Contact Lenses: 9 Things to Know Before Making the Switch
Contact lenses offer a convenient way to correct your vision and can be a great addition to your everyday eyewear options. They provide flexibility for different activities and lifestyles, giving you another way to enjoy clear, comfortable vision.
If you're considering contact lenses for the first time or returning to them after a break, you may have questions about comfort, safety, and daily care. Here are nine things to know before getting started.
Tips to Get Started with Contact Lenses
1. Schedule a Contact Lens Exam and Fitting in Fremont
Contact lenses sit directly on your eyes, so they require a separate fitting in addition to your regular vision exam.
During a contact lens exam, your eye doctor will evaluate your prescription, measure your eyes, and check how the lenses fit and move when you blink. They'll also assess your eye health and tear film to help determine which lenses may be comfortable and suitable for you.
Regular follow-up exams are important, even if you've worn contacts for years. Your eye doctor can check for changes in your vision, lens fit, and signs of irritation or other complications.
2. There is a Difference Between Glasses and Contact Lens Prescriptions
Glasses and contact lens prescriptions aren't interchangeable because the lenses sit at different distances from your eyes.
A contact lens prescription includes additional information, such as the lens brand or material, base curve, and diameter. These details help ensure your contacts fit properly and provide the intended vision correction.
Even if your glasses prescription hasn't changed, you'll still need a valid contact lens prescription to order new lenses.
Contact Lens Options for Different Vision Needs
Contact Lenses for Astigmatism
Astigmatism is a common vision condition that can cause blurry or distorted vision at different distances. Fortunately, several contact lens types can correct it.
Toric contact lenses correct astigmatism and are available in soft lens materials. Depending on your prescription and eye shape, your eye doctor may also recommend rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses, hybrid lenses, or scleral lenses.
The best option depends on your prescription, eye health, and how well the lenses fit.
Multifocal Contact Lenses for Reading and Distance Vision
Multifocal contact lenses can help people with presbyopia, an age-related condition that makes it harder to focus on nearby objects.
These lenses contain different prescription powers to help you see at multiple distances. Some people may also benefit from monovision, where one eye is corrected primarily for distance and the other for near vision.
Your eye doctor can help you choose multifocal lenses in Fremont and select the one that offers the most comfortable vision for your daily activities.
Contact Lens Safety: Everyday Habits That Matter
Know The Risks of Sleeping in Contact Lenses
Sleeping in contact lenses overnight increases the risk of serious eye infections, even if the lenses are approved for extended wear.
Some specialty and extended-wear contact lenses are designed for overnight use, but wear them overnight only if your eye doctor specifically prescribes them.
If you accidentally fall asleep in your contacts, don't force them out if they feel stuck. If needed, use contact lens-compatible lubricating drops, let the lenses move freely, and remove them gently. Contact your eye doctor promptly if you develop redness, pain, light sensitivity, or blurry vision.
Swimming and Showering with Contacts Can Harm Your Eyes
Keep contact lenses away from water, including tap water, swimming pools, lakes, and hot tubs.
Water can introduce harmful microorganisms to your lenses, including Acanthamoeba, which can cause a rare but serious eye infection.
Remove your contacts before swimming or showering. If you need vision correction while swimming, prescription swim goggles are a safer option.
If water gets into your eyes while wearing contacts, remove the lenses as soon as possible. Discard daily disposable lenses, or clean and disinfect reusable lenses as your eye doctor instructs.
Choose Eye Drops That Are Safe for Contact Lenses
Some eye drops are safe to use with contacts, but others require you to remove your lenses first.
Rewetting drops specifically labeled for contact lens use can help relieve occasional dryness. However, certain allergy medications, redness-relief drops, and prescription eye drops may not be suitable for use while contacts are in your eyes.
Always check the product instructions or ask your eye doctor before using drops with contact lenses. If you experience frequent dryness, your lenses or wearing schedule may need to be reassessed. CORVISION OPTOMETRY offers dry eye evaluations and treatment to help identify and address ongoing discomfort.
How to Care for Your Contact Lenses
Following Your Contact Lens Replacement Schedule
Replace contact lenses according to the schedule your eye doctor prescribes, even if they still feel comfortable.
Depending on the lens type, you may need to replace them daily, every two weeks, or monthly. Wearing lenses beyond the recommended replacement period can let deposits and microorganisms build up, increasing the risk of irritation and infection.
For reusable lenses, follow the recommended cleaning and storage instructions. Always use fresh contact lens solution, never water or saliva, and replace your lens case regularly.
Recognize Signs of Contact Lens Irritation
Contact lenses should generally feel comfortable once you've adjusted to wearing them. Don't ignore persistent irritation, redness, or blurry vision.
Discomfort may be due to dry eyes, a damaged lens, a poor fit, or another eye health concern.
If your contacts cause pain, redness, light sensitivity, or changes in vision, remove them immediately and seek prompt eye care. Don't put them back in until your eye doctor confirms it's safe. CORVISION OPTOMETRY provides medical and emergency eye exams for symptoms that need professional attention.
Explore Related Eye Care Topics
Find Comfortable, Well-Fitting Contact Lenses at CORVISION OPTOMETRY
Contact lenses can complement your glasses and give you more flexibility in how you correct your vision. A proper fit, healthy wearing habits, and regular eye exams can help you enjoy clear, comfortable vision while protecting your eye health.
Dr. Corwin Li provides contact lens fittings and helps patients find vision correction options that suit their needs.
Our team can help you explore your options, update your prescription, and find lenses suited to your vision and lifestyle. Explore our contact lens services or contact CORVISION OPTOMETRY in Fremont, CA, to schedule an exam.
