Unlike an eyeglass lens positioned approximately 12mm away from your eye, a contact lens sits directly on its surface. In addition to determining the lens power needed to correct any vision impairment, your contact lens prescription requires information about the anatomy of your eye, the curvature of the cornea, the diameter of the lens, and other parameters. This data helps ensure an accurate fit and optimal vision correction, which in turn supports healthy and comfortable wear.
Although contact lenses offer a convenient and comfortable alternative to eyeglasses, it’s essential to handle, wear, and maintain them as directed. With proper care, the risk of problems is quite low. However, not wearing or taking care of your contacts can cause significant problems and lead to eye infections, corneal abrasions, dry eyes, corneal ulcers, or other issues, including vision loss. Remember, it’s essential to be vigilant and get professional guidance and care as soon as a problem develops.
While contact lenses provide millions of people with an effective and satisfying solution for a broad range of vision impairments and eye issues, some people cannot comfortably or safely wear them. If you are prone to eye infections, have severe allergies or dry eyes that are not responsive to treatment, are exposed to a dusty daily environment, or cannot properly care for contact lenses, we’ll recommend a different option in care.
While, in some ways, contact lens considerations for children are the same as those for teenagers and adults, some significant differences require further discussion. Whether or not a child is a candidate for contact lenses and at what age they can safely wear them depends on several factors. For one thing, it’s essential to evaluate how well a child can handle the responsibility of safely and properly caring for their contacts. Another consideration is the presence of underlying medical conditions or significant seasonal allergies. At our office, we provide skilled and experienced care. If you are interested in contact lenses for your child, we’re well equipped to advise you on the healthiest and safest vision care options.
The United States Food and Drug Administration recommends contact lenses not be exposed to any form of water. The reason is that certain bacteria present in impure water can become attached to contact lenses, increasing the risk of infection and possible vision loss. However, if lenses are worn in a bathtub or hot tub, it’s essential to avoid getting water splashed in your eyes. Also, tight-fitting goggles can offer a measure of protection when swimming with contact lenses.
Based on research and scientific evidence, the American Optometric Association offers the following advice:
“If lenses are accidentally exposed to water, instill a lubricating drop to help loosen the lens on the eye then remove the lens with clean, dry hands. Next, clean and disinfect the lens before re-inserting, or discard the lens. Never sleep in a lens that has been exposed to water without first cleaning and disinfecting it. If lenses were removed prior to getting in a bathtub or hot tub, they must be properly cleaned and disinfected before being re-inserted.”
A prescription for contact lenses is valid for a year. Purchasing contact lenses requires an annual eye exam to generate a valid prescription.
It’s always worthwhile to invest in your vision! With that said, the cost of contact lenses varies. It all depends on the type of lens, whether they are daily or extended wear or specialized lenses designed for a specific purpose. Most vision insurance plans provide some coverage for contact lenses. However, copays and coinsurance rates can vary by plan. In some cases, when a medical condition precludes eyeglasses, a patient may receive coverage for contacts under their medical insurance.
At the office of Charm City Optical & Eye Care Center, we provide the finest quality of care to help patients of all ages maintain healthy eyes and enjoy optimal vision. We offer a comprehensive range of services from eye exams, prescription lenses, and all types of contact lenses, to vision screenings to detect any signs of disease or injury affecting the health of your eyes. Our position at the forefront of advances in vision technology and treatment methods demonstrates our dedication to serving our patients' needs. It’s also the reason so many patients choose our office for care.
Located in the heart of Baltimore, Charm City Optical & Eye Care Center offers a convenient location with a commitment to excellence. We invite you to schedule an appointment and experience the difference of exceptional eye care, where advanced technology meets personalized service and unparalleled style.
Phone
