Contact lenses are thin, clear disks of plastic that rest on the surface of the eye. Contact lenses may provide a safe and effective alternative to eyeglasses when used with proper care and maintenance.

Contact lenses can correct the following:

• Myopia (nearsightedness)
• Hyperopia (farsightedness)
• Astigmatism (blurred vision due to the shape of the cornea)
• Presbyopia (inability to see up close)
• Medical eye conditions such as keratoconus, dry eyes

There are two general types of contact lenses: hard and soft.

• The hard lenses most commonly used today are rigid, gas-permeable lenses (RGP for short). Hard lenses hold their shape; yet allow the free flow of oxygen through the lenses to the cornea. They can be used to correct vision in people with irregular corneas and eye conditions such as keratoconus, pellucid marginal degeneration, and corneal ectasia secondary to refractive surgery.
• Soft lenses are the choice of most contact lens wearers. These lenses are comfortable and come in different modalities from daily disposable to monthly replacement.

Cosmetic or decorative contact lenses are colored contacts that change the appearance of your eye color. Decorative lenses are available by prescription and should only be worn after an eye exam and fitting by a qualified eye care professional. Over-the-counter decorative contacts are illegal and pose a serious danger to your eye health. They can cause eye injury, eye infection, and vision loss.

Why is there an additional cost for contact lens evaluations and fittings?

While contacts are medical devices and regulated by the FDA, insurances do not fully cover contact lens evaluations and fittings because they consider contacts as elective cosmetic devices rather than medically necessary. Contacts interact directly with the front surface of the eye and increase the risk of eye infections; therefore, the health of the eye must be examined annually to determine that the contact lens fits properly.

If you are interested in contacts, please let your doctor know and they will discuss which contact lens would be best for you based on your visual needs, lifestyle, and contact lens fit.