Contact Lenses at Cochrane Family Eyecare
We prescribe a huge variety of contact lenses, including spherical lenses (such as Acuvue Oasys and Air Optix Aqua), toric lenses (such as Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism and Air Optix for Astigmatism), color contacts (including both the Freshlook and Air Optix colors), and multifocal lenses (such as the Proclear Multifocal or Ultra for Presbyopia).
Contact Lenses: Frequently Asked Questions
Who Can Wear Contacts?
With all the advancements in contact lens technology, almost anyone can wear contacts! We have contacts that are perfect for people who have astigmatism or who wear bifocals. We also carry all the newest silicone hydrogel lenses that allow oxygen to flow more freely through the lens, which makes your contacts much more comfortable for all day wear.
What Kinds of Contact Lenses are Available?
There are two main types of contacts: soft contact lenses and rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses. Soft contact lenses are the most popular, as they are thin and composed mostly of water, which makes them the most comfortable. RGP or “hard” contact lenses are made of hard plastic. While they are not as comfortable as soft contacts, they are able to correct for more difficult prescriptions and offer crisp, clear vision. They also last longer than soft contacts- as long as you keep them properly cleaned and scratch-free, they can last you for years.
Both of the above types of contacts comes in a wide range of styles. Every brand of contact feels a little different, and only you will be able to determine which feels most comfortable for you. That is why Dr. Cochrane tends to give new contact lens wearers a different brand of lens for each eye during their trial period. During your week-long trial period, you can compare the two lens options, and then choose the one that works best for you at the time of your follow up visit.
Do I Have to Have a Prescription If I Just Want to Wear Non-Prescription Colored Contact Lenses?
Yes. Because contact lenses are a medical device that is placed on the eye, you will need a written prescription in order to purchase them- even if you don’t have any vision issues.
It is fun to change your eye color, and we are more than happy to see you for a contact lens fitting. There are many different color options available, and we can let you try on a few different colors to see how they look before you finalize your order.
It is a common misconception that you can safely order colored or cosmetic contacts off the internet. This is actually illegal and can be dangerous to your health and your vision. An improperly fitted contact can lead to eye irritation, scarring, and even blindness. Many of the colored contact lenses sold on the internet have been tinted in a manner that is not approved by the FDA, and can lead to serious eye problems. Please do not risk your sight!
What is the Right Age for Contacts?
There really is no exact answer to this question. It depends a lot on the level of responsibility of the patient. There are some twelve year olds that are very responsible and that will take good care of their eyes and their lenses. Conversely, there are some forty year olds who take very bad care of their contacts and probably should not be wearing them.
Dr. Cochrane will work with parents of minors to determine the readiness of a child, and will prescribe contacts on a case by case basis.
What are Toric Lenses?
Toric lenses are contacts designed for individuals with astigmatism. Astigmatism is when they eye is not perfectly rounded- it is shaped more like a football than a baseball. So, instead of needing lenses that are the same prescription throughout the lens, a person with astigmatism needs contacts that correct for multiple prescriptions at the same time.
Can I Get Contacts if I Need Bifocals?
Yes! There are a few different designs of bifocal contact lenses. There is the “bullseye” design, which has concentric rings of near-far-near-far-near built into the lens. There are RGP/”hard” contact lenses that look much like a bifocal pair of eyeglasses- with the top half of the lens being for distance and the bottom half of the lens designed for reading.
The other solution that can work well for presbyopes (people needing bifocals) is called “monovision.” Basically, the doctor will give you a distance contact lens for one eye, and a near contact lens for the other eye. When you wear them, your brain can figure out which eye to pay attention to, and which eye has the ”wrong” prescription for the task at hand.
Can I Wear Makeup With Contact Lenses?
Yes, but just be careful not to get makeup in your eyes or on your contacts. It is best to put your contacts in before you apply your makeup, and then remove the contacts before you take your makeup off. Always be sure to purchase ophthalmologically tested and approved cosmetics so you know that they will be safe for your eyes.
Also, do not put eyeliner right at the waterline, as it can bleed into your eye and get stuck on or under your contacts.
What Brand of Contacts is Right for Me?
There are many factors that influence which brand of contacts would be best for your eyes, including the shape and curvature of your eye, the amount and quality of your tear production, your lifestyle and favorite activities- even the climate and environment of where you live and work!
Different brands of contacts "breathe" differently- in that they allow varying amounts of oxygen to reach the eye. The different brands are also unique in the ways that they hold moisture, which can influence not only comfort, but also visual clarity and ease of handling the lens.
