Contact Lenses
Fremont Optometric Group in Fremont offers many options for contact lenses.
There are a number of reasons why you might prefer contact lenses to standard eyewear: a glasses-free look, hassle-free vision correction, wearing non-prescription sunwear and goggles, or the convenience of not having to worry about misplacing your glasses. If you have a high prescription or astigmatism, contact lenses may provide more enhanced vision correction than glasses. Today, you can even replace your bifocal glasses with bifocal contact lenses.
Your eye care provider can recommend the best contact lenses for you based on a complete eye examination and a review of your visual needs both at work and play. Since most people can wear more than one type of lens, it’s important to know what the choices are and the advantages and disadvantages to each.
Soft Lenses
These lenses are comfortable to wear and must be replaced monthly, weekly or daily depending on the type you choose. More than 50% of our patients today are in daily lenses as they offer superior comfort, convenience and are better for your overall ocular health. Soft lenses are often recommended for sports because they fit closer to the eye and are more difficult to dislodge. They can provide correction for most prescriptions including astigmatism. Today, with the introduction of newer materials like silicone hydrogels, which allow more oxygen to the eye, patients find it easier than ever to wear soft lenses comfortably throughout the day.
Gas-Permeable (GP) Lenses
Made of moderately flexible plastics, GP lenses offer sharp vision and correct most vision problems. They are more durable than soft contact lenses and can be easier to handle and care for but require a longer adaptation period and consistent wear to maintain adaptation.
Multifocal Lenses
In both soft and GP designs, multifocal lenses offer patients both distance and near vision correction just like a pair of progressive or bifocal glasses.
Color Contact Lenses
Enhance your eye color or even change it completely. Colored contact lenses are fun and come in a variety of colors for both light and dark eyes.
Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT) or Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Lenses
CRT lenses have two significant benefits to traditional soft or GP lenses. Their primary benefit is freedom from glasses or contacts during the day. Patients will need to wear their CRT lenses every night for at least 6 hours while they sleep. The lens will gently reshape the cornea to match your glasses prescription. Their secondary benefit is that studies show CRT lenses help to slow the progression of myopia. Ideal candidates have the following characteristics:
- 8-15 years old. Older patients can be fit in CRT, but there are some considerations best discuss with your doctor
- Less than -5.00 myopia and less than -1.00 astigmatism. Higher powers can still be considered, but results are harder to control
- Maturity and control of blink reflex. Before we initiate a CRT fit, parent, patient and doctor all have to be in agreement that this is the optimal choice and all parties are motivated for a successful outcome.
For more information check out Paragon CRT or ask your doctor at your next visit.
Regardless of the type of contact lenses you wear, an annual eye exam is recommended to ensure the continued good health of your eyes. Schedule an appointment for an assessment and advice at Fremont Optometric Group in Fremont, and we will be in touch with you shortly.