Contact Lenses: Am I a Good Candidate?

Contact lenses are small silicone or plastic discs that allows you to see clearly when placed on the eye.  Your doctor will determine if you need contact lenses (or glasses) during a vision test. He will write you a prescription identifying the specific type of lenses you require. Let’s discuss how contact lenses work and if you are a good candidate.

Contacts: an overview

Contacts float on a thin layer of tears right on top of the eye and in front of the cornea. It is essential that the design and fit of your lenses are correct so you feel comfortable and have accurate vision. Over the years, improvements in contact lenses have made wearing them more safe, accurate, and easier to use. Millions of Americans wear contact lenses. Most use soft as opposed to hard lenses because they are easier to wear.

Contacts are used to correct refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia. If you have astigmatism, you will be given a prescription for toric lenses. These are custom designed lenses that typically cost more than regular lenses.

Should I get contact lenses?

If you have difficulty seeing things far away and need constant vision correction, contacts are a great option for you. If you only wear eyeglasses part of the time, you are less likely to be successful at wearing contacts. If you are motivated to not wear glasses, you will likely be able to deal with the discomfort of contact early on. This temporary discomfort is necessary as your eyes get attuned to wearing a contact lens. If you are involved in activities in which glasses are an annoyance (like sports or certain career fields) contact lenses may be right for you.

You are not a good candidate for contact lenses if you do not have the motivation to care for them properly. If you have dry eye problems or issues with the cornea, you may not be able to wear contacts. If you have a job that exposes you to fumes or particles that can be absorbed or stick to contact lenses, glasses may be a better option for you.

Arrange a consultation

If you are interested in getting contact lenses, call the Eye Care Institute today at (707) 546-9800. We look forward to helping you improve your eyesight!