Contact Lens Examinations
A contact lens appointment involves a set of examinations to identify the lenses that are ideal for your needs. Detailed measurements are taken, including the curvature of your eyes, the size of contacts needed, and how your eyes focus, in order to create your contact lens prescription.
The health of the eyes is examined to determine if the eyes are healthy and to rule out any reasons why you may not be suitable for contact lens wear. After the contact lenses are inserted, vision and the fit of the lenses on the eyes are evaluated. Next, the eyes are inspected without the lenses to check for contact lens-induced problems, including dryness, scratches or infections.
We believe that the first step to successful contact lens wear is a teach with a trained professional. During the teach, you will be taught how to safely insert and remove the contact lenses, as well as how to properly take care of your lenses.
Contact lens wearers should have an eye examination at least once a year. Often, people may not be aware of any contact lens-related problems, as they may not affect vision or comfort until they’re severe.
Who is suitable to wear contact lenses?
If you need vision correction for nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, or presbyopia (need for reading glasses, bifocals, or progressives), contact lenses are a popular and effective option. Contact lenses provide clear vision without laser eye surgery. They’re convenient when playing sports or for cosmetic purposes. Another benefit is that they provide a wider field of vision compared to glasses.
Contact Lens Do’s and Don’ts!
Do’s:
- Prior to insertion and removal, wash your hands thoroughly with mild soap and dry with lint-free towel
- Remove lenses immediately if you experience any eye discomfort, redness, excessive clear or mucous discharge, or vision changes, and consult with your optometrist promptly
- Always follow proper lens care guidelines as recommended by your optometrist
- Insert contact lenses before putting on makeup
- Clean the case and let air dry completely; replace case every 3 months
Don’ts:
- Don’t sleep, nap, shower, or swim while wearing your contact lenses unless otherwise instructed by your optometrist
- Don’t rinse your lenses in tap water or saliva
- Don’t wear your lenses longer than the recommended time frame
- Don’t share contact lenses with another person
- Before using any type of eye drop, ask your optometrist if the lenses need to be removed first
- Never top-up the contact lens solution
As some problems related to contact lens wear may be sight-threatening, if you ever experience any problems, contact your Optometrist immediately. At our office, we offer same-day appointments to patients with any concerns.
Myopia (Near-Sighted) Control with Contact Lenses
Myopia is an increasing global concern, estimated to affect over 50% of the population by 2050. Higher levels of myopia can increase the risk of eye diseases, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, myopic maculopathy, and cataracts.
- Orthokeratology (ortho-K)
The main purpose of orthokeratology (ortho-K) is to gently reshape the cornea (the front layer of your eye). The process involves using a specially designed rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lens that you wear in your sleep and remove when you wake up. The result is the ability to see well without glasses or contact lenses during the daytime. It has been shown to slow the progression of myopia.
It is not permanent. This is a temporary, reversible procedure. Upon discontinuation of regular lens wear, your vision can return to its original state within as little as 72 hours.
- MiSight
MiSight contact lenses are the first daily disposable soft contact lens to slow the progression of myopia in children. They have been available in Canada since early April 2018. MiSight lenses have shown to reduce myopia progression by over 50% compared to regular daily disposable contact lenses. Our doctors at Toronto Vision Therapy and Optometry are certified to fit MiSight contact lenses.
For more information, don’t hesitate to call or e-mail us to book an appointment.