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What’s the best type of contact lens for me? Part 2

What’s the best type of contact lens for me? Part 2

 

Thank you for reading part one.  If you have had a chance, please read part 1 first. Here is part two and I’ll just dive right into it.

Orthokeratology – This is one of the hottest contact lenses in the market.  Studies have shown that this can help reduce myopia progression.  How does this lens work?  Well, this requires a more sophisticated fitting that requires a special equipment called topographer.  This instrument measures the shape of your cornea (front surface of your eye).  With these specific measurements, we design a lenses that you wear at night.  You’ll have to wear the lenses overnight and it reshapes your cornea so you will have clear 20/20 vision in the morning.  Throughout the day, your vision may decrease a little bit and you will need to wear the contact lenses overnight again.  It’s almost like braces for the eye.  It is reversible and it has been proven to be very safe.  However the cost for this treatment is expensive.  It can cost between $1800-$2400 for the initial fitting package

Rigid Gas Permeable – These are great with with people with corneal degenerations or dystrophy like keratoconus.  Sometimes when the cornea is warped, you’ll need these specialty lenses to fit the cornea.  Another great feature of these lenses is that it is a great alternative for people who suffer from dry eyes wearing soft contact lenses.  A negative point for some is that these types of contacts may be more uncomfortable than soft lenses.  If you have one piece of lint on the lenses, you will definitely feel the irritation.

Scleral Lenses – These are also very fascinating lenses.  I think in Vancouver, only a handful of optometrists actually fit them.  These are the most difficult lenses to fit but they are great for people with very advanced corneal degenerations or very severe dry eyes.  These are very large lenses which helps create a big tear film between your eye and the lenses.  This will definitely lubricate your eyes with tears.   For comfort level, you’ll have to go through an adaptation period before you feel comfortable.

Well here you have it.  If you have any other questions on contact lenses, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Avenue Eyecare.

Dr. Sherman Tung Optometry

Dr. Sherman Tung, OD FAAO
Vancouver Kerrisdale Optometrist
drtung@avenueeyecare.com | 604.558.1133

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