Why do I need a contact lens exam/evaluation each year?
Annual examinations are important for the health of your eye. Contact lenses are optical medical devices placed on your eyes, therefore Federal law mandates that all contact lens patients be required to have a full exam every year in order to purchase additional contact lenses. We want to make sure that your lenses are fitting properly and that you're not over-wearing them. We will check for any swelling or irritation in the eye and make sure that the lenses you're wearing are letting enough oxygen into your eyes. There are many situations and conditions that can impact the health of your cornea, so an annual exam helps us find them and correct them as soon as possible.
What is a good age for my child to get contact lenses?
Wearing contacts is really a matter of maturity level and responsibility rather than age. If a child wants contacts and his/her parents feel they are responsible enough, we've had children as young as eight or nine years old wearing contacts. Most children, however, are usually ten or older before they are ready to take on the responsibilities of wearing lenses.
Can I use my eyeglass prescription for contact lenses?
A contact lens prescription is not the same as a prescription for glasses. In addition to the optical correction of the eye, a contact lens prescription contains detailed information about the design features of the contact lenses, including the specific lens material and fitting parameters. The ultimate goal is for the contact lens wearer to see well, be comfortable, and not harm his/her eyes by wearing the lenses.
The important differences in a contact lens prescription can only be determined through special measurements and evaluation of the eyes for contact lenses. The testing necessary to determine a contact lens prescription is not done as part of a routine eye examination. A thorough diagnostic fitting with contact lenses on the eyes and appropriate follow-up evaluations to determine that the prescribed lenses are optimal for the patient, are required before a contact lens prescription can be finalized.
Will my insurance cover both eyeglasses and contact lenses?
Usually not - it is generally one or the other, not both. In addition, most insurances do not cover the evaluation for contact lenses.
What is monovision?
Monovision is the process of correcting vision with either contact lenses or refractive procedure in which the dominant eye is corrected for distance vision and the non-dominant eye is corrected for near. This is one way of correcting your vision so you do not have to wear reading glasses over your contact lenses or after a refractive procedure.
How successful is monovision?
Monovision is surprisingly successful in contact lens wearers. Always keep in mind, however, that depth perception is being compromised. In order to have the best depth perception both eyes must be corrected equally for distance vision.
What does 20/20 vision mean?
If you have 20/20 vision, it means you can see at 20 feet what is normally expected to be seen at that distance. An acuity of 20/50 would mean you must be 20 feet away to see what should normally be seen at 50 feet.
Why haven't I been able to see up close since I turned 40?
Our near vision begins to blur in our early 40's due to the loss of flexibility of the crystalline lens in the eye. This condition is called presbyopia. It is a normal part of the aging process of the eye and cannot be prevented.
What are the spots I see in my vision?
The spots often seen in our vision are called floaters. They are small particles inside the eye. Most floaters are not harmful, but they can be an indication of more serious problems. If you begin to see flashes of light, contact your eye doctor immediately.
What is LASIK surgery?
Lasik or Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis is a procedure that uses a computer controlled Excimer laser to reshape the cornea. The cornea is the clear front surface of the eye. Lasik combines the use of the laser with a surgical procedure called Lamellar Keratoplasty. This procedure creates a flap of the cornea. The flap is lifted and the laser is used underneath. The flap is then folded back in place and acts as a bandage to speed up healing.
Am I a good candidate for LASIK?
There are several factors that determine whether a person is a good candidate for LASIK. These include:
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