Even though eyeglasses have changed the lives of millions of people and continue to do so, many people find themselves unhappy with having to wear glasses just to see. Contact lenses can be an excellent alternative if you need glasses but don’t like wearing them. At Rouse Family Eye Care, we can help you get fitted for contact lenses if you are a good candidate. Here is a look at what you should know if you are considering getting contact lenses for yourself or your child.

How Are You Fitted for Contact Lenses?

When you are fitted for contact lenses, the optometrist will take precise measurements of the curvature of your eye. These measurements are done with a keratometer, which analyzes the levels of light reflections being sent outward from your cornea. The process is quick and painless, and it does not involve the eye doctor actually touching the surface of your eyes, even though this is a common misconception. These measurements are sent to the lab along with your precise needs and preferences to custom-create your contact lenses.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Contact Lenses?

Contact lenses are best for individuals who wear glasses all the time. It would be illogical to get contact lenses if you only need glasses for certain activities, such as reading or driving. People who rely on glasses every day are the best candidates. A long time ago, you could only get contact lenses to correct certain vision problems, and people with astigmatism could not get contacts. However, modern advances in technology have changed how contacts are made and how well they function. There are even options available for people who need bifocal lenses.

Are Contact Lenses a Good Idea for Children or Teens?

It is usually recommended that children under the age of 12 or 13 do not get contact lenses. Children often lack good hygiene and a sense of responsibility that it takes to make sure you keep your contact lenses clean and remove them as needed. Beyond that age, however, most teens do good with contact lenses, and the benefits are innumerable at this age. For example, contact lenses can be safer for teens who play sports than glasses and teens tend to be extremely self-conscious about their appearance, and contact lenses can be used to correct vision without an outward change in appearance.

Getting Used to Your New Contact Lenses

If the doctor does determine that you are a good candidate for contact lenses, you will be fitted for your new lenses, and then you will be sent home with your prescription lenses. It can take a little trial and error to get used to putting the lenses on your eye properly but don’t get discouraged. Make sure your eyes are good and moist when you install the lenses and do what you can to make sure you do not get any foreign dust or debris on the lenses. Some people have eyes that are a bit more sensitive than others, which means some people can take a bit longer to adjust to their new contacts.

Schedule an Appointment to Talk About Contact lenses in Weston, FL

If you have only ever worn glasses and you know contact lenses could make a big difference in your life, it may be time to make the change. At Rouse Family Eye Care in Weston, FL, we take care of patients of all ages and offer an array of vision care services, including contact lenses for those who need them. If you would like to find out if you could get contacts, or if you just believe that you need glasses, reach out to us to schedule an appointment.