Hard to Fit Contacts Vs. Regular Contacts
If you are thinking about getting contacts, your optometrist at New Vision Optical Wilmette, in Wilmette, IL, will inspect your eyes and decide if regular contacts or hard to fit contact lenses are right for you. There are substantial differences between the two, so continue reading if you want to be more prepared for your appointment.
Regular Contacts
If your eyes are healthy and free of disease, you can wear regular contacts. The same is true if your prescription is not very high and you have no astigmatism. If you can wear regular contacts, there are a few types that you can choose from.
Daily, Weekly, Bi-Weekly, Monthly: These are soft contacts that would be replaced based on the type you are wearing. You would need to take the lenses out at night before you go to bed.
Extended Wear: You can keep extended wear contacts in your eyes for a month without needing to take them out. These contacts can cause eye infections; therefore, your eye doctor will need to examine your eyes to determine if they will be safe for you.
Hard To Fit Contacts
Hard to fit contacts are special lenses designed for people with certain diseases and conditions that make wearing regular contacts impossible. There are a few types of hard to fit lenses and the type that you eye doctor prescribes would depend on your condition.
Gas permeable contacts: Gas permeable contacts are rigid, and they hold the shape of the eye. This makes them an effective treatment for keratoconus. Infection is less common with these lenses, which makes that great if you have giant papillary conjunctivitis. Finally, gas-permeable lenses don't absorb moisture the way that soft lenses do, making them a good option if you have dry eye.
Piggyback lenses: If gas-permeable contacts are uncomfortable, you can wear a soft lens under your gas-permeable lens to act as a cushion.
Scleral contacts: These contacts don't fit over the eye the way traditional contacts do. Instead, they fit over the white of your eye, and they vault over your eye. These lenses are often prescribed for patients with keratoconus or irregular corneas.
Toric lenses: Toric lenses are used to treat astigmatism.
Multifocal lenses: Presbyopia often occurs after the age of 40. It makes it difficult to see close up objects. Multifocal lenses have a prescription for near and distance, making reading glasses unnecessary.
Schedule an Appointment Today!
If you are thinking about getting contacts, schedule a contact lens fitting with New Vision Optical Wilmette. During your visit, our eye doctor in Wilmette will determine if you can wear regular contacts or if you will need hard to fit contacts.