FAQ's About Contact Lenses
2. What do I need a contact lens prescription for?
3. Is it really that important that I change and clean my contacts?
4. Why do I need to schedule an appointment to learn how to put in and take out my contact lenses?
5. Can I wear soft contact lenses if I have astigmatism?
6. How can I get contact lenses that change my eye color?
7. I wear bifocal glasses. Can I wear contacts
8. Can I sleep in my contacts?
9. Can a contact lens get lost behind my eye?
Why is there a contact lens fitting portion of the exam?
The contact lens portion of your eye exam is critical to ensure that your eyes are healthy, that your lenses fit properly, and to check that you are seeing properly. This is always required even if your eyes have had no change. This is to verify that your lenses are still fitting properly and to maintain the health of your eyes.
What do I need a contact lens prescription for?
By Federal Law contact lenses are considered a medical device and require a yearly evaluation and written prescription. This prescription is no different than any prescription that you would fill at your pharmacy. The contact lens prescription is different than your glasses prescription because it specifies the power of the lenses, the size of the lens, the type and brand of lens.
Is it really that important that I change and clean my contacts?
Yes. By not changing out or caring for your contacts as recommended, you can run the risk of seriously harming your eyes. Common issues that may occur from improper contact lens wearing are eye infection, corneal abrasions and corneal ulcers, which are open sores in the outer layer of the cornea. Many of these complications can be avoided through everyday care of your contacts.
Why do I need to schedule an appointment to learn how to put in and take out my contacts lenses?
If you have never worn contacts before, it is extremely important that you are taught how to properly put in and take out your contacts so that you don't harm your eyes. We will also show you how to properly take care of your contacts too. Even if someone in your family can show you how to care for your contacts, you still must schedule an appointment so we can show your how to properly take care of your contacts since they are a medical device.
Can I wear soft contact lenses if I have astigmatism?
Yes. Astigmatism is distorted vision caused by an irregularly shaped cornea. Contact lenses for astigmatism are called toric lenses.
How can I get contact lenses that change my eye color?
Yes. There are contact lenses that will change the color of your eyes even if you don't need vision correction. However, all contacts are medical devices and need a valid prescription in order for you to wear them.
I wear bifocal glasses. Can I wear contacts?
Yes, multifocal contact lenses are available both in the rigid gas permeable material as well as the soft lens material. Monovision is another option where one eye is corrected for viewing distant objects and the other eye is corrected for reading and close work.
Can I sleep in my contacts?
It depends on the type of lens you're wearing, the composition of your tear film, your general eye health, and other factors. At the time of your eye exam you can ask the doctor if this would be an option for you. Never sleep in your contacts unless the doctor says it is OK.
Can a contact lens get lost behind my eye?
No. At worst, you might have trouble finding it under your upper eyelid if you rub your eye and dislodge the lens from its proper position. If necessary, Dr. Wright can help you locate and remove the lens.
