Resources

Contact Lenses

Who can wear contact lenses?
Most people can. Recent advances in contact lenses include astigmatism-correcting lenses, bifocals, daily disposables, and frequent-replacement lenses. Whether you're nearsighted or farsighted, older or younger, you can probably wear some type of contact lens.

Are contact lenses good for my eyes? Can they cause damage to the cornea?
Contact lenses have proven to be a healthy vision option for millions of people. But only your eyecare professional can determine if they are healthy for you. If you follow all prescribed steps for inserting, removing, and caring for them, contact lenses will continue to be safe and effective. You also need to see your eyecare professional regularly to insure long-term corneal health.

At what age can contact lens wear begin?
As soon as the need for vision correction is identified, contact lenses are a viable option. In fact, they have frequently been used in premature infants, who sometimes have vision problems. With proper care and lens maintenance, infants, young children, teens, and adults of all ages can wear contacts effectively. If you're a parent, click here for more information.

Should I wear contact lenses while playing sports?
Sports vision doctors agree that contact lenses are the best vision correction option for athletes. They can enhance visual skills like depth perception, peripheral awareness, and eye-hand/eye-foot coordination. Unlike glasses, contacts offer athletes a competitive advantage because they stay in place under dynamic conditions, provide a wider vision field, and eliminate the risk of glasses-related injuries. Contact lenses also make it easy to wear protective goggles. Click here for more information on contact lenses and sports.

Is it true that some contact lenses can actually slow or control nearsightedness?
Many contact lens specialists agree that GP contact lenses, which are made of firm plastic, may slow the progression of nearsightedness (myopia), whereas spectacles or soft contact lenses offer no such benefit. Myopia control is one reason why GP contacts are an excellent choice for many school-aged children and teens. Various eye care practitioners are continuing research in this area.

If I have astigmatism, can I wear contact lenses?
Yes. Astigmatism is distorted vision caused by an irregularly shaped cornea. Contact lenses that correct astigmatism are called torics, and they come in both soft and GP contact lens materials. GP contacts tend to work better for astigmatism, because they are custom-fit to your eyes' particular shape; also, their firm material keeps its original shape more when you blink. In addition, small amounts of astigmatism may be corrected with a regular, non-toric GP contact lens.

Aren't soft contact lenses the newest and best technology?
No. When they were first available in 1971, soft contact lenses were a giant leap in technology and comfort over old-style hard contact lenses. But GP contact lenses, first marketed in 1979, are a next-generation advancement. New, recently developed materials and designs make them a state-of-the-art option for contact lens wearers, offering sharper vision, better corneal health, longer lens life, and greater ease of care than most soft contacts. Click here for an in-depth comparison of GPs and soft lenses.

Are contacts hard to take care of?
It differs from lens to lens. GP contacts, which last for years, need daily cleaning and disinfecting but generally no enzyming, since their slick surface resists deposit buildup. Daily disposable lenses are worn once, then discarded, with no maintenance required. Weekly soft disposables are cleaned at the end of the day, then soaked in disinfecting solution until they're worn again. Since they're discarded before deposit buildups occur, they don't need to be soaked in an enzyme solution. Other soft lenses usually require daily cleaning/disinfection and weekly enzyming.

How can I get contact lenses that change the appearance or color of my eyes?
Soft contact lenses are available that will change the color of your eyes, even if you don't require vision correction. Costume lenses for Halloween or theatrical purposes are also available. Both are still a prescribed medical device that must be fitted and followed up by your eyecare professional. And remember, even though such lenses might provoke curiosity by your friends and family members, never share them with anyone. Sharing lenses can lead to dangerous health problems.

Who should I see for contacts -- an optometrist or an ophthalmologist?
It is your choice. Optometrists (Doctors of Optometry, or O.D.s) perform eye examinations, treat eye disease, prescribe vision correction, fit contact lenses, and dispense eyeglasses. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors (M.D.s) who specialize in eyes. Many concentrate on eye surgery and treatment of disease, but some specialize in contact lenses. Also, in some states specially trained opticians or contact lens technicians are licensed to fit contact lenses. Since they must fit the lenses from an optometrist's or ophthalmologist's prescription, they often work with them in the same office.

How much do contact lenses cost?
The cost of contact lenses can vary greatly. If you have a difficult prescription or need correction for problems like astigmatism, your lenses will be more expensive. If you have no special requirements, your options will range from daily disposables (fairly high cost) to GP contacts, which are thought by many to provide the greatest value. GP contacts, though initially more expensive, can last for years and are inexpensive to care for. Consumer Reports called GP contact lenses a better buy "because they're more durable and cheaper to maintain." Fortunately, GP contacts can also accommodate any prescription, no matter how difficult, because they are custom-made for each individual wearer.

Can I sleep in contact lenses?
Ask your doctor. It depends on the type of lens you're wearing, the composition of your tear film, your general eye health, and other factors. GP contact lenses and certain soft lenses can be slept in, but never wear them while sleeping unless your eyecare practitioner says you can.

I've never worn contact lenses, and the thought of putting something in my eye is a little scary.

This is a typical concern with first-time wearers, but your eyecare professional will be able to help. Here are some of the most common worries:

• "I can't get my eye open wide enough."

  Yes you can. Grasp the upper eyelashes between your thumb and index finger and gently pull the eyelids apart.

• "My eyes are too small."

  They aren't. Hold the top lid up and rest the edge of the lens inside the lower lid with the lens slanting out. If you look down, the lens usually moves right onto the eye.

• "What if I put the lens in the wrong place?"

  You can't. The lens won't fit right unless it's centered, and it has a natural tendency to move to the center of your eye. Your eyecare professional can show you how to move it into position if you do get the lens off the cornea.

• "What if the lens slides to the back of my eyeball?"

  Don't worry, this is completely impossible.

• "The lens won't stick in place."

  Usually it's because the lens is attracted to the wettest surface, and your finger is wetter than your eye. Dry your finger, and let your lens air-dry for a few seconds before insertion.

• "I'm afraid I'll put my lens on inside-out."

  The good thing about GP contact lenses is that they can't flip inside-out. But if it's a soft lens, look at it closely. If the edge is flared out, it's probably inside-out. Some soft lenses have little marks to help you know if they're inside out.

• "How do I get the lens out again? Isn't it stuck to my eye?"

  No. If you're wearing a GP contact lens, just pull your eyelid taut to the side and blink. It pops right out. For a soft lens, use a few drops of rewetting or solution to keep the lens wet. Look up, touch the lens, and let it slide down and over to the outside corner of the eye. The lens will bunch up, so it's easy to fold out.

• "Will I give myself an eye problem by touching the lens?"

  No. Just make sure to wash your hands first.

Eye Exams

How often should I have an eye exam?
We recommend yearly eye exams for all patients unless you have a specific eye condition which, may require more frequent visits. Although you may not notice a change in your prescription, annual eye exams are important to check the medical health of your eye. Yearly eye exams are also important for those who wear contact lenses. The fit of your contact lenses must be checked to ensure they are fitting properly and not adversely affecting your eye health.

How do I know if my child needs an eye exam?
All children should have an eye exam, beginning at 6 months. Through the InfantSEE® program, we offer complimentary eye exams for children between the ages of 6-12 months. Your child may not complain of any visual symptoms; however, a complete eye exam is the only way to ensure that your child is seeing as clearly as possible. Sometimes problems with school performance, coordination, and depth perception could be the result of an undiagnosed eye condition.

Why do my kids need an exam when they get their eyes checked in school?
Though vision screenings are an excellent way for the school systems to pick up gross abnormalities in your child's vision, they do not check for eye health problems. They also do not check for more complicated vision problems that may affect learning, especially reading. The only way to accurately detect problems that may affect your child's visual performance is to have a comprehensive eye health and vision exam.

How long will the eye exam take?
The length of your eye exam really depends on your specific eyes. An eye exam can range from 30 minutes to 90 minutes depending on what the doctor finds during the examination.

What does the eye exam involve?

During your exam we will evaluate the health function of the following:

• Eye muscles (Strabismus, otherwise known as "lazy eye")
• Pupils
• Intraocular pressure (Glaucoma)
• Cornea
• Crystalline lens (Cataracts)
• Retina (Macular degeneration, Diabetes, and other retinal problems)
• Optic Nerve head (Glaucoma)
• Refraction (Prescription)
• Peripheral vision

Do I have to be dilated?
To adequately examine the retina, optic nerve, and macula (inside of your eyes), we need to dilate the pupils of your eye in most cases. If you have never had your pupils dilated, you may wish to have a driver the first time. Most patients, however, are able to drive after this procedure

LASIK

What is LASIK, and how is it done?
LASIK is a surgical procedure that is capable of correcting a wide range of nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism.

What does the name of the LASIK procedure mean?
LASIK is the acronym for laser in situ keratomileusis, sometimes referred to as laser assisted in situ keratomileusis. The name refers the use of a laser to reshape the cornea without invading the adjacent cell layers. In situ is Greek for "in the natural or normal place." Medically, in situ means confined to the site of origin without invasion of neighboring tissues. Kerato is the Greek word for cornea and mileusis means "to shape."

Who can LASIK benefit?
LASIK can benefit a great number of people with myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. Candidates should have a strong desire to be less dependent on corrective lenses, have established realistic expectations, and understand the risks associated with the surgery.

Who can't have LASIK?
There are a number of factors that doctors must evaluate before they can determine who is an eligible candidate for LASIK. Some doctors deem certain pre-existing conditions contraindications to the procedure and will not perform surgery if you possess them. Sometimes, factors exist that preclude a patient from being an ideal candidate for LASIK surgery. In many cases, a surgeon may still be able to safely perform the procedure, given that the patient and physician have adequately discussed the risks and benefits and set realistic expectations for results.

If I'm not eligible for LASIK, are there other options available to me?
LASIK is only one type of refractive surgery available to patients. Although you may not be eligible for LASIK, you may be eligible for a different procedure. You would need to discuss your options with your ophthalmologist. For more information on these options, please see our Refractive Surgeries section.

I am happy with my contact lenses. Should I pursue having LASIK?
Most surgeons agree that if you are comfortable wearing contact lenses and are not bothered by being dependent on them, you should carefully evaluate the risks and benefits of LASIK. For more information, please see our Eligibility section.

What results can I expect from LASIK?
LASIK improves the uncorrected vision - one's vision without wearing corrective lenses - in most patients who have the procedure. Over 90% of patients with low to moderate myopia will achieve 20/40 vision, which is considered the minimum allowed by most states and provinces to drive without having to wear contacts or glasses. Over half of all patients can expect to achieve 20/20 vision or better. However, there are no guarantees that you will have perfect vision, and patients with high myopia (more than -7D) and high hyperopia (more than +4D) should have a different set of expectations. People who are most satisfied with the results of laser correction possess realistic expectations of what their vision will be like after surgery. For more information, please see our Expectations section.

Will my vision be as crisp after LASIK?
Patients need to understand that 20/20 vision after LASIK might be different from 20/20 with corrective lenses. Some people describe the images they see post-operatively as not being as "crisp"" as those seen through glasses. To learn more about crisp vision, please see our Expectations section.

How long will it take before I can see well, and how long will it take before I have my best vision?
Fast visual recovery characterizes this operation. Most patients achieve good vision the day of surgery and find that their eyes feel fairly normal within a day. However, vision can continue to improve, and best vision can still take two to three months to occur. If necessary, adjustments to the surgery called enhancements can be done. Patients who undergo hyperopic LASIK often need to wait longer to able to see clearly. Typically, they are unable to see with intense clarity for one or two weeks, with best vision coming in several months post-operatively. For more information on this subject, please see our Expectations section.

Will I need to wear glasses or bifocals once my eyes have healed?
Most patients who have LASIK do not need to wear glasses for their daily activities. However, patients may need to wear reading glasses if they are over the age of 40. This is caused by the normal aging of the eye known as presbyopia. This condition occurs with or without LASIK. Some patients may need a minimal prescription for some activities. Those patients who currently have bifocals will still need reading glasses after the surgery unless they opt for a treatment plan called monovision, wherein one eye is corrected for distance and the other for near vision. For more information, please see our Expectations section.

Are the results achieved from LASIK permanent?
LASIK is a surgical procedure that permanently removes corneal tissue to reshape the eye in order to improve refraction. The physical results are permanent. However, you should be aware that since the eyes can still change with time, and LASIK does not affect a number of visual conditions associated with age. For example, LASIK does not prevent presbyopia or affect this condition once it does occur.

Does the LASIK procedure hurt?
Patients are given a topical anesthetic (eye drops) to numb the eye, so they experience no pain during the procedure. When the surgeon applies the vacuum ring, the patient experiences a sensation of pressure just before his or her vision fades for a few seconds. The microkeratome - the instrument the surgeon uses to create the flap - and the laser do not cause any pain or discomfort. For several hours after the procedure, many patients describe a mild burning sensation, such as after opening the eyes while swimming in chlorinated water. Therefore, taking a nap for the first 2 to 3 hours after LASIK is encouraged. After the first few hours, this uncomfortable feeling usually subsides.

What kind of anesthetic is used for LASIK?
The procedure is done with topical anesthetic (eye drops) to numb the eye. Patients may be given a small amount of oral sedative to help them relax.

How safe is the LASIK procedure?
According to several large studies, there is approximately a 2% intra-operative and 3-5% post-operative complication rate. Most of these complications do not result in loss of 2 or more lines of best corrected visual acuity or interfere with vision long term. The rate of severe complications should be substantially less than 1%. It is important for patients to understand that LASIK is surgery, and a small incidence of complications is to be expected. For more information on this subject, please see our Risks & Complications section.

Eye Glasses

Why should I bother to go to the eye doctor when I can simply pick up an inexpensive pair of eyeglasses at the store?

Some people do have good luck with drugstore reading glasses. However, you need to visit your eyecare practitioner regularly for two reasons:

• Regular eye exams are the only way to catch "silent" diseases in their early stages, when they're more easily treated.
• One-size-fits-all reading glasses do not work well for people who have a different prescription in each eye, or whose eyes are not centered in the lens. Headaches are a common problem in those cases.

What should I consider when choosing an eyeglass frame?

The following are some things to consider when choosing an eyeglass frame that is right for you:

• Shape of face (oval, round, square, rectangular or oblong, diamond, base-down triangle, base-up triangle).
• Color (match or contrast your hair and skin tone, eye color, or colors you wear most).
• Frame type (full, half-rimless, rimless).
• Frame material (plastic, metal, titanium, stainless steel, hypoallergenic).
• Your personality and life style.

How do I avoid annoying reflections on my eyeglasses?
Anti-reflective coating, also known as AR coating, helps you to see through your eyeglasses more easily, allows others to see your eyes better and eliminates the annoying white glare spots in photos taken with a flash.