If you’re tired of wearing glasses or want to explore other options for correcting your vision, contact lenses may be an excellent solution. However, choosing the right contact lenses requires more than a simple eye exam. At Mountain West Eyecare, we offer comprehensive contact and specialty lens exams to determine the best options for your unique needs and lifestyle. In this blog, we’ll explore the different types of contact lenses available, including soft, hybrid, gas permeable, and scleral lenses, and what to expect during a contact and specialty lens exam with Dr. Gillett at Mountain West Eyecare. Whether you’re considering contact lenses for the first time or looking to switch to a different type, this guide will help you understand what to expect and make an informed decision about your vision correction options.
What to Expect During a Contact and Specialty Lens Exam at Mountain West Eyecare
A contact and specialty lens exam at Mountain West Eyecare will begin with a comprehensive eye exam to evaluate your overall eye health, determine your prescription, and identify any underlying eye conditions that may impact your ability to wear contact lenses. Once Dr. Gillett has determined that you are a good candidate for contact lenses, he will discuss the various types of lenses that would best suit your vision needs and lifestyle. This includes discussing the benefits and drawbacks of different lens materials and designs and any specialized options that may be necessary for your eye condition. Next, Dr. Gillett will measure your eyes to ensure your contact lenses fit properly. This includes measuring the curvature and diameter of your cornea and the size of your pupils. Proper measurements ensure optimal vision and comfort with your contact lenses. After your contact lenses have been ordered, you will return to our office for a contact lens fitting. During this appointment, Dr. Gillett will ensure that your lenses fit properly and that your vision is clear and comfortable. He will also provide instructions on properly caring for your contact lenses to ensure that they remain in good condition and provide you with clear vision.
Soft Contact Lenses
Soft contact lenses are the most commonly used type of contact lenses. They are made of a soft, flexible plastic material that conforms to the shape of your eye. Soft contacts are comfortable and available in many prescriptions, including spherical, toric (for astigmatism), and multifocal lenses. Advances in technology have also made it possible to create custom soft contacts that fit even the most unique eye shapes.
Hybrid Lenses
Hybrid contact lenses are a combination of gas-permeable and soft contact lenses. They offer the best of both worlds by providing the clear vision of a rigid gas-permeable lens with the comfort of a soft lens. Hybrid lenses are an excellent choice for patients with high levels of astigmatism, corneal conditions, or keratoconus.
Gas Permeable Lenses
Gas permeable lenses, or rigid gas permeable or RGPs, are made of a durable, oxygen-permeable material that allows for clear vision and better eye health. Unlike soft lenses, which conform to the shape of your eye, gas-permeable lenses maintain their shape on the eye, providing sharper, more stable vision. RGPs are an excellent option for patients with astigmatism, nearsightedness, farsightedness, and presbyopia.
Scleral Lenses
Scleral lenses are large-diameter gas-permeable contact lenses that rest on the sclera, the white part of the eye. Unlike traditional contact lenses, scleral lenses do not touch the cornea, making them an excellent option for patients with corneal conditions or moderate to severe keratoconus. They are highly customizable and designed to correct even the most difficult vision problems.
Choosing the Right Contact Lenses: Dr. Gillett’s Approach
At Mountain West Eyecare, Dr. Gillett takes a personalized approach to selecting the best contact lenses for each patient. During your contact and specialty lens exam, Dr. Gillett will take into account your lifestyle and vision need to determine the most appropriate lens design, material, and brand for you. He will discuss the different types of contact lenses available, including soft lenses, gas-permeable lenses, hybrid lenses, and scleral lenses. Dr. Gillett will explain the benefits and drawbacks of each type, as well as any specialized options that may be necessary for your specific eye condition. Dr. Gillett will also emphasize the importance of follow-up appointments to ensure that your contact lenses remain a safe and effective form of vision correction. These appointments allow him to monitor your eye health, ensure that your lenses are fitting properly, and provide you with clear vision.
Conclusion
In conclusion, contact lenses can be a great alternative to traditional glasses, offering greater comfort and convenience in many situations. At Mountain West Eyecare, we understand that everyone’s vision needs are unique, and that’s why we take a personalized approach to determining the best contact lenses for each patient.
During your contact and specialty lens exam with Dr. Gillett, you can expect a thorough evaluation of your eye health and vision needs, as well as a discussion of the different types of contact lenses available. Dr. Gillett’s expertise in this area allows him to help you choose the most appropriate lenses for your specific eye condition and lifestyle.
At Mountain West Eyecare, we are committed to providing you with quality eye care and exceptional customer service. Whether you are a new or existing patient, we are here to help you achieve optimal eye health and clear vision. If you are interested in exploring your options for contact lenses, we encourage you to book a consultation with us today. Our team of experienced professionals is ready to answer your questions and provide you with the guidance you need to make an informed decision about your vision care.