Q. I am
interested in opting for contact lenses over glasses. Is the eye examination process for contact lens
different than those for eyeglasses?
A. Yes, the process of comprehensive
eye examination for contact lenses is different from that of eyeglasses.
If you are interested in opting for contact lenses, then more tests in addition to
comprehensive check up are required. It definitely involves more time, patience and co operation from your
end.
- On completion of comprehensive eye examination, you would be asked questions about your lifestyle
choices and preferences regarding contact lenses, such as whether you may want to change the eye colour or
colour of your contact lenses or if you choose daily disposables or overnight wear.
- The optometrist shall also recommend a lens/ series of lenses for you to choose from depending upon
your requirements and the status of the eye.
- Detailed evaluation, examination and measurements of surface of the eye are conducted before you are
fitted with contact lenses.
Contact Lens Measurements :
As one size doesn’t fit all, if the curvature of your contact lens is too flat or too steep for your eye’s
shape, then you could experience discomfort. However we take care of every aspects to ensure proper fit of
contact lens which includes:
- Measurement of eye’s surface and curvature with the help of an instrument called Keratometer. It is
a type of digital camera that is used to measure the curvature of eye’s clear front surface (cornea). With
one version, you sit and face the instrument, and place your chin on a brace such that your head is held
still while the instrument photographs the eye. This instrument automatically assesses the images of your
cornea and creates mathematical representations of the curvature of your eye’s surface. This instrument
facilitates exact determination of proper curve contact lenses.
- Corneal Topography covers larger surface of a cornea, unlike a Keratometer and provides precise
details about the surface characteristics of the cornea by analysing photographic images taken by projecting
light into your eye. In corneal topography, you are seated with your forehead resting against a curved brace.
Circular patterns of light are beamed into your eye for photographic analysis; the computer creates and
prints out the resulting surface map of your eye.
- Pupil and Iris Measurements: The pupil and iris is measured with a pupil card, ruler or pupillometer
to determine the size of your pupil. Some automated systems and advanced technologies are used to measure the
size of the pupil, wherein the magnified image of your eye is automatically converted to accurate pupil
measurement. For proper size, fitting and orientation of your contact lenses, pupil and iris measurements are
necessary.
- Tear Film Evaluation: During this process, the moisture content of your eyes is evaluated through
use of a small strip of paper inserted underneath the lower eyelid. At times, if your eyes don’t produce
enough moisture and you have a severe dry eye problem, then contact lenses may not be right for you. However,
contact lenses made of silicone hydro gel material may work right for eyes that are dry.
Examination of eye’s surface and cornea fit:
The health of your eye can be evaluated using bio-microscope that provides detailed
information about eye’s surface and can be used as a baseline to evaluate any further changes to eyes related
to contact lens wear. The fit of a trial pair of contact lenses can also be evaluated with the help of a
bio-microscope. The trial lens helps the optometrist determine how much the lens moves with each blink to make
sure the fit is correct. You need to at least wear the trial lenses for 15minutes for the initial tearing to
stop and the lens to stabilise. On finding a contact lens that fits you properly, your OPTOMETRIST will
prescribe the same and designate the contact lens power, with a shape matching the curvature of your eye (base
curve) and diameter.
It generally takes two visits to GANGAR EYENATION to determine and finalise the contact lens fitting. After
which, your eyes need to be examined for follow up visits as recommended by our optometrist.
Q. How long does it
take to get used to contact lenses, if I have never worn them before?
A. The time span to get used to contact
lenses depends on factors like the sensitivity of your eye and the type of contact lens chosen (whether soft
or rigid). Normally it ranges from 1 day to 2 weeks.
Q. What are the types
of contact lenses available? Can you also provide benefits of each of them?
A. Contact lenses are available in
different material and types.
Q. What are the
replacement schedules for different types of contact lenses?
A. Despite effective care and regular
maintenance of contact lenses, every lens needs
replacement after a certain time period.
The replacement schedules for different types of contact lenses are as follows:
- The conventional soft contact lenses last about a year.
- The conventional soft and rigid gas permeable (RPG) lenses last several years.
- The planned replacement contact lenses last only one to several months.
- Disposable contact lenses last from one day to one month.
Q. Is it worth spending
extra on disposable contact lenses?
A. Disposable and frequent replacement
contact lenses are highly recommended by us as they ensure to maintain health of the eyes, and leaves less
scope for protein and bacteria build up. If you opt for daily disposable contact lenses, you don’t need to
purchase cleaning solutions as you discard the lens after every use at the end of the day.
Q. What is the really
big difference between daily and extended wear contact lenses?
A. The extended wear contact lenses are
made up of materials that allow more oxygen to reach the eye that makes it safe to sleep in them. However
daily wear contact lenses do not facilitate the same advantage. Extended wear contact lenses can be worn
without removal for up to seven days.
Q. Why is it necessary
to come back for a second visit after being fitted with contacts?
A. If the OPTOMETRIST asks you to come
back for a second visit after being fitted with contacts, it is to ensure that you are not facing any problems
such as improper fit or building up of bacteria on the lenses, that creates discomfort and irritation of eyes.
After a year visit to the OPTOMETRIST is advisable to check if your prescription has changed and to check for
any eye diseases, which can be treated in the early stages.
Q. What are the
precautionary measures to be followed while inserting and removing soft contact lenses?
A. The steps to be followed while
inserting and removing contact lenses are:
Contact Lens Insertion Process:
- Place the contact lens on the tip of your index finger.
- Drag the bottom eyelid down and look slightly across your nose in the mirror.
- Place the contact lens on sclera (white part of the eye) with bottom edge of contact lens.
- Press lightly and release the bottom eyelid.
- Put contact lens into place by massaging on top of your eyelid or blink a couple of times.
- Repeat this process for other eye as well.
Contact Lens Removal Process:
- With your middle finger of opposite hand, pull the lower lid down
- Bend your head forward
- Place your index finger of the same hand on the contact lens and slide it down onto the exposed
sclera.
- Using the thumb and index finger, pinch the contact lens off the eye.
- Clean and store the removed lens, before removing the other from the eye.
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Q. What are the Do’s and Don’ts to be followed for effective caring of contact
lenses?
A. The most crucial and essential
part of healthy contact lens wear is after care and regular eye examination. Advancements in technology have
eliminated the problems previously associated with contact lenses.
However, it is vital to follow certain guidelines as provided by an optometrist to ensure proper lens care:
Do’s
- Follow the wearing schedule suggested by our optometrist rigorously.
- Wash and rinse your hands before handling your lenses.
- Faulty, damaged or dried out lenses need to be replaced immediately.
- Lens case should be replaced once every three months.
- Always use fresh solution
- Rinse the lenses well before insertion.
- Attend contact lens check-up regularly as advised by our optometrist.
Don’ts
- Unless completely assured and considered safe, do not sleep in your contact lens.
- Do not re-use solutions and never use tap water for your lenses
- Don’t wear lenses while swimming
- In case of eye irritation, consult our optometrist at the earliest
Q. Can you enlist
some of the latest advancements in type of contact lenses available?
A. Latest advancements in technology
of manufacturing equipments and materials used for making lenses has brought about an upsurge in customer
preference for contact lenses over the conventional eyeglasses.
Contact lenses are not just stylish, but also a convenient and comfortable eyewear option.
The latest types include:
High Oxygen Lens – This provides greater comfort in dry and air-conditioned
environments, reduces deposits on the lens surface and doesn’t cause irritation of eyes during continued
usage.
New disposable lens – They offer blink activated moisturiser for greater
comfort.
New multi-focal disposable contact lens – this is a great option for
progressive eyeglass wearers.
Daily Disposable – This ensures maximum convenience as no cleaning is required
and maintains eye health.
Colour disposable – This enhances your existing eye colour and is available
with or without corrective prescription.
30-Day Continuous Wear Contact Lens – This is the ultimate in convenience as
there’s no problem even if you sleep with your lenses on.
Q. What are the dos
and don’ts to follow regards contact lens wear?
A. Do’s
of Contact Lens Wear:
- Follow the advice of your OPTOMETRIST strictly as regards contact lens wearing schedule and the
manufacturer’s instructions.
- Consult your OPTOMETRIST immediately if you experience sore eyes, irritation, redness or blurry
vision.
- Before handling contact lenses, always wash your hands thoroughly.
- Always start with the right contact lens such that they don’t get mixed up.
- Insert contact lenses before applying make-up and remove them only after make-up removal.
- Clean your contact lens after each use with multi-purpose solution
- Replace contact lenses every 3 months
- Always keep a pair of back-up glasses
- Conduct an eye-check up once a year or as recommended by the optometrist.
Don’ts of Contact Lens Wear:
- Don’t wear lenses if your eyes are sore red or your vision is blurred.
- Don’t insert damaged contact lenses into your eye.
- Do not keep disposable contact lenses longer than instructed by our optometrist
- Don’t use contact lens cleaning solutions after their expiry date.
- Don’t change contact lens solution types or disinfection procedures without consulting our
optometrist.
- Don’t use medicated drops on contact lenses without consulting an optometrist
- Don’t use tap water or saliva to clean contact lenses.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes when wearing contact lenses for the first time.
- Do not sleep in daily wear disposable contact lenses or wear them more than once.
- Do not SWAP your lenses with anyone.
- Do not forget to get an eye examination done once every year or as recommended by our optometrist.
- Do not place contact lenses on top of any hot or warm appliance like Television.
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