Home » Eye Wear in San Fernando Valley » Contact Lenses
Have you been avoiding the Optometrist’s office because you can’t stand the thought of wearing glasses? Maybe your teenager sat on that $200 pair of prescription glasses—again. Or maybe you’ve worn glasses for years and are just ready to try something new. Contact lenses might be the perfect choice for you!
Although glasses are excellent vision correction tools, they’re not always the most convenient. Glasses can be expensive, especially if your prescription changes frequently. They break easily and can get in the way of fun activities like swimming and sports. Fortunately, contact lenses provide the perfect solution.
Whether you’re looking for a full-time vision solution or a worry-free way to enjoy the activities you love, contact lenses are an excellent option. Contact lenses move with your eyes, don’t obstruct your vision, and reduce distortions. Plus, they’ll never fog up in front of a hot stove or get spattered by the rain!
Today, almost everyone can take advantage of the benefits of contact lenses. Your Optometrist can select from a wide range of contacts to correct myopia (near-sightedness), hyperopia (far-sightedness), astigmatism, or any combination of these conditions. However, contact lenses may not be an option for those with very dry eyes or certain severe allergies. Dr. Leonard and Dr. Suarez will get to know your eyes and inform you about your healthiest long-term options.
In recent years, contact lenses have come a long way in terms of comfort and durability. There are two general types of contact lenses. The first is a “hard” lens, a rigid plastic that holds its shape but still allows oxygen to refresh the eyes. Although hard contact lenses are less common, they are a great alternative for those who suffer from astigmatism or allergies.
“Soft” contact lenses are very popular due to their conforming shape and gentle fit. Some can be worn overnight, while others are removed and cleaned nightly. Most soft contact lenses are replaced on an individual schedule, but others may be replaced weekly or even daily.
Other specialized contact lenses, such as bifocal or multifocal lenses, can be prescribed to correct astigmatism or nearsightedness. Dr. Leonard and Dr. Suarez will work to find the best contact lenses for you!
If you’re considering contact lenses, you should have your eyes re-evaluated by an Optometrist even if you already have a prescription for glasses. Contact lenses made to fit a glasses prescription often result in pain or vision problems, and will not correct for an astigmatism.
Fortunately, a contact lens evaluation is not very different from a regular eye exam. Your Optometrist will need to take several measurements in order to ensure that your contact lenses fit comfortably and correctly. Improperly sized contact lenses can result in blurry vision, pain, or even permanent damage. That’s why it is so crucial to have your eyes examined by a certified, experienced Optometrist.
You can expect your Optometrist to take precise measurements of your corneal curvature to make sure the contact lenses will conform to your eyes. Your Optometrist may also measure the size of your pupils and irises, and perform a quick procedure test whether your eyes produce enough moisture to keep the contact lenses hydrated.
After measurements, your Optometrist will ask you to try out a pair of contact lenses to evaluate their fit and comfort. The whole procedure is painless and will take a only little longer than a regular eye exam. Then you’re on your way to a lifetime of worry-free vision correction.
If you’re not thrilled with the prospect of wearing glasses or are ready to take a new approach to healthy vision, contact lenses might be the ideal solution. Our experienced optometry team can fit you for contacts and answer any questions you might have. Contact us to set up your appointment with Dr. Leonard or Dr. Suarez today!