Contact Lenses

Embrace Freedom and Comfort for your eyes at Meridian Vision.

Contact lenses are a popular vision correction option for many people, offering a range of benefits over traditional eyeglasses. One of the most significant advantages of contact lenses is their convenience. They sit directly on the eye, providing a full field of vision without any frames or obstructions. This can be particularly beneficial for those who play sports or lead an active lifestyle, as contact lenses don’t move around or get in the way during physical activity.

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What are my options?

There are many contact lens options available. Your eye care provider will take your lifestyle and vision correction needs into consideration when helping you select the right lenses for your eyes.

Here are some of the most common contact lens types:

• Hard contact lenses – Hard contact lenses are rigid gas permeable. This means that they are porous enough to allow oxygen to enter through to the cornea. Hard contact lenses keep their shape on the eye. As such, they are sometimes recommended to curb the progression of nearsightedness in younger wearers.
• Soft contact lenses – Soft contact lenses are popular because they are very comfortable for the wearer. Soft contact lenses don’t “pop out” the way hard lenses occasionally might. Soft lenses are appropriate to correct near and farsightedness and astigmatism.
• Disposable soft contact lenses – Intended to be worn for a short time, to help prevent allergic reactions or bacterial infections in sensitive wearers. Disposable lenses are also appropriate for children who might not take excellent care when cleaning their lenses.
• Extended wear contact lenses – Extended wear contact lenses are designed to be worn constantly for long periods of time – up to a week. They do need to be deep cleaned weekly, however. Unlike all other lenses, extended wear contacts can be worn while sleeping. The lens type allows sufficient oxygen to reach the eye for health.
• Daily wear contact lenses – Most contact lenses are daily wear. That is they are worn all day and then removed at night for cleaning. These lenses generally last until their given expiration date, at which point they must be discarded and replaced because the lens material begins to break down.
• Colored contact lenses – These are worn to enhance or completely change the visual color of the iris. They are still prescription contact lenses, however, and need to be treated with the same care you would give to regular lenses. Many — but not all — brands of contact lens companies offer colored lens options.

Contact Lens Care

It’s important to note that contact lenses require proper care and maintenance to avoid potential eye infections and other complications. Always follow your eye doctor’s instructions for cleaning, storing, and wearing your contact lenses, and never share them with other

An important part of contact lens care is not to sleep in your contacts. Here are some reasons why:

• Oxygen deprivation – Contact lenses, especially soft lenses, restrict the flow of oxygen to the cornea. When you sleep with contacts, your closed eyelids further limit the oxygen supply to the eyes. This can lead to corneal hypoxia, causing discomfort, redness, and potentially even corneal infections.
• Increased risk of infections – Wearing contact lenses overnight creates a higher risk of developing microbial infections, such as bacterial or fungal keratitis. These infections can cause significant discomfort, blurred vision, and in severe cases, lead to vision loss.
• Dryness and irritation – During sleep, your eyes naturally produce fewer tears, leading to reduced moisture. Contact lenses can further contribute to dryness and irritation, potentially causing redness, itching, and a gritty sensation in the eyes.
• Corneal shape changes – Prolonged contact lens wear, including sleeping in them, can cause corneal shape changes, particularly in the case of rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses. This can result in distorted vision and require a period of adjustment when transitioning back to regular eyeglasses or temporarily discontinuing lens wear.

To maintain optimal eye health and reduce the risk of complications, it is crucial to follow the prescribed wearing schedule for your contact lenses and remove them before sleeping.

Time for a new prescription?

Looking to get your prescription updated? You’re in luck! At Meridian Vision, we offer comprehensive eye exams at our Meridian office. Our eye care providers will not only assess your visual acuity but also examine your eye health and function.

To ensure that your contact lens prescription is accurate and up-to-date, schedule a contact lens exam with us now. We’ll take care of your eye health so you can focus on enjoying clear vision