Your Complete Guide to Contact Lenses

At Eyewear Experts in Red Deer, we’re passionate about helping you see the world with clarity and comfort. Whether you’re a seasoned contact lens wearer or considering making the switch from glasses, our team is here to guide you through the exciting world of contact lenses. We offer a wide selection of contact lenses, expert fitting services, and personalized advice to ensure you find the perfect fit for your lifestyle and vision needs.

Understanding Contact Lenses

Contact lenses have come a long way, offering a level of comfort and convenience that’s revolutionized vision correction. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right ones for you? Let’s break down the basics:

Types of Contact Lenses

Daily Disposables: These lenses offer the ultimate in convenience. Wear them once and toss them out, eliminating the need for cleaning and storage solutions. Ideal for busy lifestyles or occasional wear.
Bi-Weekly Disposables: Replace these lenses every two weeks, offering a balance of convenience and affordability.
Monthly Disposables: These lenses are designed for monthly replacement, making them a cost-effective option for daily wear.

The Contact Lens Fitting Process

A proper contact lens fitting is essential for ensuring optimal comfort, vision, and eye health. Here’s what you can expect during your fitting appointment with our experienced opticians:

Comprehensive Eye Exam: We’ll conduct a thorough eye exam to assess your vision needs and overall eye health.
Measurements and Assessments: We’ll take precise measurements of your cornea’s curvature and pupil size to determine the ideal lens parameters.
Lens Selection and Trial: Based on your individual needs and preferences, we’ll recommend suitable lens types and provide trial lenses for you to experience firsthand.
Follow-Up Care: We’ll schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your adaptation to the lenses and ensure optimal comfort and vision.

Caring for Your Contact Lenses

Proper lens care is crucial for maintaining healthy eyes and clear vision. Follow these essential tips:

Wash Your Hands: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling your lenses.
Clean and Disinfect: Use fresh contact lens solution to clean and disinfect your lenses according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Replace Your Lenses: Replace your lenses as recommended by your eye care professional to prevent buildup and maintain optimal hygiene.
Storage Solutions: Always store your lenses in a clean case.

Eyewear Experts is Your Destination for Contact Lenses in Red Deer

Whether you’re seeking the convenience of daily disposables or the affordability of monthly lenses, Eyewear Experts has the perfect solution for you. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing personalized care, expert fittings, and ongoing support to ensure you enjoy clear, comfortable vision with your contact lenses.

Visit our convenient locations for contact lenses in Gasoline Alley or downtown Red Deer, and let us help you discover the freedom and clarity that contact lenses can provide. Have questions or ready to schedule an appointment? Contact us today!

Finding the Perfect Frames for Your Face & Style

At Eyewear Experts, we believe that glasses are more than just a vision correction tool; they’re a statement piece that reflects your unique personality and style. With so many options available, finding the perfect frames can be an exciting but sometimes overwhelming experience. That’s why our team of expert opticians is here to guide you through the process, offering personalized advice and ensuring you find frames that complement your features while helping you feel confident and stylish.

Flattering Your Face Shape

Did you know that certain frame shapes can accentuate your best features and bring balance to your face? Here’s a quick guide:

Round Faces: Look for frames with angular lines and defined edges, such as rectangular or square shapes, to add contrast and create a slimming effect.
Square Faces: Soften strong jawlines with round or oval frames. These shapes help balance the angles of your face and create a more harmonious look.
Heart-Shaped Faces: Opt for frames that are wider at the bottom, like aviator or cat-eye styles, to balance the width of your forehead and draw attention downward.
Oval Faces: Lucky you! Most frame shapes complement oval faces. Feel free to experiment with different styles and find what resonates with your personal taste.

Exploring Frame Materials

The material of your frames can significantly influence their durability, comfort, and overall aesthetic. Consider these popular options:

Acetate: Known for its vibrant colours, lightweight feel, and hypoallergenic properties, acetate is a popular choice for those seeking comfort and style.
Metal: From classic titanium to modern stainless steel, metal frames offer durability, a sleek look, and a variety of finishes to complement your skin tone.
Titanium: This premium material is incredibly lightweight, hypoallergenic, and corrosion-resistant, making it an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin or active lifestyles.

Finding the Perfect Colour Palette

Frame colour can enhance your natural features and complement your wardrobe. Consider these tips:

Complexion: Warm skin tones often look best with earthy tones like brown, gold, or tortoiseshell, while cool skin tones are often flattered by silver, black, or blue hues.
Hair Color: Contrast your hair colour for a bold statement, or choose complementary shades for a more subtle look.
Personal Style: Express yourself! Choose colours that reflect your personality and make you feel confident.

Elevate Your Eyewear Game with Designer Frames

At Eyewear Experts, we curate a collection of designer frames from renowned brands worldwide. These frames offer exceptional quality and craftsmanship while representing the latest trends in eyewear fashion.

Trend Spotting: Our designer frames embody the latest runway trends, from oversized silhouettes to geometric shapes and bold colours.
Iconic Brands: Discover frames from iconic brands like Ray-Ban, Oakley, Gucci, and many more.
Exclusive Styles: Find unique and limited-edition frames that set you apart from the crowd.

Find Your Perfect Frames at Eyewear Experts

Finding the ideal frames is a journey of self-expression. Our team at Eyewear Experts is dedicated to helping you find frames that reflect your unique style and personality. Visit our store in Red Deer and let our expert opticians guide you through our extensive collection of frames, offering personalized advice and ensuring you find the perfect pair to complement your face and elevate your eyewear game.

Have questions or want to schedule an appointment with our opticians? Contact us today.

Direct Billing and Insurance Coverage for Eye Care: What You Need to Know

At Eyewear Experts, we understand that navigating the world of eyecare insurance can feel like a maze. Deciphering your plan, understanding coverage, and dealing with claims can be confusing and time-consuming. That’s why we’re committed to making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible for our valued clients in Red Deer. We believe that everyone deserves access to quality eye care without the added worry of insurance complexities.

Understanding Your Eyecare Insurance

Eyecare insurance is an investment in your overall health and well-being. It helps make essential eye care services more affordable, allowing you to prioritize your vision without breaking the bank. But what exactly does it cover? While plans vary, most eyecare insurance policies offer financial assistance with a range of services:

Comprehensive Eye Exams: Regular eye exams are vital for detecting potential eye conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration, even before you notice any symptoms. Early diagnosis is often key to effective treatment and preserving your vision.
Prescription Eyewear: Whether you prefer the classic style of glasses or the convenience of contact lenses, most plans help cover the cost of both frames and lenses, or a supply of contact lenses. This ensures you have access to the vision correction you need to see clearly and comfortably.
Specialized Services: Depending on your specific plan, you may also have coverage for additional services like vision therapy to improve eye coordination and function, or even laser eye surgery for a more permanent vision correction solution.

Direct Billing: Making Eye Care Insurance Services Hassle-Free

At Eyewear Experts, we take pride in offering direct billing to a wide network of major insurance providers. What does that mean for you? Simple – we handle the insurance paperwork and submit your claims electronically, eliminating the need for you to deal with forms and reimbursements.

Think of direct billing as your shortcut to hassle-free eyecare. Here’s how it benefits you:

Unmatched Convenience: Say goodbye to the days of collecting receipts, filling out forms, and mailing claims. We take care of everything, allowing you to focus on what matters most – your eye health.
Reduced Upfront Costs: With direct billing, you only pay the portion of your expenses not covered by your insurance plan at the time of your visit. This makes quality eye care more accessible and budget-friendly.
Faster Reimbursement: Electronic claim submission means faster processing times. You’ll avoid lengthy waits for reimbursement and have a clearer understanding of your out-of-pocket expenses right away.

How to Take Advantage of Direct Billing at Eyewear Experts

We strive to make the direct billing process as straightforward as possible. Just follow these simple steps:

Bring Your Insurance Information: When you visit our Red Deer location, be sure to have your insurance card handy. This provides us with the necessary details to verify your coverage.
Electronic Claim Submission: Once we’ve verified your coverage, we’ll submit your claim electronically while you’re still in our store.
Simple Payment: You’ll only be responsible for paying the remaining balance not covered by your insurance. We accept various payment methods for your convenience.

Eyewear Experts is Your Trusted Eyecare Provider

Our dedicated team at Eyewear Experts is committed to providing personalized care and guidance throughout your eyecare journey. We’re not just there to help you see clearly; we’re here to make the entire experience as comfortable as possible.

Need help understanding your insurance benefits? Our knowledgeable staff can help you navigate your policy and provide you with clear explanations so that you can maximize your eyecare insurance coverage.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment or learn more about our direct insurance billing and eye care insurance services in Red Deer.

Revolutionizing Eyewear: Eyewear Experts High-Tech Lens Fabrication Lab and One-Hour Service

We know you’re busy, and when you need new glasses, you shouldn’t have to choose between quality and speed. At Eyewear Experts, we’ve combined the best of both worlds! With our state-of-the-art in-house lab, we can craft your perfect pair of glasses in about an hour. No more waiting weeks for your new frames—with our state-of-the-art lens fabrication lab and an incredible one-hour service, Eyewear Experts has set a new benchmark for modern eye exams.

The Future of Eyewear

At the core of Eyewear Experts’ innovation is its cutting-edge lens fabrication lab. Forget about waiting weeks for your new glasses. We use the latest technology and advanced software to craft your lenses with incredible precision, all while you wait.

Our lab uses cutting-edge equipment to ensure your lenses are shaped and cut perfectly for your chosen eyeglasses. This makes your glasses look great and feel more comfortable while improving their efficacy. When your lenses fit seamlessly, you’ll see better, and your glasses will last longer.

Plus, with our advanced software, we can minimize the risk of errors and guarantee consistent quality with every order. Whether you need single-vision lenses, bifocals, progressives, or something more specialized, you’ll get eyewear that looks and feels amazing.

Convenience Meets Speed: One-Hour Service

Our one-hour service sets us apart from the competition. In most cases, you can come in, get your eye exam, choose your favourite frames from our huge selection of top brands, and walk out with your new glasses in about an hour.

Imagine that: no more waiting around for days or weeks! This is perfect for busy professionals, students, or anyone who’s always on the go. Whether you’ve had an accident with your glasses, need a new prescription, or just want to update your look, we’ve got you covered quickly and efficiently.

Frames for Every Style

At Eyewear Experts, we know your glasses reflect your personal style. That’s why we offer an amazing selection of frames from the world’s top brands. Whether you’re looking for something sleek and modern or a timeless classic, we’ve got you covered. Our friendly staff is always happy to help you find the perfect frames to complement your face shape, style, and lifestyle.

And the best part? Our one-hour service means you don’t have to sacrifice style for speed. We’ll ensure your chosen frames are fitted with lenses that match your prescription and look fantastic.

Experience the Eyewear Experts Difference

At Eyewear Experts, we’ve changed the way people shop for glasses. We combine high-quality lenses, stylish frames, and incredibly fast service to bring you an experience unlike any other.

If you’re tired of waiting forever for your new glasses or dealing with frames that just don’t feel right, it’s time to give us a try. You’ll know you’re in good hands from the moment you walk in. Get an eye exam, choose your perfect frames, and walk out with your new glasses—all in about an hour!

We’re not just about selling glasses; we’re about helping you see the world in a whole new way. Contact us today for an appointment and discover how we’re redefining convenience, style, and quality in eye care.

The Advantages of Using Optomap Screening in Our Practice

When it comes to eyewear and eye exams, staying ahead of the curve with innovation and technology is an important part of providing exceptional care for our patients. At Eyewear Experts, we pride ourselves on utilizing state-of-the-art solutions such as Optomap screening technology to improve our overall patient experience. Whether you’re visiting us for a routine screening or monitoring ongoing conditions, Optomap ensures that you receive the best possible care.

What is Optomap Screening

Optomap is a revolutionary retinal imaging technology that provides a comprehensive, wide-field view of the retina. Unlike traditional methods that capture only a limited portion of the retina, Optomap delivers a 200-degree image in a single scan. This broader perspective allows our opticians to detect a variety of eye health issues early, including retinal tears, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and even signs of systemic diseases like diabetes or hypertension.

At Eyewear Experts, we use Optomap to ensure every patient has access to state-of-the-art diagnostic capabilities. Early detection can make all the difference in preserving your vision and overall health.

Key Benefits of Optomap Screening

1. Wide-Field Imaging for Early Detection

Think of Optomap as a panoramic picture of your retina – the critical part of your eye that helps you see. Many eye problems don’t have obvious symptoms, but with Optomap, we can capture a much wider view and catch issues early on, like retinal detachments, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. Early detection often means more effective treatment and can even prevent vision loss.

2. A Non-Invasive and Painless Experience

Eye exams can be a bit intimidating, but with Optomap, there’s no need for discomfort. The exam does not require dilation drops and offers a quick, painless experience for everyone, from young children to seniors.

3. Ongoing Monitoring for Eye Health

One of the biggest benefits of Optomap is that it allows us to track your eye health over time. We can compare images from each visit and spot even the tiniest changes. This is especially helpful for patients with conditions like glaucoma or those at risk for retinal problems. By monitoring these subtle changes, we can adjust your treatment plan right away and ensure you’re getting the best possible care.

4. Seamless Collaboration with Retinal Specialists

With Optomap, we can instantly share the images with retinal specialists if needed. This means you get a comprehensive evaluation quickly and efficiently, ensuring you receive the best care possible.

Why Choose Optomap Eye Exams at Eyewear Experts?

We’re always looking for ways to enhance your experience and provide the best possible eye care, which is why we’re excited to incorporate Optomap technology into our practice. Here’s how it benefits you:

You’re in expert hands: With over 40 years of experience, we’re dedicated to using the latest technology like Optomap to ensure you receive top-notch care during your eye exam.
A thorough approach to your eye health: Optomap helps us provide a more comprehensive and personalized approach to your eye care, ensuring we address your unique needs.
A comfortable and efficient experience: We want your visit to be as pleasant as possible. Optomap allows us to provide a non-invasive and efficient screening, making your experience more comfortable and beneficial. Plus, it helps us make sure your eyeglasses are perfect for you!

What Our Patients Are Saying

Our patients love the peace of mind that comes with knowing their eye health is being monitored with cutting-edge technology. One patient remarked:

“They have all the latest technology for eye exams…I am so happy with the service they provide, and will definitely keep coming back to them! ”

Investing in Your Eye Health

At Eyewear Experts, we understand that your vision is priceless. That’s why we’ve embraced Optomap as a vital part of our practice. By combining advanced technology with our personalized approach to eye exams, we strive to ensure the best possible outcomes for your eye health.

If you’re ready to experience the benefits of Optomap screening, contact us to schedule an appointment today. Let us help you see the world more clearly and confidently.

The Heart of Eyewear Experts: The Importance of Educated Staff for Our Patients

Exceptional eye care goes far beyond providing eyeglasses or contact lenses. At Eyewear Experts, it’s about crafting an experience where every patient feels seen, understood, and supported. At the cornerstone of this experience is our team of licensed opticians, who each bring their unique backgrounds, expertise, and passion for helping others to the table, ensuring that every person we provide eyewear to has a positive experience.

Highly-Skilled Licensed Opticians

Whether we’re addressing complex prescription lens needs, teaching new contact lens wearers how to use their new eyewear, or simply answering questions about our frames or services, our expert opticians are here to help. With a team of 10 opticians boasting a combined experience of more than 200 years, you can rest assured that Eyewear Experts is equipped to handle your optical needs.

Our team’s wealth of experience isn’t just about knowledge; it’s about perspective. Each of our opticians has honed their craft by working with patients of all ages, lifestyles, and vision needs, giving them a broad understanding of how to deliver solutions as individual as the people who walk through our doors.

Beyond Eyewear

Our opticians are experts in selecting, fitting, and customizing eyewear, but they offer much more than technical expertise. They’re problem-solvers, listeners, and educators who prioritize understanding each patient’s unique needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for eyewear that complements an active lifestyle or need assistance managing your new prescription, we’re here to offer personalized solutions.

Our opticians are passionate about making a difference. Whether helping a child see clearly with their first pair of glasses or ensuring that you feel confident in your new frames, each success story inspires our team to deliver the highest level of care.

The Value of Education and Expertise

Our team is always learning about the latest advancements in lens technology and frame design. Our dedication allows us to offer cutting-edge options like progressive lenses, prescription sunglasses, and contact lenses that are high-performing and comfortable.

Our opticians also excel at recommending the perfect eyewear to suit your lifestyle, whether you need impact-resistant lenses for work or athletics, stylish frames to keep up with the latest trends, or lenses designed for long hours in front of a computer screen.

Our Commitment to Excellence

We’re all about building relationships. We’re not just here to sell you eyewear; we want to ensure you’re confident, comfortable, and seeing clearly. That’s why we’re here to support you long after you’ve taken your eyewear home, helping ensure a consistent, comfortable fit and addressing any questions you may have.

Visit Eyewear Experts Today

Whether you need a routine prescription lens update, are exploring contact lens options for the first time, or want expert advice on specialized eyewear, our expert opticians are here to help. With over 200 years of combined experience and a passion for helping our patients look and see their best, we’re confident you’ll notice the Eyewear Experts difference the moment you step through our doors.

Stop by Eyewear Experts or contact us and discover how our educated staff can transform your vision experience. Because for us, it’s not just about helping you see better—it’s about helping you live better.

UV Protection: Why Sunglasses Are Important

We’ve all heard that wearing sunglasses protects our eyes from the sun, but what exactly does that mean? In this post, we’ll discuss how exposure to sunlight can cause damage to your eyes, and how sunglasses can help.

How UV Rays Affect Your Eye Health

The sun can affect our eyes in many different ways, and different types of UV rays can affect the eyes and other parts of the body. UV-B is the type of UV ray that’s responsible for sunburns and skin damage, and UV-A affects cells deep within the body, playing a role in aging and eye health. When choosing sunglasses, it’s important to select a pair that has built-in protection against both UV-A and UV-B radiation to ensure your eyes are properly protected.

There are several ways that too much exposure to UV rays can affect your eyes. These include:

Photokeratitis: This is essentially a sunburn on the eyes caused by UV-B rays. It can happen when you’re exposed to intense UV radiation. Photokeratitis is temporary and can result in blurred vision, light sensitivity, and pain. It most often occurs as a result of snow reflection/snow blindness, especially at high altitudes, from water reflections, or from exposure to artificial UV radiation resulting from tanning beds or welders arcs.
Cataracts: Cataracts cause clouding in the lens of the eye. Many factors contribute to the likelihood of developing cataracts, including aging, genetics, diabetes, and previous eye surgeries. That said, sunlight has been shown to contribute to cataract development, and while sunglasses won’t directly prevent this condition, they can prevent cumulative UV damage to the eyes and prolong cataract development.
Eye cancers: Ocular melanoma is the most common type of eye cancer. It occurs most commonly in the iris, choroid, or ciliary body, but it can also appear on the conjunctiva or the eye socket. While eye cancers are rare, UV radiation is considered to be a risk factor by some medical professionals. Eye cancers can lead to long-term vision loss.
Pinguecula and Pterygium: These non-cancerous growths occur on the conjunctiva as a result of UV exposure. A pinguecula is a raised white or yellow growth that can cause dryness, while a pterygium is a wedge-shaped growth that starts in the conjunctiva and grows into the cornea, potentially affecting the vision due to the resulting change in the cornea’s shape.

How Sunglasses Can Help

The best way to protect your eyes from potential damage and serious eye conditions is to wear sunglasses.

There are two types of sunglasses: tinted and polarized. While both offer UV protection, tinting doesn’t do as good a job at eliminating glare, especially when it’s coming off of water or snow. When light hits non-metallic surfaces like snow, water, and asphalt, the reflection vibrates in two directions-polarization eliminates these horizontal waves and stops them from entering your eyes. This makes it particularly important to wear sunglasses year-round.

The Benefits of Different Lens Colours

If you’re shopping for sunglasses in Red Deer, you’ll notice that polarized sunglasses are available in an array of colours and tints.

Grey: Grey helps to reduce glare, especially for individuals who have light sensitivity. It shields from bright light, making it helpful for sunny days. Grey is a great choice when selecting all-purpose sunglasses.
Green: Green can filter out some blue light, and golfers and tennis players often prefer green sunglasses when seeking to filter bright sunlight.
Brown: Brown tint increases contrast, making it ideal for cloudy days. Its ability to brighten dull landscapes may also help improve depth perception while driving.

Protect Your Eyes: Shop for Polarized Sunglasses in Red Deer

Sunglasses are a great way to keep your eyes safe year-round, offering protection from potentially harmful UV-A and UV-B rays. They’re available in many styles, tints, and colours, each with varying benefits and functionalities.

To learn more about what type of sunglasses best suit your needs, visit Eyewear Experts in Downtown Red Deer or Gasoline Alley. Our experts can help you select a style and tint that you’ll love! Contact us today or visit us in-store.

Does Eye Strain Mean You Need Prescription Lenses?

As common as it is, eye strain is never a good experience. It can cause your vision to blur, your eyes to feel fatigued, and headaches. While eye strain is rarely serious, frequent occurrences could indicate that you’re in need of prescription lenses. In this post, we’ll explore what you need to know about eye strain, including how to prevent it and when you need to schedule an eye exam.

Eye Strain Explained

Eye strain is a common issue that nearly everyone experiences at some point. In today’s world, the prevalence of this condition is much higher thanks to the ever-increasing use of screens for work, education, and entertainment purposes.

While eye strain can often be easily treated at home, ongoing occurrences or prolonged episodes of strain are best investigated by an eye care professional.

Eye Strain Symptoms

Blurred vision
Tired or sore eyes
Dry, watery eyes
Increased light sensitivity
Headaches
Difficulty concentrating

Why Eye Strain Happens

If you spend a long period of time focusing, especially on digital devices, you may suffer from eyestrain as a result of overusing your eyes. That said, there are several other reasons you may experience eye staring, including exposure to bright light, attempting to focus in low light, fatigue, dry eye, and of course, struggling to focus without proper vision correction.

Treating Eye Strain with Prescription Lenses

While eye strain can often be treated with drops and rest, some cases require vision correction. Frequent eye strain is often the first sign that a person requires prescription lenses, so when it occurs consistently, it’s important to schedule an eye exam.

While corrective lenses can help reduce eye strain, those who work on computers or frequently use screens may also want to consider blue-light-blocking glasses to prevent strain further. An optician can conduct a thorough eye exam to help you determine the right prescription lenses to suit your needs and lifestyle.

Shop for Prescription Lenses in Red Deer

If you’re suffering from frequent eye strain, Eyewear Experts can help. Schedule an appointment with our optician to check the health of your eye and determine the underlying causes of eye strain. If vision correction is needed, visit our team to find prescription lenses in Gasoline Alley or downtown Red Deer.

Reduce Eye Strain with Blue Light Glasses

The average Canadian spends about six hours per day using computers, tablets, and smartphones. Unfortunately, the blue light emitted by these devices can cause strain and fatigue in the eyes, leading to blurred vision, difficulty focusing, and even headaches. Blue-light glasses can reduce these symptoms and help you enjoy screens without discomfort.

What is Blue Light?

Blue light is part of the visible light spectrum, which means it can be seen by the human eye. It has a shorter wavelength and higher energy than other colours in the spectrum, ranging from about 380 to 500 nanometers.

While blue light is naturally emitted by the sun, it’s also produced by artificial light sources, such as LED lights, fluorescent lights, and digital screens, like those on smartphones, tablets, televisions, and computers. It plays an essential role in regulating our natural sleep and wake cycles, which is one reason excessive exposure can be harmful. Additionally, frequent, prolonged exposure to blue light can also be detrimental to eye health.

The Benefit of Blue Light Glasses

If you’re spending significant amounts of time in front of a computer screen or other blue light sources, blue light glasses can help reduce the negative effects associated with exposure. These specialized glasses are designed with lenses that filter out a portion of blue light to reduce the amount that reaches the eyes, helping to lessen eye strain and discomfort associated with long hours of screen use, known commonly as digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome.

Wearing blue light glasses offers an array of benefits, including:

Reduced eye strain
Reduced risk of eye disease
Improved sleep
Reduced dry eye

Furthermore, wearing blue light glasses can help you work longer and increase your productivity while working on screens.

Blue Light Prescription Glasses in Red Deer

Using blue light glasses is a great way to ensure your eyes remain healthy, even with excessive exposure to blue light-emitting digital devices.

Whether you require prescription glasses with blue light blockers or simple non-prescription blue light glasses, Eyewear Experts can help you find a pair that works. Visit us today or contact us to schedule your appointment.

Contact Lens Tips for First-Time Wearers

Contact lenses are a great way to ensure optimal vision without the inconvenience of wearing glasses everywhere. That said, if you’re new to using contact lenses, they can come with their own set of challenges. Understanding proper care and maintenance, as well as potential risks and challenges associated with wearing contact lenses, is important.

Use the tips in this article as a guide to help you get acquainted with your new contact lenses.

Put Your Contact Lenses Carefully

Putting contact lenses in your eyes can feel overwhelming at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s actually quite simple.

Relax – If you’re shaking or stressed, getting the contact lenses to sit where you need them to can be difficult.
Wash your hands – It’s important to ensure your hands are clean so you’re not introducing harmful bacteria to your eyes.
Hold your eyelids open – Using your thumb and index finger on one hand, hold your eyelids open to prevent yourself from blinking.
Place the contact lens on your other index finger – Be sure to handle the lens carefully.
Look away from the lens – Avoid looking directly at the contact lens – instead, look upwards and place the contact lens near the bottom of your pupil.
Let go of your eyelids – Once the lens is securely sitting on your eye, let go of your eyelids and close your eyes to enable the contact to settle.

Keep Your Contacts Clean

Your contact lenses should be cleaned between every wear. You can do this by storing them in contact lens solution when you’re not wearing them—always ensure they’re stored in a case designed for contact lenses.

Additionally, you can use saline solution to rinse the solution and debris off your contact lenses before inserting them into your eyes.

Keep Your Contacts Hydrated

In addition to ensuring your contact lenses are clean, it’s just as important to keep them moist. While storing them in solution between wears does keep them moist when they’re not in your eyes, using contact lens eyedrops while wearing them, especially when working on screens or watching television, can ensure they don’t dry out during the day.

Change Contacts According to the Recommended Schedule

Your optician will recommend either continuous, daily or monthly contact lenses, and it’s important to ensure you’re changing them out as necessary. Daily contact lenses can be disposed of after each wear while monthly lenses should be stored in solution as outlined above.

If you’re prescribed continuous-wear contact lenses, it’s best to discuss recommendations with your optician to determine when they should be replaced and how long they can be worn.

Keep Glasses On-Hand

There may be times when your eyes become dry, irritated, or fatigued with contact lenses. When this happens, it’s important to take breaks from wearing them and stick with glasses for a day or two.

In the event that irritation, dryness, or blurred vision continues after taking a short break from wear, be sure to speak to an optician or optometrist.

Schedule a Contact Lens Specific Eye Exam

If you’re planning on making the switch from full-time glasses wearer to contact lens wearer, it’s important to schedule an eye exam specifically for contact lenses. While your prescription will be similar to your glasses, your optician will need to take measurements to ensure the right fit for your contact lens.

Contact Eyewear Experts to schedule an exam for contact lenses in Red Deer.