Contact Lenses

Contact Lens

The field of optometry changes quickly, and now many more patients are able to enjoy the flexibility of wearing contact lenses to correct their vision. Contact lenses are available to correct almost all refractive conditions. Contact lens exams include tests that are not always performed in regular eye exams, so if you are considering contact lenses, be sure to let us know when you schedule your exam. This allows us to schedule the extra time required for contact lens fitting or prescription updates.

Scheduling your general eye exam and your contact lens exam for the same visit will save you time and money. Performing these exams at different locations or with different optometrists can lead to repeated tests and additional fees.

Soft Lenses

Soft contact lenses are used to correct all types of vision problems including myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism, and presbyopia. Most soft contact lenses are available as daily disposables or monthly replacement lenses, including lenses you can sleep in if your eyes are a good candidate for overnight wear. It is really important to us that we understand your needs, lifestyle, and expectations so we can determine the right lens for you. With so many lenses available today contact lens wear should provide you extremely comfortable wear, excellent vision, and healthy, white eyes. If your lens wear does not fit that description there is probably a better lens available for you.

Gas-Permeable (GP) Lenses

Rigid Gas-Permeable Lenses are contact lenses that provide correction for all vision problems. Most patients today wear soft lenses, but sometimes these lenses are indicated as a better option, particularly with patients who have keratoconus in which soft lenses rarely provide excellent vision for those patients.

Multifocal Lenses

Multifocal contact lenses are now available and afford patients excellent distance and near vision. Presbyopia usually begins in early to mid 40’s when we notice that our near vision becomes difficult when wearing distance glasses or contacts. People will complain that their arms are too short and they have to hold reading material further away in order to focus.

Prior to the availability of multifocal (bifocal) contacts, lens wearers either had to use reading glasses over their contacts or they were fit with monovision (where one eye is fit with a lens for distance viewing and the other eye had a lens that would focus for near objects). This configuration works about 95% of the time. However, bifocal contacts provide more natural vision and it is why it is the preferred method today.

Dr. Lucas is one of the most experienced doctors when it comes to fitting bifocal contact lenses. As a bifocal contact lens wearer himself his patients benefit from his expertise in this area. Distance vision is usually as good as single vision contact lenses provide, but with the added ability to easily read print smaller than the phone book. And, because these lenses are concentrically designed there is no need to find a spot in the lens to focus for distance or near tasks, as is necessary with progressive or bifocal glasses. You will feel like someone turned the clock back to what it was like to look across the street or read your cell phone as you did in your 30’s.

You will find Dr. Lucas is meticulous in helping you achieve clear and comfortable vision throughout the fitting process.

If you are concerned that you may be suffering from presbyopia but want to try contacts, it is really important to find someone who is skilled at fitting patients for these types of lenses.

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)/ Myopia control

Orthokeratology is a alternative to surgery to correct vision (LASIK). It is non-invasive, reversible, and completely safe for children. It is a process whereby contact lenses are used to reshape the cornea and eliminate the need for glasses are contacts. The modern day lenses are worn only during sleep and are removed upon awakening. Vision remains good throughout the day. It is an excellent alternative for children who have started wearing glasses at a young age and are likely to become significantly more nearsighted as they age through their teen years. Ortho-k lenses can slow down and even stop the progression that would otherwise occur.

For more information on these lenses you can visit www.isee.com

Scleral Lenses

These are large gas permeable lenses that provide excellent vision for people with corneal abnormalities that can cause reduced or distorted vision with glasses or soft contact lenses. The most common condition for in which scleral lenses are used is keratoconus. This is a progressive condition in which the cornea steepens over time and becomes cone-like in its shape. Vision can be quite poor with glasses, but often can be very good with these types of lenses. They are available in both single vision lenses and bifocal designs. Often, eye insurance plans will provide medically necessary contact coverage for this condition and patients are responsible for a small co-pay when fit with these lenses.

Other Lenses

Info coming soon.