What do I need to do if I want to try contacts lenses?
If you are interested in trying contact lenses, you will need to see your eye doctor for an eye exam and contact lens fitting. When you make your appointment, be sure to mention that you want to try contacts. During your exam, special measurements will be taken to make sure the contact lenses fit the shape of your eyes and provide good vision.

Can people who have astigmatism wear contact lenses?
Yes, there are soft contact lenses that correct for astigmatism. There has been much improvement in these lenses over the past few years and patients are now experiencing good comfort and vision with them. These lenses are called toric contact lenses. Rigid gas permeable (RGP) contacts are sometimes needed if there is an irregularity or high amount of astigmatism.

Can I wear contact lenses if I need bifocal glasses?
Yes, there a few options for contact lens wear for those who have a prescription for distance and for near. The first option is monovision, where one eye is focused for distance and the other eye is focused for near. The second option is bifocal contact lenses. The newer bifocal contact lenses provide good distance and near vision in both eyes. The third option is distance contact lenses in both eyes with reading glasses for near work. The type that is best for you depends on your prescription and your daily activities. We are happy to work with you to find the best type of contacts for your lifestyle.

What type of solution do I need to use to clean my contact lenses?
Disposable soft contact lenses can be cleaned with a multipurpose soft lens solution. Most of these solutions are designed to clean the lenses without rubbing. However, it is best to gently rub the lenses for a few seconds with the solution to thoroughly clean the lenses. Never rinse soft lenses in water. Rigid gas permeable contact lenses should be cleaned with a solution specifically for RGP contacts. Newer RGP lenses that have a coating to prevent deposits should be cleaned with a multipurpose RGP solution.

What should I do if my eyes become red or irritated?
If your eyes become red and/or irritated, remove your contact lenses and call your eye doctor for an evaluation. This could be a sign of an infection or ulcer. You should not continue to wear the contacts. This could cause the problem to become much worse. Contact lens wearers have a greater risk of eye infections than those who do not wear contacts, so it is important to wear your lenses with care.

Can anyone wear contact lenses that change the color of the eyes?
There are several different brands of contacts that will change the color of the eyes and they come in many different colors. Most people can wear these lenses, but they are not available in all prescriptions.

Do I need to have an eye exam and be fit with contacts if I see 20/20 in both eyes and only want to wear contacts to change the color of my eyes?
Yes, contact lenses are a medical device that fit on the surface of your eye and need to be fit for your eyes. You need an eye exam and fitting to wear any type of contact lens.

How often should I throw away my contact case?
We recommend throwing away your case every three months.

Can I swim in contact lenses?
In general, you should not swim in your contact lenses. When you swim in soft contacts, the water can be absorbed into your lenses. This water can contain bacteria which can cause an infection. For RGP lenses, they can easily be dislodged and lost if you swim with them in. For some swimmers, we recommend disposable soft contacts that you throw away after each time you swim in them. This reduces the risk of infection.

How often should I clean my contact case?
Your contact lens case should be cleaned each morning after you remove the lenses. Wash the case with warm soapy water and rinse it well. Let the case air dry before using it again.

I’ve worn contacts in the past and they were not comfortable for me. Are there any new lenses that would be more comfortable?
There are several new types of contact lenses that allow more oxygen through to the eyes and are much more comfortable than previous lenses.

When does my contact lens prescription expire?
In general, contact lens prescriptions expire one year after issued.

Are there contact lenses available that I can throw away everyday?
Yes, there are lenses available that are daily disposable. This is nice option for busy patients who want to skip the step of cleaning the lenses and for patients who have allergies. These lenses cost a little more than typical soft lenses. However, you will not need to purchase solution since the lenses will be thrown away each day. Daily disposable contacts should not be worn more than one day.

Can I sleep in my contacts?
There are a few types of lenses available that are FDA approved to wear while sleeping. These lenses allow significantly more oxygen through them than standard lenses. You should never sleep in lenses that are not designed to wear overnight.

Will my insurance pay for my contacts?
Some insurances companies will pay part or all of your contact lenses. You will need to check with your insurance company to see what is paid for under your specific policy.