Contacts
Not sure that glasses are for you? Ask our St. Petersburg staff about contact lenses. Advances in the field of optometry have produced a variety of different types of contact lenses with a range of benefits. Rigid gas-permeable (RGP), daily-wear soft, extended-wear, extended-wear disposable, and planned replacement are the various types of contact lens options available today.
Our St. Petersburg optometrist will discuss the various options with you to determine which type will best fit your needs and lifestyle. Schedule your examination today by calling (727) 800-4411.
There are many advantages to consider when determining if contact lenses are right for you and our knowledgeable staff is here to answer any questions.
Hard to Fit Contacts
Contact lenses are not an easy solution for every person suffering from vision problems. Some eye conditions make wearing contacts a difficult proposition. However, it does not rule out wearing contact lenses altogether. It just means patients need to discuss options with their eye care provider and obtain specialized hard-to-fit contacts for their specific vision problems.
Reasons for Hard to Fit Contacts
Finding contact lenses that fit and wearing contact lenses, in general, can be made more challenging when these conditions affect your eyes:
- Astigmatism
- Dry eyes
- Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC)
- Keratoconus
- Presbyopia
Astigmatism: Astigmatism develops when the front of the eye curves into a bulge or oval shape. It causes blurred vision and can be difficult to correct because regular contacts cannot account for the bulging.
Dry Eyes: When eyes become excessively dry, it leads to irritation, burning, redness, and blurred vision. Contact lenses can exacerbate these conditions by making it feel like a foreign object is stuck in your eye.
GPC: This form of conjunctivitis is caused by inflammation on the inner surface of the eyelid. Protein buildup on contact lenses can make this condition worse.
Keratoconus: This is an uncommon condition that causes major discomfort when wearing contacts. Keratoconus happens when the cornea becomes thinner and allows the eye to bulge forward. The bulge forms into a cone shape.
Presbyopia: Eyes tend to have a tougher time focusing on close objects as they age. This condition is known as presbyopia. It typically affects people aged 40 or older.
Solutions for Hard to Fit Contacts
Wearing contacts is not impossible if you suffer from one of the above conditions. You do need to meet with an eye care professional, however, and get prescribed contact lenses that are tailored to deal with your specific vision condition.
Gas permeable lenses are a good solution for patients who suffer from GPC or Keratoconus. A GP lens will limit protein deposits from accumulating which will reduce GPC symptoms. It is also effective in containing corneal bulging and relieving pressure on the tissue for a Keratoconus sufferer.
Toric lenses are useful for correcting astigmatism. Since the lens needs to align with the bulge it is correcting, toric lenses must not rotate in order to fit on the eye. They are typically custom-made to correct specific astigmatism. For that reason, this type of lens takes longer to make and costs more than a traditional contact lens.
Bifocal and multifocal lenses can help remedy presbyopia. Monovision lenses are another option for presbyopia. This type of lenses can have one fitted for distance vision and the other for seeing close objects.
Medicated eye drops can be an effective solution for dealing with dry eyes. They will lubricate eyes enough to make contact lenses more bearable, although a punctual occlusion also must be done to plug the ducts in some extreme cases. GPC symptoms can also be lessened through medicated eye drops. They flush out protein deposits and reduce inflammation.
Contacts FAQ
Who can wear contacts?
Most people have no problem using contacts instead of glasses to correct their vision. If you are nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism, contact lenses could be a viable alternative for you. Talk to our Seminole optometrist to see if contacts are a good fit for you.
Are contacts safe for your eyes?
When used correctly, contact lenses are a safe and effective means of correcting your vision. You just need to follow your optometrist’s instructions on inserting and removing your contacts as well as storing and keeping them clean.
What’s the difference between soft and hard contact lenses?
Soft contacts are the most common type of contacts that most people use. They are composed of plastic and water, making it easier for oxygen to pass through to nourish the cornea of your eye. Rigid gas-permeable (RGP) contacts, aka “hard contacts,” are composed of firmer, oxygen permeable material, and are often recommended for people who have higher level refractive errors, astigmatism, or other problems with their sight.
What type of contact lens is right for me?
After a comprehensive eye and contact lens exam, your Seminole optometrist can recommend the best contacts for you. We’ll go over the various types of contacts and help you choose the lens that best suits your prescription, budget, and lifestyle. We’ll also provide you with clear instructions on contact lens care and use.
Are contacts difficult to adjust to?
Some people adjust to contacts right away, while others take several days to become accustomed to wearing them. In the beginning, they may feel uncomfortable. This feeling should wear off in a few days. In time, you won’t even notice the contacts are there.
Can children wear contacts?
As contact lenses require care, it’s recommended that children be old enough and mature enough to assume this responsibility before getting contacts. In general, parents may want to wait until their children are teens. Your eye doctor can help you determine if contacts are a good fit for your children.
To learn more about contact lenses or to schedule a contact lens exam, contact Dr. Rebekah Smith’s office at (727) 800-4411 today.