Contact Lens Evaluation
If you are looking for alternative vision correction options, look no further. Dr. Jaffray can help you! Many patients would rather not wear glasses if they don’t have to, or at least would like an alternate option some of the time. Modern technology makes contact lenses, and custom contact lenses (for those whose needs fall outside of the typical parameters) as well as many refractive surgery options a possibility for most patients. Contact lenses have come a long way in the last few years, and if you haven’t inquired about them in a while, Dr. Jaffray would be happy to update you on all your options. Even if you have astigmatism, dry eyes, an active lifestyle, or simply a desire to enhance your eye color, contact lenses can be an option for you!
FOCUSED OPTOMETRY
Contact Lense Exams – Calgary NW
587-353-6287
Call us to schedule an eye exam or book online
Focused Optometry is conveniently located in Northland Plaza. With free parking, you can feel at ease while having your eye examination or shopping for glasses and sunglasses. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Eye Exams
A contact lens exam is a supplemental portion of a comprehensive eye examination. Due to their physical touch with the eye surface, all types of contact lenses require additional considerations. Dr. Jaffray needs to consider many factors when designing a contact lens plan for you. How often you will wear the contacts, for what purpose, your overall eye health, and budget are but a few of the pieces of that puzzle. Thankfully, there are many options available.
Contact Lenses
There are 1-day, 2-week, and monthly options available to most patients. If your prescription or needs are more complex, then 6-month or yearly options will likely be required. There are also many types of contact lens solutions, which do not all perform the same. In general, there are multipurpose or 1-step systems and a more robust peroxide-based system. Dr. Jaffray recommends that all patients that wear replace their lenses on a monthly, or more extended basis, should consider the peroxide style cleaner.
Lens Materials
The material the lenses are made of is another important part. Many budget lenses found online are made of an older regular hydrogel (or plastic) material. However, the healthier option of lenses are made of silicone hydrogel, often referred to as a SiHy. The drastic difference in oxygen permeability makes the silicone-based lenses far superior for eye health and comfort. In recent years, many new options have come to the market including the Acuvue Oasys MAX OptiBlue™Light Filter. This remarkable lens helps reduce eyestrain when using computers and other electronic devices. Not all prescriptions are available in a silicone option though, and Dr. Jaffray can help you find a lens that is both healthy and right for you!
dry eye
If wearing your lenses during the day is not appealing and or you have very dry eyes, there is another option that may work for you. Orthokeratology (OrthoK) lenses are a style of specialty lenses that are worn overnight, changing the landscape of the corneal surface, using hydrodynamic forces, to reduce low to moderate amounts of myopia (nearsightedness) and even small amounts of astigmatism. They, unfortunately, do not work if you are farsighted (hyperopia) though.
Dr. Jaffray has invested her time in becoming a certified fitting consultant for a wide variety of contact lens options. For most common prescriptions, she can provide trial lenses, in a timely fashion, as part of the contact lens fitting and training process. Direct shipment to your home is also possible for many disposable lenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact lenses are not “one size fits all” and can pose eye health risks if not worn and maintained properly. In order to ensure your eye health is being protected and your lenses are fit properly, additional tests are needed.
Sometimes yes, but most often no. Contact lenses are so much closer to the eye surface than your glasses lenses, and therefore due to simple physics, the numbers can change. Another factor is that contact lens manufacturers only make certain parameters, which may not match exactly to your glasses prescription.
Contact lenses should not not be a stand-alone option. Our ocular tissues require oxygen and even the best of contact lenses reduce that precious oxygen transfer when compared to the naked eye, making over-use an issue for many patients. In addition, if you experience any problems with your contact lenses (like an infection), you need to have a backup to allow you to function in your daily routine.
Helping our patients navigate their options for vision correction and optimal eye health are priorities at Focused Optometry. Both Dr. Jaffray and the Focused Team are committed to finding contact lens and glasses options that allow for maximal comfort and vision. We will work within your budget to find the right fit for you. Your eyes will appreciate Dr. Jaffray’s expertise and time spent customizing your eyecare. Let us guide you through the process of contact lens wear so you can expand your horizons!
Contact lenses are not “one size fits all” and can pose eye health risks if not worn and maintained properly. In order to ensure your eye health is being protected and your lenses are fit properly, additional tests are needed.
Sometimes yes, but most often no. Contact lenses are so much closer to the eye surface than your glasses lenses, and therefore due to simple physics, the numbers can change. Another factor is that contact lens manufacturers only make certain parameters, which may not match exactly to your glasses prescription.
Contact lenses should not be a stand-alone option. Our ocular tissues require oxygen and even the best of contact lenses reduce that precious oxygen transfer when compared to the naked eye, making over-use an issue for many patients. In addition, if you experience any problems with your contact lenses (like an infection), you need to have a back up to allow you to function in your daily routine.
Helping our patients navigate their options for vision correction and optimal eye health are priorities at Focused Optometry. Both Dr. Jaffray and the Focused Team are committed to finding contact lens and glasses options that allow for maximal comfort and vision. We will work within your budget to find the right fit for you. Your eyes will appreciate Dr. Jaffray’s expertise and time spent customizing your eyecare. Let us guide you through the process of contact lens wear so you can expand your horizons!
FOCUSED OPTOMETRY
Calgary NW Optometrists & Eye Clinic
587-353-6287
Call us to schedule an eye exam or book online
Focused Optometry is conveniently located in Northland Plaza. With free parking, you can feel at ease while having your eye examination or shopping for glasses and sunglasses. We look forward to seeing you soon!