Vision Care Specialists
Call us at 508-481-8558
     
 

FAQ's for  Contact Lenses

What is fungal keratitis or Fusarium infection?
How long does it take to get contacts?
Can I have my contact lenses mailed to me?
Why is it necessary for contact lens wearers to have regular eye exams even if their prescription hasn't changed?
I wear contact lenses and in order for me to read, I have to wear reading glasses over them. Are there any other alternatives whereby I don't have to wear glasses at all?
Can I wear soft contact lenses if I have astigmatism?
Is a contact lens prescription different than an eyeglass prescription?
If my two week disposable lenses are still comfortable and in good condition after two weeks, can I continue to wear the same pair?
If I only wear my two week disposable contacts part time, do I still have to replace them after two weeks?
Can I swim with my contact lenses in?
Do I still need an exam and a prescription if I just want contacts to change my eye color?
 
 
What is fungal keratitis or Fusarium infection?
Fungal keratitis has been in the news recently because though extremely rare, 109 cases have been reported in the US since June 2005.  Fungal keratitis is a severe infection of the cornea that often effects contact lens wearers.  Symptoms include blurry vision, significant redness, pain, watering and light sensitivity.  Please see our Fungal Keratitis information sheet for further information.
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How long does it take to get contacts?
We carry a large assortment of contact lenses in stock.  If we need to order lenses, it generally takes one to three business days.
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Can I have my contact lenses mailed to me?
Yes.  Most contact lens orders can be shipped to your home or work address at no additional cost.
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Why is it necessary for contact lens wearers to have regular eye exams even if their prescription hasn't changed?
Regular eye exams are important not only to check your prescription but also to evaluate the health of your eyes. This is especially important for contact lens wearers because the contacts could be causing damage to your eyes without necessarily causing any obvious symptoms.
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I wear contact lenses and in order for me to read, I have to wear reading glasses over them. Are there any other alternatives whereby I don't have to wear glasses at all?
Yes, one option is called monovision where one eye is corrected for viewing distant objects and the other eye is corrected for reading and close work. Monovision is a good solution for some people, but not everyone can successfully adapt to the arrangement. Another alternative is bifocal or multifocal contact lenses which are available in both gas permeable and soft lens designs.  With bifocal contact lenses, part of each lens is focused at distance and part is focused at near, allowing good vision both near and far.
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Can I wear soft contact lenses if I have astigmatism?
Yes, soft toric lenses can correct your astigmatism.
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Is a contact lens prescription different than an eyeglass prescription?
Yes. A current contact lens prescription specifies the power of the lenses, the size and base curve of the lens, and the type and brand of lens.
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If my two week disposable lenses are still comfortable and in good condition after two weeks, can I continue to wear the same pair?

In order to maintain optimal eye health and comfort, it is important to adhere to the wearing schedule prescribed by your doctor. The main advantage of wearing disposable lenses is that you are putting a fresh new pair of lenses in your eyes every two weeks. Also, the convenient cleaning regimen of a disposable lens is only adequate for a two week wearing schedule.

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If I only wear my two week disposable contacts part time, do I still have to replace them after two weeks?

No, the two weeks refers to the actual amount of wearing time so they can last longer than two weeks if you are not wearing them full time.

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Can I swim with my contact lenses in?
It is best if you don't because there are bacteria in the water that can adhere to your lenses and cause infections. Salt water will dehydrate the lenses on your eyes and cause pain, stinging, and redness.  Chlorine may also be absorbed by your lenses and irritate your eyes for hours afterward. It is very easy to lose a contact lens if worn while swimming.  If you do swim in your lenses, you should wear goggles over them and you should disinfect them immediately afterwards.
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Do I still need an exam and a prescription if I just want contacts to change my eye color?
Yes, you still need to be fitted for the lenses even if you don't need vision correction. This is because contact lenses are medical devices and wearing them can affect the health of your eyes.  The fitting ensures good eye health and gives the doctor an opportunity to review proper lens care.
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