The decision as to what type of contact lenses to wear for new contact lens wearers or the appropriateness of your present contact lenses for established wearers is usually made jointly by you, the patient, and Dr. Pachler. This is done once the eye examination is complete and depends on many factors including your vision problems, eye and general health, occupational and recreational needs.

New methods of determining the oxygen and tear flow requirements of the eye, coupled with new lens designs and materials, are making it possible for a wider range of patients to wear contact lenses comfortably and successfully.

Not everyone is a good candidate for contact lenses. Patients with certain physical characteristics, disease, chronic dry eye, certain vision conditions or poor blinking habits may rule out wearing contact lenses. There may be other options available that better suit your particular needs and Dr. Pachler will take the time to discuss this with you.

Contact Lens Designs:

Spherical - These lenses have one power throughout the entire lens. A spherical lens can be used to correct nearsightedness or farsightedness. Spherical soft lenses may be used if small amounts of astigmatism are present.

Toric - These lenses are prescribed for patients with moderate to high astigmatism. They are designed with two powers within one lens that are 90 degrees apart. This lens design must be stabilized so that the two powers remain in the same position at all times to ensure consistently good vision.

Monovision - These lenses correct one eye for distance vision and the other eye for near vision.

Bifocals - These lenses are designed to achieve clear and comfortable vision at all distances with the prescription for both near and far vision within the same lens. There are different designs of bifocal lenses and do require more skill to fit properly and also more time for adjustment.

Tinted Lenses - These lenses allow you to enhance or change your natural eye colour. They come in light to medium tints (enhancing) to dark or deep colours (opaque) and in various shades of different colours.

Keeping Up to Date

There are always new lens designs and materials that can improve your chances of successful contact lens wear. As you return for future contact lens care appointments we will always inform you of the latest lenses that are available to suit your needs. If you would like to try contact lenses for the first time, or if you would like to try new lenses that may be better suited to your eyes than your current ones, please call our office or inform us at your next eye examination.