Eye 35 Eye Care Contact Lens Fitting

Eye 35 has the finest brands of contacts available for all the unique shapes, sizes, and prescription levels that you need. Before you purchase contact lenses it is important to have your eyes thoroughly examined to determine what type of contact lens is best for you. Several variables can affect what type of lenses you require; whether you are farsighted, nearsighted or have astigmatism. Like purchasing shoes or clothing our eyes all have unique shapes and sizes which require measurements. Because contact lenses have direct contact with your eyes each contact has to be fitted to the shape of your eye. You cannot use the same prescription that you use for your eyeglasses. You may also wear contact lenses even if you have had refractive surgery. Because the shape of your eye has been changed it is very important to have your eyes measured again before purchasing new contacts.

Contacts can offer many advantages to eyeglasses

• They don't get in the way during our active lifestyles
• They offer better peripheral vision, glass frames my obstruct part of your view
• They don't fog up coming in from the cold or get wet in the rain
• You may feel you look better without glasses; they do not change your appearance

Contact lenses are delicately crafted, very thin, clear optical discs of plastic that float on the tear film that coats the cornea. The health of the corneal surface and tear film are very important to your comfort and the clarity of your vision when you are wearing contacts. There are two different types of contact lenses available, RGP and soft lenses. The most popular type of contact lens are soft lenses.

Soft lenses are made from a water absorbing material called HEMA (Hydroxy Ethyl Metha Acrylate). This polymer allows the eye to "breathe" since oxygen to the cornea is needed for good eye health.  The water also gives them their flexibility. They are usually easy to insert and fit comfortably and securely. Soft contact lenses come in three basic forms; daily wear, extended wear, and one-day disposable wear. Daily wear lenses must be removed, cleaned and stored every day. These are the least expensive. They should not be worn while sleeping because they can cause corneal infections. Extended-wear lenses are designed for overnight wear. Even with these lenses wearing them overnight can be a risk of corneal infections.  One day lenses are thrown away nightly and are incredibly convenient.

RGP Lenses referred to as  "gas permeable" are used to describe a type of hard lens. This can be misleading, as soft lenses are also gas permeable as they also allow oxygen to move through the lens to the ocular surface. RGP lenses are not as popular as soft lenses but are used by people that can't find the proper corrective solution by using soft lenses. Soft lenses are known to be more comfortable initially than hard lenses, however RGP lenses in many cases provide sharper vision. You should discuss both of these lens options with Dr. Fontana and Dr. Bell at the time of your exam and fitting consultation.