Can I wear contact lenses with my prescription?
Yes, most people with prescriptions for glasses can wear contact lenses! Whether you have nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, or even presbyopia, there are contact lenses available to correct your vision. However, the exact type of contact lenses depends on your specific prescription and eye health.
Types of Prescriptions and Matching Contact Lens Options:
- Nearsightedness (Myopia):
- Contact lenses can correct myopia, allowing you to see clearly at a distance.
- Soft lenses or rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses are common options.
- Farsightedness (Hyperopia):
- Lenses help you focus on objects up close.
- Both soft and RGP lenses can work effectively for hyperopia.
- Astigmatism:
- Caused by an irregularly shaped cornea, which blurs vision at all distances.
- Toric lenses are specially designed to correct astigmatism.
- Both soft toric lenses and RGP lenses are available.
- Presbyopia (Age-Related Near Vision Loss):
- Multifocal contact lenses or monovision lenses can help you see clearly at both near and far distances.
- Ideal for those over 40 experiencing difficulty with reading or close-up work.
- High Prescriptions:
- If your prescription is very strong, contact lenses may still work. Custom lenses or high-power lenses can be tailored to your needs.
Specialized Contact Lens Options:
- Multifocal Lenses: For people with both near and distance vision issues (great for presbyopia).
- Rigid Gas-Permeable (RGP) Lenses: For sharp vision, especially if you have high astigmatism or irregular corneas. Currently not offered at MS Optical.
- Scleral Lenses: Large-diameter lenses for irregular corneas or severe dry eye. Currently not offered at MS Optical.
- Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Worn overnight to reshape the cornea temporarily, reducing the need for lenses during the day. Currently not offered at MS Optical.
How to Find Out if You Can Wear Contacts:
- Eye Exam and Consultation:
- Your optometrist will measure your prescription, corneal shape, and tear production.
- Contact Lens Fitting:
- You’ll try trial lenses to ensure comfort and clarity.
- Customization:
- Lenses will be chosen or customized to suit your prescription and needs.
Factors That May Affect Contact Lens Wear:
While most prescriptions can be accommodated, certain factors need to be considered:
- Severe Dry Eye or Allergies: May require specialized lenses like daily disposables or scleral lenses.
- Eye Health Issues: Conditions like keratoconus or corneal scarring may need specialty lenses.
- Lifestyle: Daily wear vs. extended wear lenses may be recommended based on your habits.
Next Step:
Book a contact lens consultation with your eye doctor to:
- Confirm that your prescription can be converted for contact lenses.
- Determine the best lens type for your vision and lifestyle.
- Get a trial pair to test comfort and clarity.
Most prescriptions can be accommodated, so you’ll likely be able to enjoy the convenience of contact lenses!
contact lenses can also be used as part of myopia control, a specialized approach to slow the progression of nearsightedness (myopia) in children and young adults. If you or your child are experiencing worsening myopia, specific types of contact lenses can help.
Myopia Control with Contact Lenses:
- Orthokeratology (Ortho-K):
- What It Is: Ortho-K lenses are rigid, gas-permeable lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea while you sleep.
- How It Works: When removed in the morning, they provide clear vision throughout the day without the need for glasses or daytime lenses.
- Benefits:
- Temporarily corrects vision.
- Helps slow down the progression of myopia in children and teens.
- Ideal For: Active children, teens, or adults who want to manage myopia progression and reduce dependence on glasses.
- Currently not offered at MS Optical.
- Soft Multifocal Contact Lenses:
- What It Is: Specially designed multifocal lenses with peripheral defocus that help reduce the rate of myopia progression.
- How It Works: These lenses correct distance vision while slightly altering peripheral vision to signal the eye to slow down its elongation (a cause of myopia progression).
- Benefits:
- Provides clear vision at all distances.
- Helps slow myopia progression.
- Ideal For: Children and teens with progressive myopia who prefer soft lenses.
- Other Specialty Options:
- Custom-designed gas-permeable (RGP) or scleral lenses can sometimes be used for myopia management in unique cases or irregular corneas.
- Currently not offered at MS Optical.
Who Is a Candidate for Myopia Control?
- Children and young adults experiencing rapidly worsening nearsightedness.
- Those who want to reduce the risk of future eye health complications associated with high myopia, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, or macular degeneration.
Next Steps:
If you’re interested in myopia control for yourself or your child:
- Schedule a comprehensive eye exam with an optometrist.
- Discuss contact lens options for myopia management and find the right fit.
- Follow regular check-ups to monitor vision progression.
Specialty contact lenses for myopia control offer clear vision and help protect long-term eye health, making them an excellent choice for managing nearsightedness.