Contact lenses – a new look for 2020

As a glasses wearer, you might have thought about switching over to contact lenses. Some people are nervous at the thought of putting something in their eye, while others assume they will feel strange or uncomfortable. It may be that you don’t think they will work for your vision condition or have been told you are unsuitable for lenses in the past.

In this month’s blog, we’re going to dispel some myths and explain just how advanced contact lenses have become and how they could transform your vision in 2020 and beyond.

Types of contact lenses

Firstly, let’s take a look at the different types of lenses available. There are two main types – soft and hard. Soft lenses are the most common and most of them are made from a material called silicone hydrogel, which allows more oxygen to reach your cornea.

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses are hard and often used for patients with astigmatism who are struggling with soft lenses, or for those who have the condition called keratoconus. We also offer scleral contact lenses for patients who need them for conditions such as irregular corneas, as well as severe dry eye.

Most types of lenses are designed to be worn during the day and removed at night, ranging from daily disposable lenses, to two-weekly and monthly lenses. In some rare cases, our optometrists may recommend extended wear contacts, which can be worn overnight for up to 30 nights consecutively.

Prescriptions covered by contact lenses

Contrary to popular belief, a wide range of vision issues can now be corrected with contact lenses. Aside from standard spherical lenses for near and far-sightedness, those with astigmatism can be prescribed with toric lenses, to help correct the condition.

If you are over 40 and wear bifocals or progressives, multifocal contact lenses are a great option for clear, panoramic vision at all distances. Even people with dry eyes can be fitted with special contact lenses to help alleviate their symptoms.

Contact lenses are suitable for most children, too.  In fact, we have successfully fitted some as young as 10 with them! Whatever your visual condition, our experienced Optometrists in Ontario are committed to helping you find the right contact lens for your needs.

The benefits of contact lenses

There are many reasons why contact lenses could be more suitable than glasses.

If you play sports or run regularly, contact lenses are a must to improve your performance and reduce the chances of injury or breakage through impact with your glasses. You also won’t have to deal with the hassle of your glasses constantly slipping down your nose – meaning one less distraction for you.

Contact lenses are ideal for driving too, as they offer a full field of vision without the same visual obstructions or issues with glare that you might experience when wearing frames.

Finally, wearing contact lenses allows you to keep a natural look and means you won’t have to worry about coordinating your eyewear to your outfit for different occasions!

Contact lens fitting and assessment

If you’re still not sure about whether contact lenses are right for you, come and visit our Optometrists in Ontario for an assessment where we’ll be happy to answer all your questions. We will examine your vision, discuss your options and fit you with the best type of lenses for your visual needs and lifestyle.

Our optometrists in Belleville, Trenton and Brighton will always take the time to teach you how to insert and remove the lenses and make sure you’re completely comfortable before you take them home. We want to make the whole process as easy as possible for you, which is why once you have had your assessment, you will even be able to buy contact lenses online through our website, for even more convenience.

Contact us to schedule an exam today at any of our locations in Belleville, Trenton or Brighton Ontario to start your journey towards clear, panoramic vision in 2020.