Contact Lenses
Contact lenses remain a very popular and relatively simple option for correcting all types of vision problems, including nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, as well as bifocal corrections. Used by up to 20 percent of all Americans who need vision correction, contact lenses move with your eye for a full field of vision with fewer distractions and a more natural appearance. Contact lenses can be worn by patients with nearly any type of vision needs. Some of our happiest patients have difficult-to-fit problems like keratoconus and dry eye.
We work hard to make sure you see clearly with a comfortable and low maintenance lens system. We will help you overcome any fears you may have about putting lenses into your eyes with patience and practice in the office. Keeping your lenses working well and safely is our goal at every follow-up eye exam.
New Technology
Contact lens technology continues to expand. The most significant advance in contact lens development is the material that increases oxygen permeability to approach that of the naked eye. The cornea is one of the most unique tissues in the body in the way that it "breathes." There is no blood supply to the cornea, so all of the oxygen must enter through the tears. When the oxygen supply is limited, there is a risk of infection and long term damage to the oxygen-dependent cells on the inner lining of the cornea.
Oxygen permeable lenses ensure a sufficient oxygen supply for the cornea throughout long-term wear. The new types of materials are particularly helpful for those who require thicker lenses with high prescriptions or lenses for astigmatism. Our professionals at Dillman Eye Care can help you find the most appropriate type of contact lenses for your individual vision needs.
Bifocal Contact Lenses
Lenses are now made in a number of soft and gas permeable designs for bifocal wearers. Most existing contact lens wearers started when they were teenagers. Some of the first contact lens wearers are in their 70's now and require additional vision correction for the effects of presbyopia.
Without exception, bifocal contact lenses are exciting. These lenses, known as multifocal contact lenses, have a variety of focusing points to provide full vision correction at all distances. We now have designs that include correction of astigmatism as well. While there's no magic cure, the goal of achieving everyday functional near vision is realistic. For some, monovision has been the way to go, which achieves near and distance vision by wearing one lens for each, depending on eye dominance.
Dry Eye Treatment
Over time, one of the biggest struggles people have with wearing contact lenses is dry eyes. Contact lens manufacturers have developed several new technologies that have been useful in reducing dry eye, including the Ciba "Aqua" and J & J "Hydraclear." But one of the lesser known lenses called Proclear has PC technology used in cardiology stents, which is the only FDA-approved lens for dry eyes. Daily disposables are also wonderful for dry eyes, since the delicate surface of the eye never makes contact with any chemicals or deposits.
New medications like Restasis have also helped to treat dryness and improve the condition so that patients can continue to wear contact lenses. Ask one of our doctors about which dry eye treatment might help you.
