| Dr. Ted Archdale is an Optometrist and has answered some common questions tht Bizymoms visitors have about Contact Lens.
Q.What’s involved in a Contact Lens Exam?
A. A comprehensive exam is first needed to determine the RX and be sure there are no ocular health issues, then we take measurements and assess the eye curvature as well as the eyes ability to wear contacts then insert a trial pair of contact lenses and evaluate the vision and fit and then allow the patient to test drive the lenses for a week to be sure that patients is happy with the contacts and re-evaluate and make sure they are the best they can be at the 1 week follow up visit.
Q. What’s involved in Contact Lens Fitting?
A. As a medical device that goes into your body we need to make sure the contact won’t cause any harm to a persons’ eye. We want the patient to have great Vision and Comfort and be in a contact that is easy to care for. The fitting process can be simple or complex depending on the patient as well as their prescription. Different measurements may be needed and the use of fitting kits may be needed for a try one on until you find one that works scenario. After a patient has a contact on we need to assess the vision as well as the fit to ensure they will meet our objective. Most fittings are straight forward and can be done the day you come in for your eye exam.
Q. Why is a yearly Contact Lens exam important?
A. Things change over time and that includes Vision and eye health. Yearly evaluations are important to ensure patients see well and that the contacts are still healthy. Additionally new materials and designs of contact lenses come out regularly that patients may benefit from.
Q. What types of Contact Lenses are there?
A. The 3 main types of contacts are Rigid gas permeable and Soft and a Hybrid mix between rigid and soft. Each type is good for certain prescriptions and patients and depending on the prescription and condition we would choose the best one. There are spherical, toric (astigmatism correcting), and multifocal options for each type.
Q. Can children wear Contact Lenses?
A. Most definitely children can wear contact lenses. The age cut off usually is 11-12 as we want the child to be able to handle and properly care for the lenses and be responsible enough not to over wear them and damage their eye.
Q. What is the difference between soft and hard Contact Lenses?
A. Soft lenses are a more comfortable lens type but have their restrictions to the type of prescription they can correct. Rigid lenses tend to be less comfortable but in certain instances give patients better vision.
Q. Can I safely wear extended-wear Contact Lenses overnight?
A. Contacts can be FDA approved for extended wear (sleeping in) but there are risks to this type of wear. The cornea gets its oxygen from the air we breathe and when contacts are worn continuously they don’t get rinsed, which slows the transmission of oxygen and they may then slowly deprive the eye of oxygen which then puts patients at risk of infection or a condition we call hypoxia. In Colorado I don’t recommend sleeping in contacts due to the altitude and the lack of oxygen in our air.
Q. How can we contact Dr. Archdale if we have further questions?
A. My website www.archdaleeyecare.com would be the best way to learn about our practices and if you need to contact me. My telephone no is 719-577-4400 and email is drted@archdaleeyecare.com |
