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Contact Lens Exam in Ken Caryl, CO
If you are interested in wearing contact lenses, the expert optometrists at the Eyecare Center of Ken Caryl can help you find the right contact lenses for your eye health and visual needs. We perform contact lens evaluations annually to provide patients with an updated contact lens prescription.
During a contact lens exam in Littleton, our eye doctor will assess your vision, eye health, and lifestyle to recommend the best lenses for your needs. Even if you were previously told that you can’t wear contact lenses, it may be time to try again! There are many new contact lenses that accommodate astigmatism, presbyopia, and other conditions.
Contact lens exam
The contact lens exam may be conducted as part of your comprehensive eye exam or may be scheduled as a separate appointment.
- During the contact lens exam, our eye doctor will evaluate the size and shape of your eyes. We will also check for any eye health issues that may affect your comfort while wearing contact lenses.
- Our eye doctor will measure the size of your pupils and your cornea to determine the curvature and size of your contact lenses. We will use a non-invasive imaging technique called corneal topography (or corneal mapping) to create a detailed map of the cornea’s curvature. By using corneal topography, we can evaluate the cornea’s shape, detect irregularities, and identify conditions like astigmatism or keratoconus.
- We will also measure the axial length to accurately calculate the power of the contact lenses. Axial length is the distance from the front surface (cornea) of the eye to the back surface (retina). This measurement helps us determine the proper size and shape of the lens needed for your eyes.
Once these tests are complete, your eye doctor will prescribe contact lenses based on your eye health and vision needs. They may provide you with trial contact lenses and ask you to wear them for a week or so. You will then come back for a follow-up contact lens exam to ensure the contacts fit comfortably and provide you with clear vision.
You will also receive a contact lens prescription that designates the contact lens material, base curve (a shape matching the curvature of your eye), and diameter.
Why do I need an exam for contact lenses?
Whether you currently wear contact lenses or would like to try wearing them, there are several reasons you need a contact lens exam.
Determine the right prescription
Contact lenses have a specific prescription that differs from regular eyeglasses. A contact lens exam ensures you get contact lenses that fit comfortably and provide clear vision. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies contact lenses as medical devices because improper use can pose risks to your eye health. As a result, contacts must meet strict safety and effectiveness standards.
Evaluate eye health
A contact lens exam includes a comprehensive evaluation of your eye health. This evaluation can detect any eye problems or conditions that may affect your candidacy for contact lenses or require further treatment.
Assess fit and comfort
A proper contact lens fitting is essential for comfort and to avoid complications. During your contact lens exam in Littleton, our eye doctor will measure the shape and size of your eyes to ensure your contact lenses fit properly.
Our doctor will select an initial pair of lenses to try. We will then evaluate both your vision and the fit of the contact lens on your eye. If vision, comfort, or fit is unacceptable to you or the doctor, we will make adjustments to the lenses.
Your contact lens evaluation fee includes a 60-day follow-up period to help you and your doctor find the best lenses for your eyes and needs.
Discuss care and maintenance
Proper contact lens care is essential to prevent infections and complications. During your contact lens exam, you’ll receive training on handling, cleaning, and wearing your lenses. Following our eye doctor’s instructions helps ensure clear, comfortable vision and healthy eyes.
Schedule a contact lens exam in Ken Caryl
Our eye doctors at the Eyecare Center of Ken Caryl have expertise in successfully fitting patients with the right contact lenses for their visual needs, eye health, and lifestyle. Contact us today to schedule your contact lens exam in Littleton!
Can I use my eyeglass prescription to buy over-the-counter contact lenses?
Sleeping in contact lenses is generally not recommended, as it can increase the risk of contact lens-related complications. While there are specific types of contact lenses approved for extended or overnight wear, it’s essential to follow your optometrist’s recommendations and guidelines closely.
Here are key points to consider:
1. Specific Contact Lenses: Some contact lenses are designed and approved for extended wear, meaning they can be worn continuously for a certain period, including during sleep. However, not all contact lenses are suitable for this purpose, so it’s crucial to use only lenses recommended by your optometrist for overnight wear.
2. Increased Risk of Complications: Sleeping in contact lenses can lead to a higher risk of complications such as eye infections, corneal ulcers, dryness, and discomfort. Wearing lenses continuously reduces the amount of oxygen that reaches the cornea, making the eyes more susceptible to infections and other issues.
3. Proper Care and Hygiene: If you are prescribed contact lenses for extended wear, it’s essential to maintain proper care and hygiene practices. This includes cleaning and disinfecting your lenses regularly, following the recommended wearing schedule, and replacing lenses as directed by your optometrist.
4. Consultation with Your Optometrist: Before considering sleeping in your contact lenses, discuss this option with your optometrist. They can assess your eye health, determine if you are a suitable candidate for overnight wear lenses, and provide expert advice to minimize the risk of complications.
Is it safe for me to clean my contact lenses with a homemade solution?
No, it is not safe to clean your contact lenses with a homemade solution. Your optometrist should recommend specific, approved contact lens solutions to ensure the health of your eyes and to help the contact lenses function optimally.
Here’s why homemade solutions are not recommended:
1. Safety and Sterility: Commercial contact lens solutions are formulated to be sterile and to effectively disinfect and clean contact lenses. Homemade solutions may lack the necessary antimicrobial properties and may not be sterile, posing a risk of eye infections and complications.
2. Compatibility with Contact Lenses: Contact lens solutions are designed to be compatible with various types of contact lenses, including soft, rigid gas permeable, and silicone hydrogel lenses. Homemade solutions may not be suitable for all types of lenses and could damage or degrade the lenses over time.
3. Proper Cleaning and Disinfection: Contact lens solutions undergo rigorous testing to ensure they effectively clean and disinfect lenses, removing protein deposits, debris, and bacteria. Homemade solutions may not have the same cleaning and disinfecting efficacy, leading to a higher risk of eye irritation and infection.
4. Professional Recommendations: Your optometrist will provide recommendations for approved contact lens solutions based on your specific lens type, eye health needs, and wearing schedule. It’s important to follow their guidance to maintain the health of your eyes and the longevity of your contact lenses.