Understanding the Different Types of Contact Lenses

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When it comes to contact lenses in Falls Church, VA, you have more options than ever before. And, while we’re not talking about colored lenses (or those non-medical lenses they use in Hollywood to make zombie eyes!), you still have some choices to make after you get your contact lens eye exam. Here’s a helpful rundown of the different types of contact lenses to choose the best one for your vision and lifestyle needs.

Soft Contact Lenses

These have been around for a long time. Soft contact lenses are also the most common type, appreciated for their comfort and ease of getting adjusted to. Soft lenses are available in daily, bi-weekly, or monthly disposables, depending on how often you prefer to change them.

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses

The name sounds ominous, but rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses, usually called hard lenses, are made from a more durable and rigid material than soft lenses, in case you didn’t already glean that from the name! These aren’t as popular as soft lenses, but still very much needed for some. These lenses allow oxygen to reach the eyes, promoting healthy corneas.

Specialty Lenses

If you have certain vision needs, your optometrist might recommend specialty lenses. For those with specific eye conditions, specialty contact lenses may be recommended. Toric lenses are designed to correct astigmatism, while multifocal lenses help correct both near and distance vision, making them ideal for people with presbyopia. Scleral lenses are a larger type of RGP lens that helps address conditions like keratoconus and even dry eyes. Yes, we know the terms are confusing, but your eye doctor can let you know if it’s something you need to be concerned about.

As your Falls Church, VA optometrist, Nova Vision Center wants you to be as informed as possible when you choose to wear contact lenses. For more information, please contact us today.

 How Often Should I Get a New Contact Lens Eye Exam?

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If you wear contact lenses, you need to know how important it is to get new contact lens exams at the right time. While anyone who wears prescription eyewear needs regular eye exams, this is especially true of those who wear contact lenses. This is because contact lenses have direct contact with the eye, and new contact lens eye exams frequently indicate a need for a prescription change. Your optometrist in Falls Church, VA is always available to answer questions, but here’s what to know in the meantime.

Annual Exams

For most people, coming in once a year to get a contact lens eye exam is sufficient. During this exam, your eye doctor will check the health of your eyes, update your prescription, and ensure that your current lenses fit properly or if changes need to be made.

More Frequent Exams in Special Cases

For others, an annual contact lens eye exam isn’t often enough. This includes anyone with certain conditions such as:

  • dry eye syndrome
  • diabetic retinopathy
  • astigmatism
  • glaucoma
  • and more

Remember, your eye exams aren’t just about updating your contact lens prescription. They also give your optometrist an opportunity to monitor the health of your eyes, tracking the progression of any eye problems you may have.

Why Regular Eye Exams Matter

Wearing contact lenses without proper oversight can lead to eye infections, changes in vision, or even more serious issues like corneal damage. Regular exams help detect these problems early, allowing your eye doctor to adjust your prescription or lens type as needed. Your eye health and comfort should always be a priority, and yearly checkups at a minimum are a key part of maintaining both!

For your next contact lens eye exam in Falls Church, VA, contact Nova Vision Center today!

Contact Lens Exam: What to Expect

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If you’ve been wondering if contact lenses are right for you, then it’s time to visit an eye doctor for a contact lens exam. Here at Nova Vision Center, we’re happy to offer trusted eyecare services. Whether you need new eyeglasses or acontact lens exam in Falls Church, VA, we’re the place to call. Contact us today to make an appointment!

In this post, we’ll discuss what you can expect during a contact lens exam.

How a Contact Lens Exam Works

The goal of a contact lens exam is to understand the exact size and curvature of your eyes. As this is unique to everyone, your provider will need to run various tests to determine the right fit.

These tests aim to measure the following:

Pupil or Iris Size

Providers can determine the type of contact lenses that are right for you by measuring your eye’s pupil or iris. This simple test involves placing a card next to your eye displaying different pupil sizes and trying to find the closest match.

Cornea Size and Curvature

This test helps providers understand the proper size and base curve for your contact lenses. They accomplish this by using a device called a keratometer, which measures how light reflects off your cornea. For a more detailed look, many doctors utilize another instrument called a corneal topographer.

Tear Film

Providers must check your tear film to determine if your eyes can handle contact lenses. Some people experience dry eyes when wearing these products, which makes eyes itchy and uncomfortable.

This test works by placing a special piece of paper under your eyelid and having you close your eyes for five minutes. During this time, your tears will collect on the paper.

Contact lenses can drastically change your life. To schedule your next contact lens exam, contact Nova Vision Center today! We have the most dependableeye doctor in Falls Church, VA.

What Happens During a Contact Lens Exam?

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Do you want contact lenses? If so, your optometrist in Falls Church, VA, will need to perform a comprehensive contact lens exam. But what happens during a contact lens exam?

Here are the steps that take place during a comprehensive contact lens exam in Falls Church, VA.

Step One – Consultation

Your optometrist will talk with you about your overall health, eye health, and medical history.

Step Two – Contact Lens Exam

The optometrist will check your eyes to see if you have any developing eye conditions. They will also check your vision to determine what level of prescription you will need.

Step Three – Contact Lens Fitting

During your contact lens fitting, your optometrist will take some measurements to ensure a proper fit for your lenses.

Those fittings include the following:

·Corneal Curvature

This fitting is to make sure your new contact lenses fit the curve of your eye. They will do this by measuring the curvature of the front surface of your eye as well as your cornea.

·Pupil Size

This step is to measure the size of your pupil.

·Tear Film Evaluation

Dry eye is often a problem with contact lens wearers. So Your optometrist will need to make sure you have enough tear film to keep your lenses moist. If you don’t, you won’t be a candidate for contact lenses.

·Contact Lens Trial

After your exam, your eye doctor will give you a trial pair of contact lenses to try on to confirm the fit.

·Contact Lens Prescription

If the trial pair of contact lenses fits, your eye doctor will order your permanent prescription contact lenses.

Follow-Up Exam

Your eye doctor might want to see you for a follow-up exam to see how your eyes are adjusting to your new contacts. They will also want to make sure they are fitting correctly.

Looking for an Optometrist in Falls Church, VA?

Getting contact lenses is exciting. But you are going to need an optometrist to perform the exam for you. Please Contact Nova Vision Center today to schedule an appointment. Our top-notch care services include a wide range of contact lenses. So we have something for every need.

Why Do Contact Lens Exams Cost More?

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It’s not always easy to make regular appointments with the doctor, especially if you’re watching your pennies. So it may seem annoying or even infuriating that eye exams are priced differently depending on whether you’re looking for glasses orcontacts in Fall Church, VA. Whether you’re just curious or you’re debating putting off an exam, we’ll look at why this is and why it’s so important to have a checkup every year.

Extra Tests 

The main reason that a contact lens exam costs more is that it’s more work on the part of aneye doctor in Falls Church, VA, and their staff. They’ll need to map out your cornea to ensure that the lenses will fit. They may also spend more time performing slit lamp tests because the contact lenses will sit directly on the cornea. While slit lamp tests are performed during standard exams for eyeglasses, there isn’t as much need to determine the precise curvature of the cornea.

Contact Lens Fittings in Falls Church, VA

Once the doctor has discussed all of your options with you, they’ll need to place the contact lenses in your eye and then determine your visual acuity once they’re in. There is no single ‘best’ brand of contact lenses, as every patient’s eyes are different. If you’re looking for the right contact lenses for you, it’s important to visit an eye doctor in Falls Church, VA, who can tell you more about how your eyes are likely to respond to them.

Contact lens exams are more precise than eyeglass exams, which is why they cost a little more. However, because your eyes can change at any time, it’s important to get them done every year. If you’re ready to take action, contact Nora Vision Center today to make an appointment today.

3 Steps to Keep Your Contact Lenses Clean and Your Eyes Healthy

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If youroptometrist in Falls Church, VA has prescribed contact lenses for you, they probably also mentioned how important it is to clean them properly, so you can avoid getting an eye infection and other complications.

Three Effective Steps for Properly Cleaning Your Contact Lenses

1. Scrubbing

The first step in cleaning your contact lenses is scrubbing. This involves rubbing the lenses with your fingers to remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated on them. To do this, place the lens in the palm of your hand and apply a few drops of daily cleanser. Rub the lens gently with your finger for about 20 seconds, making sure to cover the entire surface of the lens.

2. Storing

The next step is storing yourcontact lenses in Falls Church, VA. Each type of contact lens solution has a different purpose, so it is important to choose the right one for your needs.

  • Saline Solution

Saline solution will help you clean the debris, chemicals, and other contact lens cleaning solutions on your lenses. The main purpose of using a saline solution is for rinsing your lenses and for storing your lenses after you have rinsed them. But saline solution is not meant to be used as a disinfectant.

  • Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is designed to remove buildup on your lenses and to store your lenses. The peroxide will work to disinfect your lenses while you are storing them overnight. It will remove bacteria and other elements to help prevent eye infections such as pink eye.

  • Multi-Purpose Solution

A multi-purpose solution is a combination of a daily cleanser and a disinfecting solution. For convenience, this is what most people use. You can use a multi-purpose solution daily, and you don’t need any additional solutions.

  • Enzyme Cleaner

An enzyme cleaner is designed to remove protein buildup from your lenses. It comes in either a liquid form or a pill form. Both options will require you to use other solutions in combination with them.

  • Daily Cleanser

This solution cleans your contacts before disinfecting them. A daily cleaner removes debris that might cause eye irritation and other discomforts. You should not use your daily cleanser for storing your lenses.

3. Soaking

The final step is soaking your contact lenses. After scrubbing and storing your lenses, you must soak them in the appropriate solution. After soaking your lenses, rinse them thoroughly with saline solution before inserting them into your eyes.

Do You Need an Optometrist in Falls Church, VA?

The best way to keep your eyes healthy is to see an optometrist regularly.Contact Nova Vision Center today to schedule an appointment.

The Dangers of Wearing Outdated Contact Lenses

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When was the last time you had your prescription for contact lenses in Falls Church, VA, updated? If it means more than a year, it’s time for a new eye exam by an optometrist and a new contact lens prescription. Wearing outdated contact lenses is very bad for your eyes in so many ways.

What Are Outdated Contact Lenses?

Outdated contact lenses are lenses that are either:

  • Past their expiration date (as noted on the original contact lens packaging)
  • One-day/disposable lenses being worn for longer periods of time
  • Lenses based on a prescription past one-year-old

Dangers of Wearing Outdated Contact Lenses

Most people want to get as much use as possible out of the things they purchase. But when it comes to contact lenses, it’s important not to wear them past their date. The dangers include:

Wearing older prescription lenses that no longer fit your vision needs. This can harm your eyesight since your eyes are trying to adapt to contacts that warp your vision in irregular ways.

Wearing disposable lenses for longer periods of time is dangerous because the materials used in disposable lenses are not as durable as regular lenses. The lenses break down more quickly, with the potential to leave harmful residue or materials in the eye after taking out the lens.

Lenses worn past their expiration date have the same problem. They aren’t meant to last more than the time listed on their packaging. They are more likely to tear, which could possibly scratch your retina or cause other problems.

It’s very easy to make an appointment with your optometrist in Falls Church, VA, for new contact lenses. Even a slight change in your prescription can make a big difference in your eyesight. Contact us today to book your contact lens eye exam.