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Contact lenses are so easily available from your neighbourhood eyewear shop; many tend to overlook the importance of a proper fitting. That includes visiting an optometrist that you're comfortable with, buying the right type of contact lenses that suit your eyes and lifestyle, and of course, getting the right prescription.
Getting your new contact lenses after a proper fitting will ensure that your vision has been corrected. And because contact lenses fit over the cornea of the eye, getting a proper fit is important in protecting the health of the cornea.
What could happen in the case of an inadequate or improper fitting, aside from the fact that you may not be able to see well, a poorly fitting lens or one that's made from a material that not particularly suited to your eyes can result in inflammation, swelling, abrasion and overall discomfort.
Contact lenses are medical devices. And though you can easily buy them at any optician without a formal prescription, choosing the wrong type of lenses for your vision problems could be harmful for your eyes.
A typical eye examination should include the following:
Your eye doctor should thoroughly analyse any vision problems that you have – near or far sightedness, astigmatism, for example – and check up on the overall health of your eyes. He should also compile a case history and give you an eyesight test. Any health problems found should be resolved before the actual lens fitting.
The proper lenses for your eyes are then selected through a process. This process is when the eye doctor measures your eyes before prescribing lenses with the right amount of curvature, thickness and diameter that will best suit you to correct your vision. Most common lenses can be purchased on the spot at the doctor's office.
The correct method of handling your contact lenses – that includes inserting, removing, cleaning and storing – is crucial to the health of your eyes. So pay attention to what the eye doctor says and don't be afraid to ask questions until you're completely sure.
Your eye doctor should also advise you on how long you can safely keep your lenses in your eyes. And, depending on what type of lenses you choose, whether or not you can sleep with your lenses, and how frequently you have to change them. Daily lenses, for example, require no cleaning or storing because you have a fresh pair each day. Monthly lenses shouldn't be used overnight, and have to be discarded at the end of each 30–day cycle.
It is a good practice to return to your eye doctor for a follow-up examination. During this next eye exam, it is imperative to discuss the comfort, clarity and accuracy of your vision you get from the contact lenses prescribed to you. The fitting is not fully complete until your follow–up examination by the doctor confirms that the lenses are completely suitable for your eyes.
- How long at a time are you able to wear the lenses prescribed?
- How often should you remove your lenses?
- How often should you replace your lenses?
- Should you have a pair of glasses as a backup?
- How often should you return for an eye examination?
- What are your options if you play sports, especially water sports?
- What's the best way, and best products, for the cleaning and storage of your lenses?
- What's the proper method of inserting, removing, cleaning and storing your lenses?
There are three types of eye care providers, so it’s useful to know the difference between them.
An ophthalmologist is a physician with a medical degree that has been designated by an M.D. after their names. Ophthalmologists typically handles eye surgeries and manages serious eye diseases, although if you so choose to consult one, they would be able to help you with a thorough eye examination and can advise you on common vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.
Designated with an O.D. after their names, optometrists typically have a degree or diploma in optometry. They provide routine eye examinations and prescriptions and help you get a proper fitting for contact lenses. Optometrist are able to diagnose common eye diseases and refer patients to the optomologist for treatment.
An optician prepares and dispenses corrective eye care in accordance to the prescriptions from the optometrist and the ophthalmologist. While a few opticians can help you get a proper fitting for contact lenses, the Singapore regulation only allows for Optometrist to fit contact lenses.
