Dr. Jennifer Tabibzadeh is an Optometrist and has answered some common questions that Bizymoms visitors have about Contact Lenses.
Q. What’s involved in a Contact Lens Fitting?
A. During the examination, certain parameters are measured, including the curvature of the cornea, and the glasses prescription, which we call the refraction. We use these numbers together to choose the appropriate contact lens for the patient. Depending on the patients wants/needs the appropriate type of lens is chosen (dailies, versus long term lenses, lenses for overnight wear, bifocal or multi-focal lenses, colored contacts, etc). The lenses are then placed on the patient’s eye and evaluated for fit, comfort and vision. From there the contact lens prescription is released and the patient is free to purchase contacts for a full year until the following eye exam is due (annually for contact lenses)
Q. What types of Contact Lenses are there?
A.
- Bifocal/multifocal contacts lenses (for patients over 40 years of age that have a different need at near/far) - these type of lenses focus near and far without the use of glasses
- Colored contacts - for cosmetic purpose, also used when a patient has difficulty seeing the contacts without them on, to aid insertion/removal
- Long-term wear contact lenses (30 day continual wear) - disposable monthly contacts that are FDA approved to be worn for 30 days at a time
- 2 week/monthly disposables - most commonly worn type of lenses on the market, available for those with and without astigmatism
- Rigid Permeable contacts - for patients with high amounts of astigmatism, irregular corneas, and corneal disorders
Q. Can children wear Contact Lenses?
A. Yes - we fit contact lenses in children as young as 6 months old. There are certain visual disorders and ocular diseases that require a child be fully corrected to be able to see 20/20 from a young age, so that they do not develop a disorder termed Amblyopia - sometimes called a "lazy eye" - typically if there is not a specific reason to wear contacts at such a young age, then contacts can be fitted when the parents feel comfortable that the child can handle using the contact lenses. This varies from parent to parent, but in my practice we typically start fitting contacts at 10-12 years of age. Daily disposables are the best choice for children, because it eliminates the need to store/clean contacts over night, and reduces the chance for infection. Dailies disposable are a contact lens that is worn only for one day, and the following day a new contact lens is used (comes in packs of 30 or 90 at a time)
Q. What is the difference between soft and hard Contact Lenses?
A. Soft contact lenses are made of silicon hydrogel materials, which fully cover the cornea - and are made to be disposed of every 2 weeks to every month depending on the manufacterer. Typically, normal corneas can be fit with soft contact lenses.
Rigid or gas permeable lenses (also known as hard lenses) can be used to correct corneas with high amounts of astigmatism, irregular astigmatism, and certain corneal disorders which require correction with a rigid lens. This type of lens is typically disposed of on an annual basis, and can be used for normal corneas as well. They are safe and have a lower risk of ocular infection than soft lenses.
Q. How can we contact Dr. Tabibzadeh if we have further questions?
A. You can visit my website at www.family-eye-care.thrivesmart.com or email me at dr.tabibzadeh@hotmail.com. My practice is open tuesday-saturday 10-6pm and is located on 1150 Broadway, Chula Vista, CA 91911. My telephone no is (619) 476-8656.
