Contact Lenses
Contact Lenses - Odessa, FL
Hard to Fit Contact Lenses
Contact lenses have come a long way in the past few decades. Have you been told that you’re not an ideal candidate for contacts? Have they caused you discomfort in the past? We have options for you. The first step is to set up an appointment. During the evaluation, we will discuss your symptoms and evaluate your eye health. We offer specialized fittings to help you find the best match for your situation. It can take time for contacts to feel comfortable. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t find the type that’s right for you. You can return for refitting, and we will work with you to optimize your vision and comfort.
Why Are Some Contacts Hard to Fit?
Some of the most common hard-to-fit contact lens types include:
- Multifocal
- Monovision
- High prescriptions
You might also have a condition that causes contacts to be physically uncomfortable:
- Keratoconus
- Corrective eye surgery
- Giant papillary conjunctivitis
- Dry eyes
Multifocal Contacts
Around age 40, the lens in your eye becomes more rigid. Because it cannot flex as easily to focus light properly on your retina, you may begin to notice the effects of what many refer to as “far-sightedness.” The technical term for this condition is presbyopia.
Looking at objects up close becomes difficult. The words in a newspaper are blurry. You have to hold documents farther away from your face to read them.
Age isn’t the only factor that results in the need for multifocal lenses. Bifocals can prevent eye strain when you’re reading or writing. Some patients with astigmatism benefit from multifocal technology.
If you need corrective lenses that allow you to see clearly up close and at a distance, multifocal contact lenses are an option. These are similar to multifocal glasses. Each lens is designed with varying powers. In other words, they feature a different prescription when you’re viewing something nearby and far away.
- Concentric multifocal contacts – The power changes in a pattern of concentric circles
- Aspheric multifocal contacts – A blended design that maintains the varying powers toward the center of the eye to mimic natural sight
Multifocal contacts offer enhanced visual acuity at all viewing depths. The transition through the various prescription levels in each lens should be seamless. You’ll be able to see well whether you’re playing golf, driving, or reading, and you won’t need additional eyewear.
It can take about one week for your eyes and brain to adjust to a new way of seeing. The initial adjustment to multifocal lenses can cause shadows, glare, and starbursts. We will help you understand what’s normal and give you guidance to allow for a smooth transition.
Monovision Contacts
Some patients with presbyopia do better with monovision contacts. We will fit the dominant eye with a prescription that optimizes distance viewing. A lens with a different prescription, which helps you see things at a close range, goes in the other eye.
As your body adjusts to this new way of seeing, your brain merges the signals from each eye as necessary. Your vision feels natural, and you can view near and far objects without using reading glasses.
It is important to determine which eye is dominant when you use this type of contact lens. A proper fitting by a specialist can ensure that this type of lens corrects your vision well. If you’ve become comfortable with a particular brand of contacts and want to continue wearing them as you develop presbyopia, this may be the ideal option for your needs.
Monovision gives you more brands to choose from. This can help if you’re dealing with physical discomforts, such as dry eye, and only find certain types of contacts comfortable.
Choosing Hard-to-Fit Contact Lenses
If you have any questions about contact lenses don’t hesitate to contact us or call 813-926-5993.