Maybe You Can Wear Contacts After All!
Told You’re Not Able to Wear Contacts? Maybe you are!
Have you ever been told that you can’t wear contact lenses due an ocular medical issue or injury to the eye? Have you ever tried to wear them, and had to give them up because they were uncomfortable? Or maybe you needed to be able to wear them for long hours, but couldn’t find a pair that was suitable for your needs.
If this happened to you, and you wish it hadn’t, then this might be your lucky day. It’s worth revisiting the issue because with modern advances in contact lens technology and knowledge, many people who previously were unable to wear contacts are now able to do so successfully.
Some optometrists specialize in treating hard to fit patients. They have advanced training, so it is worth making an appointment to see if there is hope for you! that.
Technology has advanced
Every year new technology advances and improves. And the same is true of contact lens technology. There are improvements in their ability to retain moisture, allow oxygen to pass through the lens, and improvements in custom fit technologies. Some lenses even have the technology to help minimize or prevent discomfort from using digital devices.
And people who require lenses that can be worn for long periods can often be accommodated via special lenses designed for prolonged wear.
So if you were told in the past that you can’t be fitted for contacts, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s still true today. The next time you see your optometrist, take a moment to inquire as to whether or not any new lens technologies are available that you haven’t previously tried.
Finding the right contact lens fitter
Not all contact lens fitters are created equal. While most fitters are able to successfully fit the average person with an uncomplicated eye issue, not everyone is able to help those with more complex problems.
If you’ve been unsuccessful at finding a pair of contact lenses that fit you comfortably and accurately corrects your vision, it’s worth revisiting the issue with an optometrist who has specialty experience in fitting people for lenses who have previously been told that they aren’t good candidates.
Look for an optometrist who enjoys a challenge and has the skills required to help people with high prescriptions, astigmatism, and those who require bifocal or multifocal lenses. Even people with difficult-to-fit conditions such as keratoconus, chronic dry eye, and traumatic injuries can often be helped if the lens fitter has the right skills and experience.
Chronic dry eye for example, is a common issue. But with the right treatment and strategic selection of contact lens type, sufferers can often enjoy comfortable wear of contacts once again.
Bifocal, and multifocal lenses are available for those who require different degrees of vision correction for different viewing distances.
If you have a high prescription, you may have found the thicker edges of your contacts to be uncomfortable in the past – the good news is that there may be a solution for you now via newer technologies or a more experienced fitter.
Astigmatism can be corrected via the use of toric contact lenses and other specialty types. Although these were traditionally only available as hard lenses, soft versions are available now too, so may be worth a try if you’ve been unsuccessful with the old-style hard ones.
Don’t give up on contact lenses just yet
If you want, or need, to wear contact lenses but haven’t had much luck with this in the past, make an appointment to find out if things are different now. New technology combined with a highly skilled contact lens fitter can make all the difference in the world. There may be no need to go without the convenience of well-fitting lenses.
Learn more about contact lens fittings at Envision Eye Care or read more about contacts on our blog.
Ready? Book an appointment today!