Are you considering wearing contact lenses? Here's why it's important to visit your Calgary eye doctor first.
Contact lenses are a safe, comfortable and convenient alternative to traditional eyeglasses. However, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution and a number of eye problems can develop as a result of ill-fitting contact lenses such as:
- Reduced visual acuity
- Stinging, burning or itching eyes
- Eye pain
- Excessive tearing of eyes
- Dryness, redness and sensitivity to light
Contact Lens Fittings at Market Mall Optometry
Our qualified eye doctors offer comprehensive contact lens fittings for all our patients to check your overall eye health and determine the best type of contact lenses for your particular vision needs.
We even include a FREE TRIAL CONTACT LENS PAIR to ensure you’re fully comfortable and satisfied with your choice.
Want to know how we can help you?
Dangers of Wearing Ill-Fitting Contact Lenses
If you decide to opt for contact lenses, it’s very important that the lenses fit properly and comfortably and that you understand contact lens safety and hygiene. Failing to do so can lead to a number of eye health problems including:
1. Corneal Abrasions
A corneal abrasion is a scratch on the surface of the eye. This can be caused by incorrect insertion/removal of a contact lens, but it’s often the result of wearing cheap, ill-fitting contact lenses that aren’t designed for your eyes.
A corneal abrasion that goes untreated can develop into an infection or ulcer, which may cause permanent damage to your eye.
2. Tight Lens Syndrome
Tight lens syndrome occurs when a contact lens is too tight on the eye, depriving the cornea of needed oxygen and nutrients and leading to discomfort. If the lens is not carefully removed and then properly fitted, it can lead to a number of serious eye health problems including:
- Corneal ulcers
- Vision loss
- Eye infections
- Eye irritation and redness
3. Contact Lens Intolerance
If you wear poorly-fitted contact lenses for too long, there is a high chance that you will develop contact lens intolerance. It can develop to the point where a patient is unable to wear their contacts for more than a few minutes and is therefore forced to use eyeglasses or undergo laser vision correction.
What is Involved in a Contact Lens Fitting?
Your eyes’ shape and size are unique to you, and your contact lenses should be too. Your eye care professional can perform a variety of measurements to ensure that your contact lenses are comfortable and providing you with perfect vision clarity.
Some of these tests include:
Corneal Curvature
In order to ensure that the fitting curve of the lens properly fits the curve of your eye, your doctor will measure the curvature of the cornea (front surface of your eye.)
This is especially important for patients with astigmatism, whose cornea may not be perfectly round.
Iris/Pupil Size
Your optometrist may measure the size of your pupil and/or iris with an instrument called a biomicroscope or slit lamp. This measurement is crucial if you are considering specialized lenses such as Gas Permeable (GP) contacts.
Tear Film Evaluation
One of the most common problems affecting contact lens wearers is dry eyes. If the lenses are not kept adequately moist, they will become uncomfortable and your eyes will feel dry and itchy.
Your eye doctor will check to ensure you have sufficient tear film to keep the lenses moist and comfortable, otherwise they may suggest an alternative to contact lenses.
Call Today
To find out more about our comprehensive contact lens fitting service and how we can help protect your vision, contact our Calgary optometrists at 403-286-4884 or book an eye exam today.
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