CONTACT LENS

People choose to wear contact lenses for many reasons. Aesthetics and cosmetics are the main motivating factors for people who want to avoid wearing glasses or to change the appearance of their eyes. Others wear contact lenses for functional or optical reasons. When compared with spectacles, contact lenses typically provide better peripheral vision, and do not collect moisture (from rain, condensation etc.) or perspiration. This can make them preferable for sports and other outdoor activities. Contact lens wearers can also wear sunglasses, goggles, or other eyewear of their choice without having to fit them with prescription lenses or worry about compatibility with glasses. Additionally, there are conditions such as keratoconus that are typically corrected better with contact lenses than with glasses.

Can you wear contact lenses as well as glasses? YES you can use both contact lenses and glasses. It is recommended having a pair of glasses for all contact lens wearers.

What age can you wear contact lenses? From EARLY TEENS (ideal for Shortsighted/ Myopia) to RETIREMENT AGE.

Vision Express have a full time, fully qualified, Contact Lens Manager, who fits all types of Contact Lenses such as:

• • Soft lenses… Daily, Weekly, and Yearly.
  • Gas permeable Contacts… Ideal for Myopic Patients.
  • Monovision Contacts… One eye Distance Vision / One Eye Reading
  • Bifocal/ Progressive. Multifocal Contact lenses
  • Keratoconus Contact lenses
  • Prosthetic Lenses for Injured Eyes.
  • Scleral Contact Lenses.
  • Coloured lenses non prescription and prescription.

Contact lens type offered at Vision Express Saint Lucia[/caption]

Soft Lenses are the most popular and arrangements can be made for a Vision Fast cash loan to purchase a year’s supply with regular delivery. Or a monthly direct debit can be arranged with your bank. The main reason people would choose daily lenses instead of yearly is convenience and not having to purchase the cleaning and storing solutions.

Gas Permeable Lenses take a little longer to build up adaptation to than Soft Lenses but many myopic patients prefer these lenses, as they have a two year life. GP lenses work very well usually for myopic wearers. GP Contact lens wearers should always have glasses as back up.

Multifocal Contact Lenses (e.g. bifocals or progressives) are comparable to spectacles with bifocals or progressive lenses because they have multiple focal points. Multifocal contact lenses are typically designed for constant viewing through the center of the lens, but some designs do incorporate a shift in lens position to view through the reading power (similar to bifocal glasses).

Monovision is the use of single-vision lenses (one focal point per lens) to focus an eye (typically the dominant one) for distance vision and the other for near work. The brain then learns to use this setup to see clearly at all distances. A technique called modified monovision uses multifocal lenses and also selects one eye for distance and the other for near, thus gaining the benefits of both systems. Studies have shown no adverse effect to driving performance in adapted monovision contact lens wearers
Alternatively, a person may simply wear reading glasses over their distance contact lenses.

Scleral Lens, with visible outer edge resting on the sclera of a patient with severe dry eye syndrome. A scleral lens is a large, firm, transparent, oxygen-permeable contact lens that rests on the sclera and creates a tear-filled vault over the cornea. The cause of this unique positioning is usually relevant to a specific patient whose cornea is too sensitive to support the lens directly. Scleral lenses may be used to improve vision and reduce pain and light sensitivity for people suffering from disorders or injuries to the eye, such as Dry Eye and Keratoconus or post-corneal transplants or injuries to the eye. Surgical complications, distorted corneal implants, as well as chemical and burn injuries also may be treated with scleral lenses.

Complications from Contact Lenses

Many complications arise when contact lenses are worn not as prescribed (improper wear schedule or lens replacement). Sleeping in lenses not designed or approved for extended wear is a common cause of complications. Many people go too long before replacing their contacts, wearing lenses designed for 1, 14, or 30 days of wear for multiple months or years. While this does save on the cost of lenses, it risks permanent damage to the eye and even loss of sight.

Mishandling of contact lenses can also cause problems. Corneal abrasions can increase the chances of infection. When combined with improper cleaning and disinfection of the lens, a risk of infection further increases. Decreased corneal sensitivity after extended contact lens wear may cause a patient to miss some of the earliest symptoms of such complications.  The way contact lenses interact with the natural tear layer is a major factor in determining lens comfort and visual clarity. People suffering from dry eyes are particularly vulnerable to discomfort and episodes of brief blurry vision. Proper lens selection can minimize these effects.

Contact Lenses and Vision Express

Vision Express have a dedicated Contact Len Manager who visits all four branches on a regular weekly basis. Accurate fitting of the contact lenses and advice on the best type or brand of contact for the most comfort and best vision is all part of the service. If you are interested in trying contact lenses, trial lenses are in every branch of Vision Express and a simple ”try out” free of charge can be done during your routine eye examination. If you then decide you would like to be fitted, an appointment will be made with the Contact Lens Consultant for a full fitting. This will also include full instruction on how to handle you lenses and how to insert and remove them. .

To book a full contact lens fitting or to discuss the type of lenses which are best for your age , lifestyle and prescription Tel 457-7400 at through to any of the four branches of Vision Express. Or book your appointment on this website.