Am I a Candidate for Contact Lenses?

Contact lenses can make vision correction easier and more effective. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends specific contact lenses for every patient’s vision needs. If you are thinking about transitioning to contacts after your eyeglasses, speak to your eye doctor. Knowing that you are a candidate for contact lenses can motivate you to set an appointment soon. Here are the details.

You Do Not Want to Wear Eyeglasses Anymore

This can be a strong factor in becoming a good candidate for contact lenses. Some people like eyeglasses, especially if they are fashionable. Other people prefer to move about without a pair of lenses sitting on their faces. Your optometrist may recommend contact lenses if you find eyeglasses obstructive. 

Breaking or misplacing your eyeglasses may be turning into a regular event. Contact lenses can resolve this situation. You can also opt for contact lenses if you do not want to wear goggles while playing sports. Wearing contacts can also help you become more fashionable and attractive. Requesting colored lenses is possible as long as they are from your eye doctor. 

You Have Presbyopia

This is an age-related condition that prevents you from seeing things up close. Presbyopia is common in people over 40 years old. Your eye doctor may recommend monovision and multifocal contacts. Monovision lenses can correct either distance or near vision. Multifocal lenses have two powers for distance and near vision correction.

You Have Astigmatism

Your cornea or lens may have an irregular type of curvature. This affects the way your eye receives and processes the light that enters. Presbyopia can cause your vision to blur. Your eye doctor can suggest contact lenses depending on how severe your astigmatism is. You may need to consider gas-permeable lenses for this type of eye condition. 

You Have Nearsightedness

If you have this condition, you have difficulty seeing distant objects. Your eye doctor may recommend contacts for correcting myopia or nearsightedness. This eye condition often starts during childhood. Correcting it is easier when caught in its early stages. 

When Contact Lenses May Not Be for You

Wearing contacts may be a good choice for your vision needs. But it may not be suitable in some cases. There are factors to consider before deciding to wear contact lenses. Here are some of them:

• Blepharitis is when your eyelids are swollen. You can develop this eye condition if you have oily skin. Your risk increases if you wear contact lenses
   

• Dry eye syndrome is when your eyes do not receive proper lubrication. If you have this condition, wearing contact lenses may worsen it. Your eye doctor may recommend soft lenses so that your eyes can have more water retention
   

• Eye allergies can make wearing contact lenses more challenging. Discharge, redness, and itchiness can prevent you from being comfortable. Switching to eyeglasses is better when your symptoms flare up

Your eye doctor can determine if you are a good candidate for contact lenses. At Sight & Specs Optometry, we are always ready to provide high-quality eye care products and services. You can visit our facility in Queens, New York, for an in-person consultation. Please call 718-470-2280 to set an appointment or ask about our available contact lens packages.