MONTENARE EYE CARE
& VISION THERAPY
CONTACT LENSES
Contacts
Imagine a life without glasses! Contact lenses may be a great option for you. The benefits of contact lenses include:
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Seeing clearly without the need for glasses
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Obtaining a wider field of vision
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Improved sports performance
Let us fit you for contacts today!
Types of Contacts
Did you know there are different types of contact lenses? Contact lenses are generally divided into "basic" (spherical), "toric" (astigmatism), and "specialty lenses" (e.g., multifocals or monovision).
In addition, contact lenses have different replacement schedules. Some are designed as daily (replace your contacts every day), bi-weekly (replace your contacts every two weeks), and monthly (replace your contacts every month). Dailies are the most cost effective if you plan to wear them on special occasions only. Monthly lenses are the most cost effective if you plan to wear them every day.
Spherical Lenses
Spherical lenses are the most straightforward and easiest to fit. Your contact lens has only one prescription which will satisfy all your visual needs. You can tell if your contacts are spherical by looking at the contact lens box. If there is only one number on the prescription line (e.g., OD -2.00 sphere) then you are wearing a spherical lens.
Toric Lenses
Toric lenses are used for correction of astigmatism. On your contact lens box you will see multiple numbers in the prescription line (e.g., OD -2.00-1.25x180). To ensure good clarity, both the power of the astigmatism and the axis need to be corrected.
Multifocal Lenses
Multifocal lenses are a great option for people who need to see clearly at both distance and near. Theses specialty lenses have a distance and a reading prescription built into one! Generally the earlier you start wearing multifocal lenses, the better!
Monovision
If multifocal contacts are not right for you, another great option is monovision. This means one eye is corrected for distance and one eye is corrected for near. Warning! Because these lenses will affect your binocular vision, make sure you are tested for good "eye teaming" skills first.
What to Expect - New Wearers
Once the doctor has determined your glasses prescription, he will then discuss your goals and expectations for contact lenses. Together, you and the doctor will determine the best option for you.
After ensuring good clarity and comfort in your contact lenses, we then provide an in-house training session to teach you how to insert and remove the lenses properly. We provide a package of contact lenses, cleaning solution, and care instructions to take home. A follow-up visit is made for one week later.
What to Expect - Experienced Wearers
A contact lens exam for an experienced wearer is more straightforward and takes less time. The doctor will ensure that you are still seeing clearly and the lenses are sitting properly on your eyes. If no changes are needed, the doctor will renew your prescription. If you or the doctor think you might benefit from a different lens, the doctor will discuss your options and provide sample lenses to try at home first.
How to Read Your Contact Lens Rx
Ever wonder what those numbers mean on your contact lens box? Here is a simple guide:
Power/Sphere (PWR/D) = The amount of power needed to correct your nearsightedness (a minus symbol) or farsightedness (a plus symbol)
Cylinder (CYL) = The amount of power needed to correct your astigmatism
Axis (AX) = The angle of correction for your astigmatism (designated by a number from 0 to 180)
Addition (ADD) = The amount of power needed to correct for near vision
Base Curve (BC) = The amount of curvature of the lens that is required to meet the curvature of your eye
Diameter (DIA) = The width of the lens
