the trial period, the patient places their order for their supply of contact lenses-usually an annual supply. A new fit will often be monitored at six months. And all contact lens wearers should have annual routine eye examinations with contact lens assessments to minimize any risk of developing contact lens-related complications.
CHILDREN AND CONTACT LENSES:
We are frequently asked at what age kids can start to wear contact lenses. The age to start contact lenses is not “set in stone”; however, it is critical that the child is old enough to be a responsible contact lens wearer. Proper hand-washing, lens storage, adherence to disposal schedules, compliance with wearing time recommendations, and ability/willingness to follow the instructions we give to the patient are important to maintain safe contact lens wear and healthy eyes. Usually around thirteen years of age, most kids start to become responsible enough to consider contact lens wear. However, this decision is best made based on open discussion between the parent(s) of the child and the child’s optometrist, usually also with some input from the child. Often with this age group, we will use daily disposable contact lenses to ensure the patient starts with a fresh, clean pair of contact lenses each day.
For more information about contact lenses, check out the Canadian Association of Optometrist’s website at www.opto.ca/en/eye-health-info/eye-health-library/contact-lenses.html
*Considering first time contact lens wear?
*Wondering if there is something better for you than your current contact lenses?
*Do you want contact lenses for everyday wear, for sports, or just for the occasional special event?
*Have you always wanted to try contact lenses, but thought you couldn’t because you have astigmatism or dry eyes, or because you wear bifocal glasses?
The range of contact lenses available in today’s market allows for most patients interested in contact lens wear to find something suitable for them. However, there is no single contact lens that will work for every patient. For routine wear you might choose a monthly disposable lens, whereas for occasional special events, a daily disposable lens may be more convenient and cost effective. Young contact lens wearers are often fit with daily disposable lenses because they may be less compliant with keeping their lenses clean. There are specially coated lenses for dry eyes, toric lenses for astigmatism, and even bifocal or progressive contact lenses for presbyopia (patients who wear bifocal or progressive glasses).
Our optometrists are happy to help you determine if you are a good candidate for contact lens wear, and sort through the options to fit you with the most appropriate lens choice for your ocular needs and lifestyle.
TRIALING NEW CONTACT LENSES:
Usually a contact lens fit (never worn before) or refit(worn before, but want to try something new) is accomplished in 2 to 4 appointments over approximately one month. Trial lenses are used for this time period to determine whether the patient and the optometrist are both satisfied with the decision. At the end of the trial period, the patient places their order for their supply of contact lenses-usually an annual supply. A new fit will often be monitored at six months. And all contact lens wearers should have annual routine eye examinations with contact lens assessments to minimize any risk of developing contact lens-related complications.
CHILDREN AND CONTACT LENSES:
We are frequently asked at what age kids can start to wear contact lenses. The age to start contact lenses is not “set in stone”; however, it is critical that the child is old enough to be a responsible contact lens wearer. Proper hand-washing, lens storage, adherence to disposal schedules, compliance with wearing time recommendations, and ability/willingness to follow the instructions we give to the patient are important to maintain safe contact lens wear and healthy eyes. Usually around thirteen years of age, most kids start to become responsible enough to consider contact lens wear. However, this decision is best made based on open discussion between the parent(s) of the child and the child’s optometrist, usually also with some input from the child. Often with this age group, we will use daily disposable contact lenses to ensure the patient starts with a fresh, clean pair of contact lenses each day.
For more information about contact lenses, check out the Canadian Association of Optometrist’s website at www.opto.ca/en/eye-health-info/eye-health-library/contact-lenses.html