Can I wear contacts?

To find your ability to wear contacts you will first need to be seen by one of our doctors. Generally a patient’s contact lens prescription will differ from their glasses prescription. Our doctor will check your eyes to decide the ideal contact lens prescription, base curve (based on the curvature of your eye) and type. The doctor will “try on” a contact lens to see how your eye reacts. If it is determined that you are a candidate for contact lenses we will set up a one hour lens pick-up time / lesson with our contact lens trainer or one of the doctors. You will leave your training session understanding how to care for your lenses, insert and remove your lenses and with a wearing schedule. The doctor will see you back in the office in two weeks, wearing your lenses, to check on your progress, check the lenses on your eye, and verify your prescription. Provided all is well, you will be able to order up to a year’s supply of contacts at this time. We do stock many contacts, but if yours in one which does need to be ordered, it typically will arrive in 1 week.
Contact lenses are considered a “medical device” and as such, need an annual eye exam in order for the prescription to be renewed.

Are You A Contact Lens “Drop Out”?

If you “dropped out” of wearing contact lenses in the past because they did not work for you, they may be worth trying again! Today’s “next generation” of contact lenses for single vision, multifocal or astigmatism correction may be just what you’ve been waiting for. Advancement in contact lens technology is coming very quickly. New technology offers more oxygen to reach the cornea, providing increased comfort with reduced redness and dryness. Ask your doctor if these new contacts might be worth a try.

Gas Permeable and Hard Contacts

Gas permeable and hard contacts provide superior visual clarity and have a quick, easy and fairly inexpensive daily care and cleaning regimen. These durable lenses may last for several years with proper care and handling and they also help your prescription power to remain stable over a period of years.
At your yearly exam lenses are cleaned and mechanically polished by the doctor to remove more stubborn deposits and fine scratches which are unable to be removed by normal lens care and tend to make the lenses less comfortable. You can also contact our office to have your lenses cleaned and polished more often if you find them feeling uncomfortable.
Our office also sells contact lens solutions and cleaners at a reduced price compared to retail.

Contact Lens Care Review

• Always wash your hands with an oil-free, color additive-free and fragrance-free soap before inserting or removing lenses.
• Carefully and regularly clean contact lenses. Rub the contact with your fingers and rinse them thoroughly before soaking them overnight in enough fresh multipurpose solution to cover the lenses completely.
• Never reuse old solution. Only fresh solution should be used to clean and store contact lenses. Contact lens solution must be changed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, even if the lenses are not used daily.
• Store the lenses in the proper lens storage case and replace your case every three months. Clean the case after each use and keep it open and dry between uses.
• Use only products recommended by our doctors to clean and disinfect your lenses. Saline solution and rewetting drops are not designed to disinfect lenses.
• Never put contact lenses in the mouth or moisten them with saliva, which is full of bacteria and can be a potential source of infection.
• Do not use tap water or homemade saline solutions.
• Never share your contact lenses with other people.

Cosmetic Tips for Contact Lens Wearers

• Always wash hands with an oil-free, color additive-free and fragrance-free soap before inserting or removing lenses.
• Apply all cosmetics after inserting lenses. Males should insert lenses before shaving or applying facial products.
• Remove lenses before removing eye make-up. Use an oil-free, fragrance-free remover specifically formulated for contact lens wearers. Use a lint-free pad or tissue, not cotton balls that can leave fibers in your eyes.
• Remove all make-up at night and before fresh applications.
• Avoid using oily or greasy products on or near eyes.
• Chose a water-soluble, flake-proof mascara. If a non-water-soluble flake should enter the eye, it is more likely to remain intact and possible scratch the cornea. The preferred mascara wand is soft and rounded, as opposed to a wire-coiled brush which can be painful if it is to come in contact with the eye.
• Avoid lash-builders as they contain nylon and/or rayon fibers which may cause discomfort.
• Avoid water-proof mascara. It cannot be dissolved by the normal tears and may permanently stain lenses.
• Apply mascara away from the base of the lash follicle to prevent damage from mascara build-up.
• Avoid applying eyeliner to the inner margins of the eyelids because blocking the openings of the Meibomian glands can lead to infections.
• Avoid wooden liner pencils, as the tiny wooden shavings can fall into the eye causing irritation.
• Avoid any products that dust or flake into the eyes. Select pressed powder shadows with a durable formulation that adheres to the eye once applied. Frosted eye shadows are one of the worst offenders for contact lens wearers. They contain particles of silica or mica. Chose only frosted shadows that have been specially formulated for contact lens wearers.
• Oil-free formulas are recommended to avoid deposits and build-up on lenses.
• Liquid eye liners should be avoided as they may drip on lenses and stain them. They also have a tendency to flake.
• Avoid direct contact with aerosols such as hairspray, fragrances or deodorants. Choose a well ventilated area and close eyes before using these products.
• Nail enamels and remover should only be used after lenses are inserted.
• Store cosmetics properly; bacteria thrives in warm, moist surroundings. Pressed powders should never be dampened.
• Never apply saliva or water to lubricate eyeliner or a mascara wand.
• Replace mascara and eyeliner every three months.
• Discard all cream or liquid eye make-up during and after an active eye infection.
• Be aware of products that are susceptible to contamination (i.e. lotions, creams and gels).
• Never apply eye make-up while in a moving vehicle.
• Never share cosmetics.