Are you looking to make the switch from eyeglasses to contact lens fittings? Here are five things you need to know beforehand, and why it’s so important to visit your Calgary eye doctor for a contact lens fitting first.
At our Calgary eye clinic, our team of highly qualified eye doctors are committed to helping you achieve better visual health with our premier eye care services. We offer a wide range of high quality vision correction options, including eyeglasses and contact lenses.
Contact lenses are becoming an increasingly popular choice because of the many great benefits they provide, including:
- Greater visual acuity
- More natural vision
- Aesthetic perks
- Improved performance in sports and other activities
- Greater convenience
Comprehensive Contact Lens Fittings at our Eye Clinic in Sunridge Mall, Calgary
At our eye clinic, our team of eye doctors provide a wide range of ocular health services, including adult/children’s eye exams, contact lens fittings, cataract management services, and glaucoma testing, to help you maintain the health of your eyes and clarity of your vision for many years.
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CONTACT OUR EYE CLINIC IN SUNRIDGE MALL
4 Things You Need to Know Before Getting Contact Lenses
Contact lenses provide an excellent alternative to traditional eyeglasses, providing patients with greater convenience, a more natural look, and improved vision. However, before you start using contact lenses, here are some things you should know:
1. Always Visit an Optometrist First
First and foremost, it is absolutely imperative that you visit an optometrist before switching to contact lenses. They can help guide you on this journey, whether you want to wear contact lenses for vision correction or for cosmetic purposes.
Your eye doctor has the experience and training to:
- Help you understand the pros and cons of wearing contact lenses
- Determine the best type of lenses for you
- Show you how to put in and remove your contact lenses
- Advise you on how to take care of your lenses to avoid infection
During your contact lens fitting, make sure to bring up any questions you might have about wearing contact lenses, and your eye doctor can ensure you are fully prepared and comfortable for this next step.
2. Don’t Order Contact Lenses Online Using Your Eyeglasses Prescription
A common misconception is that it is okay to use your eyeglasses prescription when you are ordering contact lenses. However, because contact lenses sit directly on the surface of your eye, while your eyeglasses are positioned further out, the prescriptions will differ.
Wearing the wrong prescription can lead to:
- Blurry vision
- Constant headaches
- Discomfort
ALWAYS pay a visit to a qualified eye doctor to get the right prescription for your contact lenses.
3. Understand the Different Types of Lenses Available
Depending on several factors, such as your lifestyle and personal preference, your eye doctor can advise you on which type of contact lens is best for you. There are different options, including:
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Soft contact lenses. These lenses are made from a soft, flexible plastic that allows oxygen to pass through to the cornea. They are supplied in a variation of wearing patterns, including daily, two-weekly, and monthly disposables.
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Rigid gas permeable lenses. Gas permeable lenses are often recommended for patients who are harder to fit with soft lenses, such as those who have astigmatism. They are much more durable than soft lenses and can be worn for a longer period of time.
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Coloured contact lenses. These are soft lenses that are made to wear as daily or monthly disposables and can change a person’s eye colour. They are available in a range of colours and shades.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF CONTACT LENSES
4. You Must Follow The Correct Contact Lens Practices
Once you become comfortable with wearing your contact lenses, you will most likely carry them with you everywhere you go. However, even when you are on holiday, it’s important to always follow the contact lens care guide given to you by your optometrist.
This means you should NEVER:
- Sleep, swim, or shower in your contact lenses
- Place a lens in your mouth for cleaning or wetting
- Use water to soak or rinse your lenses
- Continue wearing your contacts if your eyes feel uncomfortable or are red
- Wear expired contact lenses
SAFETY TIPS FOR CONTACT LENS WEARERS
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We are happy to be serving you once again! We are scheduling our patients on priority basis and continue to take all necessary safety measures to keep you, our staff, and community safe.
If you want to know more about our contact lens fittings, or if you have questions about your vision, please call us at 403-280-7518 or fill in our online contact form.
