Most people who are interested in contact lenses can successfully wear them. Oftentimes, I find that patients have misconceptions that keep them from seriously considering this option:
- I'll never be able to get the contacts onto my eyes
-- Initial fear of inserting a contact lens is common. I've worn contact lenses myself for close to 20 years, and I remember the first few times being somewhat difficult. After the first week or so, it becomes second-nature to insert and remove lenses. This is the pattern I notice in other wearers as well.
- You can't wear contact lenses if you have astigmatism
--Astigmatism is also no deterrent to successful contact wear. Today, we have several options available to provide clear, comfortable vision. Gas Permeable contacts are an option, but so are soft "toric" lenses.
- I'm too old for contacts
--You are never too old to wear contact lenses. Assuming there is no degenerative corneal condition, you should be just as successful as younger patients.
- They'll be too uncomfortable to wear
--I often see surprised looks on peoples' faces when they realize just how comfortable contact lens wear can be. With a soft contact lens, you should not even be aware that they're on the eye most of the time. Even in dusty or dirty environments, contact lenses can be comfortable--I've drywalled several rooms in my house (very dusty work!) and had no problems with my contact lenses.
- Contacts are a hassle
--each evening, you wash your hands and set your lenses back in their disinfectant solution for the night. In the morning, you wash your hands, and put back in your contacts. Not much different from what you do with glasses! Many of the cleaning and care steps that used to be involved with contact lens wear have been eliminated as the disinfectant solutions have improved over the years--it's much simpler than even a few years ago.
- I'm not vain anymore
--Wearing contact lenses is much more than just looking good or natural. Other advantages include:
No reflections off of your lenses
No weight on your nose or pulling behind your ears
No fogging up of lenses when going from cold to warm environments
No raindrops on your lenses
No distortion to vision such as with glasses
No frame obstructing your view
Vision can sometimes be clearer with contact lenses than with glasses
Don't let preconceived notions keep you from trying what can be a life-changing experience! In my years of fitting contact lenses, these factors rarely come into play at all!
I will work with you to find the appropriate type of lens to provide clear vision, and comfortable wear. Repeated visits to my office to address any problems you might be experiencing never cost you extra--my initial exam includes contact-related follow-ups for 6 months after the original exam date. I prefer this arrangement--if I charged extra for each visit, I know that some patients might put off coming in to see me--even with an infection or other problem that should really be checked out. So, what's your excuse?