Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Contact Lenses and Presbyopia


What is Presbyopia? This is the condition when you have to hold reading materials away from your eyes just to be able to recognize the characters. Another symptom of this age-related vision is when a person finds it hard to read books and newspapers under low light. In other words, your eyesight is not as clear as before. This condition affects everyone and starts when you reach the age of 40. The lens of your eye becomes less elastic and you find it more difficult to adjust your focus swiftly from far to near objects. There are various ways to correct this ailment including reading, using bifocal and multifocal eyeglasses or lenses. However, it is important to consult the eye care professional so you can determine which form of vision correction is right for you. The prescription contains specific information to ensure the lenses are safe and provide optimum vision.

Contact Lens Prescription

In the United States, eye care practitioners provides patients a copy of the prescription after the examination and fitting is done. The prescription includes guidelines on how often contact lenses should be changed. Prescriptions can last from one to two years. When your prescription expires, it is necessary to get a new one so you can buy new lenses. Under the federal law, purchase of all contact lenses entails a valid prescription from a certified eye care professional. The eye care doctor can only prepare the prescription after a methodical test and fitting procedure. Why is a prescription needed?

It is against the law to sell these medical implements without this document. Although you can buy your replacement contacts from various sources, it is still necessary to visit your eye doctor for regular eye tests. In case you are identified with a lens-related issue, it does not mean that you have to stop wearing contacts. All you will need is to obtain a different size, material or design. Once you have been fitted properly by your eye doctor and obtain a legitimate prescription, you can buy lenses from different sources. Your alternatives include eye doctors, optical clinics, department stores, and online retailers.

Prescription for Correct Lenses

The qualified eye doctor can recommend the right contact lenses for you. This professional will assess the composition of your eyes and sight to find out the lens that will conform to existing criteria. Likewise, you may have medical conditions that will affect the choice of your lens. You are provided with a prescription by the ECP so you can purchase the required Acuvue Oasys contacts. There are contacts for dry eyes which reduce the risk of dry eye symptoms. Although this is not really a special form of lens, it may help in relieving aridity or the state of being dry. It is also possible to supplement wearing of contacts with eye drops that have been approved by the ECP for your lenses. It is the job of the eye care professional to check all cleaning solutions and disinfectants since there are various products and some may not be suitable for your lenses.