Contact lenses are a popular option for people who want vision correction without wearing eyeglasses. They are virtually invisible and offer a great option for people with refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.

The thin lenses fit over the cornea and are available in different materials to suit the needs of every individual. An optometrist can help determine the best lenses for each patient.

Candidates For Contact Lenses

While most people can wear contact lenses, they may not be the most ideal option for everyone. The best candidates are usually people who wear eyeglasses all day but want to switch to contacts. Those who do not require eyeglasses all the time may find contact lenses inconvenient. These individuals only wear glasses to perform certain activities like reading or driving. Some individuals may need contacts when they work or play sports.

You Have A Refractive Error

There are different ways to correct refractive errors. Options include eyeglasses, contact lenses, and refractive surgery. If you have a refractive error or vision problem, you may be an ideal candidate for contact lenses. Your eye doctor will test your eyes to assess their condition and determine the proper lens prescription.

You Have Healthy Eyes

Before you get contact lenses, the eye doctor will examine your eyes to assess their general health. Ideal candidates for contact lenses are individuals with healthy eyes. A comprehensive eye exam can detect and diagnose eye diseases that make contact lens wear difficult.

Patients with certain eye diseases or conditions require treatment before they get contact lenses. The doctor may recommend specialized lenses for certain eye conditions.

Specialty Contact Lenses

Some people have eye conditions that make it difficult to wear conventional contact lenses. For these patients, the eye doctor may recommend specialty lenses. Patients with conditions such as keratoconus can benefit from rigid gas-permeable specialty lenses.

Those with dry eyes can get scleral lenses. Hybrid lenses are ideal for patients who require both soft and rigid gas-permeable lenses.

Is Everyone A Candidate For Contacts?

Contact lenses float on a layer of tears on the cornea. The lens design and fit must be perfect to ensure comfort and accurate vision. In the past, some people could not wear contact lenses due to various eye conditions that made the lens uncomfortable.

Most people find traditional soft lenses easier to wear, but they are not ideal for patients with hard-to-fit eyes. The availability of custom-designed lenses means that most people can wear contacts. Eye doctors recommend the best lenses for each patient.

If you wear contact lenses, you must follow the care instructions to avoid complications or infection. Eye doctors recommend that contact lens patients invest in eyeglasses to wear in the evening to allow your eyes to rest and breathe for several hours before you sleep.

For more on whether everyone is a candidate for contact lenses, visit King Family Eye Care at our Old Saybrook or Rocky Hill, Connecticut office. Call (860) 388-9300 or (860) 258-2380 to schedule an appointment today.