Contact Lenses

What are contact lenses?

Contact lenses are clear, plastic discs used to magnify your vision. They sit on top of the thin layer of tears that covers the surface of your eyes. There are several types of contact lenses, but most modern versions are soft and flexible. This malleable design makes them easier to clean and care for while allowing your eyes to breathe.

What are the types of contact lenses?

The team at Lake Orion Vision offers several types of contact lenses, including:

Hard contact lenses

Hard, or gas permeable, contact lenses are rigid and inflexible. They were first made available to the public in 1978. Studies show that modern hard contact lenses allow for more oxygen to enter your eyes. They also last longer than soft contact lenses and aren’t as susceptible to wear-and-tear.

Soft contact lenses

Soft contact lenses are made of special plastics called hydrogels. These lenses are very thin and conform to the surface of your eyes. Soft contact lenses are easy to put in and remove. They’re disposable, which allows you to change into a new pair frequently.

Specialty contact lenses

Specialty contact lenses are contact lenses designed to address common vision problems, including astigmatism, myopia, and keratoconus. The two most common types of specialty contact lenses are scleral lenses and hybrid lenses.

Scleral lenses are made of rigid materials and treat conditions that affect the cornea. Hybrid lenses combine soft and rigid materials. These lenses offer the vision benefits of hard contact lenses, but the comfort of soft contact lenses.

What happens at an appointment for contact lenses?

The team at Lake Orion Vision regularly provides contact lens fittings for adults and teenagers. On the day of your appointment, your provider tests your visual acuity with an eye chart and performs several other tests to determine your eye health and whether you can benefit from vision correction.

After gathering this information, your provider asks about your lifestyle and if you’re interested in contacts that allow for daily disposal or overnight wear. The team also explains the pros and cons of each type of contact lens and answers any questions.

Lastly, your provider writes you a prescription and gives you a pair of contact lenses to try on and test out. After wearing your contacts for a day or two, you return to Lake Orion Vision. If you like the contacts, the team can order you several months of supplies. If you want to try another brand, that’s okay too. The team carries many contact brands in-office.

To learn more about the benefits of contact lenses, schedule an appointment at Lake Orion Vision. Call the office and speak with a friendly staff member, or book a consultation online today.