Contact Lens Fittings in Lloydminster

Do you want to abandon your glasses forever but are not interested in LASIK? Contact lenses may be a more aesthetically-pleasing and convenient choice for some. At Violet Eyes Optometry, our optometrists can perform contact lens fittings for Lloydminster area patients. These are a little different from standard exams for glasses, so be sure to let us know if you are interested in contact lenses. We will first discuss with you your eye health background and lifestyle to determine the type of contact lens that could work best for you. There are many types of contact lenses; some are even designed purely to change the iris colour of your eyes!

Measuring for Contact Lenses

One size certainly doesn’t fit all when it comes to contact lenses, which differ in curvature. We will conduct tests such as:

• Cornea measurements, taken with a keratometer
• Cornea examination using a biomicroscope or “slit lamp”
• Approximate pupil and iris measurements
• Evaluation of tear production to test eye moisture and dryness

These tests will help us find comfortable contact lenses fit for you. You may be asked to wear trial lenses, and we may also stain your eyes with fluorescein for further evaluation of your eye’s surface.

Types of Contact Lenses

Remember how we mentioned there are different types of contact lenses? Again, one size doesn’t fit all! Types of contact lenses include:

• Rigid Gas-Permeable (RGP) Lenses: Constructed out of somewhat flexible plastic, this lens type allows oxygen to flow into the eye 
• Extended-Wear/Overnight Lenses: These come in soft or RGP-type lenses, but cannot be used to correct all types of vision problems
• Extended-Wear Disposable Lenses: These are temporary, soft lenses designed for 1-30 days of wear before disposal
• Planned Replacement Lenses: Soft, daily lenses replaced on a bi-weekly, monthly, or quarterly schedule
• Daily-Wear Soft Lenses: Constructed out of soft, flexible plastic, these allow oxygen to flow into the eye

The American Optometric Association also has an excellent chart on the benefits and drawbacks of each type. To learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of each type, be sure to talk to your optometrist.

Are Contact Lenses Right for Me?

Remember, contact lenses aren’t for everybody! Here are some things to consider if you’re thinking about switching to contacts.

Contact Lens Pros:

• Since contacts move with your eyes, you get an unobstructed, natural, wild field of view. No more frames blocking your peripheral vision!
• Contact lenses are an ideal choice for athletes and those practising extreme sports
• No more fogged-up, rain-splattered glasses!
• Many people simply think they look better without glasses, which is a big factor when it comes to professional presentation and personal self-esteem

Contact Lens Cons:

• Contact lenses require regular, meticulous cleaning to avoid risk of infection, so they require a lot more responsibility
• You may have to visit your optometrist more and for longer appointments
• Wearing contacts takes getting used to
• Some people are simply queasy about touching their eyeball or put off by the process of putting on a contact lens

While contact lenses may seem intimidating at first, many people get used to them and wear them regularly (and you might not even know they do!). Be sure to talk to one of our optometrists at our Lloydminster clinic about contact lens fitting and care. Book an appointment at Violet Eyes Optometry today!