Contacts lenses have come a long way in not just the last 15 years, but in some cases the last 5 years! Contact lenses are a fast changing technology, similar to how rapid we are seeing changes in cell phone technology.
Dr. Soper and I both LOVE fitting contacts, ranging from single vision soft lenses all the way up to the customized rigid scleral or hybrid contact lenses. Having patient happy with their vision and comfort in the lenses is something we take very seriously and try to work hard to achieve. We try our best to stay as up to date on the newest contact lens technology possible.
In just the last 5-10 years, some of the major soft contact lens companies have come out with new materials and new optic designs in their lenses that are meant to try to achieve improvements in comfort and vision.
Are you over 40 and starting to need reading glasses finally? Or maybe you’ve been there for a little while and miss wearing contacts like before? New advances in multifocal contacts are here and I have to say, we’ve been impressed with the improvements (as have many of our patients). One of the most common things I hear from patients when I ask if they’re interested in contacts is,
“Oh I don’t want to have to wear reading glasses. I tried those bifocal contacts 15 years ago and they were awful. I just would rather stick with glasses if I’ll still need readers.”
And my response is often something along the lines of, “Well, there have been a lot of changes and advances in the technology. What was standard 15 years ago isn’t even thought of for fitting today’s lenses in most cases.” You can think of it kind of like a cell phone. What kind of phone did you have back in 2005? 2010? 2015? And today? Multifocal contacts have progressively improved and will continue to do so in the next 5-10 years!
What about contacts for those patients that have astigmatism (or toric lenses)? One of the biggest complaints I hear from patients who wear contacts for astigmatism or used to wear them is that the lenses just aren’t as clear as their glasses because the lenses shift too much. In 2017, I felt the same way. There just wasn’t an astigmatism lens that I was happy with. Now, in 2019 I have two monthly astigmatism lenses I like and a few for daily disposable lenses! They’re more stable and tend to provide much improved vision compared to the older designs.
Speaking of daily disposable lenses, that’s another changing piece of technology. If you wear contacts that tend to become less comfortable towards the end of the month or two weeks, think to yourself about what the difference is in the comfort on day 1 vs day 30. Most patients tend to notice a sense of relief when you slip on a new set of contact lenses. It’s kind of like putting on brand new socks!
Typically dailies are also the most healthy form of contact lens. Dailies are far less likely to have complications like infection or dryness when replaced appropriately. On top of that, you won’t have to buy contact lens solution or worry about taking bottles with you when you travel. You just throw enough lenses in your bag for the time you’ll be gone and you’re good to go!
What about patients who are over 40, but have astigmatism? If you’re hoping to stay away from reading glasses, there are options besides soft lenses that can work wonders. Dr. Soper enjoys fitting what is called a hybrid contact lens. This is a lens that is part gas permeable contact lens and part soft contact lens. These can give patients the visual quality of a rigid lens, but the comfort of a soft lens.
I just want you to think to yourself, if you have tried contacts in the past and had troubles with them, perhaps it’s time to reconsider seeing if you’re a good candidate. Or perhaps you are wearing monthlies but like the idea of dailies and want to switch. Ask us when you come in for you annual exam and Dr. Soper or I would be happy to give you an answer!