The Glacier Eye Clinic provides a full range of contact lenses for all needs and lifestyles. If you need to re-order new contact lenses or have any questions regarding contact lenses you can call our office or email us at: lenses@glaciereyeclinic.com

Contact lenses are among the safest forms of vision correction when patients follow the proper care and wearing instructions. Contact lenses can help correct the following:

• Nearsightedness (myopia)
• Farsightedness (hyperopia)
• Presbyopia
• Astigmatism
• Abnormal pupil size and color due to ocular trauma

Compared to glasses, contact lenses can provide:

• More convenient vision for all sports and activities
• More complete peripheral vision
• A natural cosmetic appearance
• In some cases, better vision than with glasses

The Glacier Eye Clinic offers:

• Comprehensive eye exams
• Contact lens evaluations
• Contact lens fitting and follow up visits
• Training in lens insertion, removal and care
• A comprehensive selection of the latest technology of both soft and rigid contact lenses at a competitive price
• Bifocal and monovision contact lens options to see at both distance and near

Contact lens wearers need to be seen on a yearly basis. This allows us to monitor for proper eye health. Proper preventive assessment and care must be taken to maintain successful wear. Contact lenses are a progressing area of eye care and our clinicians are trained in the latest advances. The most appropriate type of contacts for your eyes and lifestyle will be offered to you.

Recommendations for Contact Lens Wearers from the American Optometric Association

Do's:

• Always wash your hands before handling the contacts
• Carefully clean your contacts with the recommended solution
• Avoid tap water to wash or store your contacts
• Remove contacts before swimming or entering a hot tub
• Follow the recommended contact lens replacement schedule prescribed by your doctor. (Contacts are replaced based on oxygen supply rather than comfort levels.)
• Use fresh solution nightly. Clean your lens case on a monthly basis. Replace case every three months
• Have a pair of glasses to alternate with your contacts
• Carry a case with you and fresh solution at all times
• Remove your lenses immediately if you experience redness, pain, itching or changes in vision

Dont's:

• Put contact lenses in your mouth to rinse or clean. (Your mouth is full of bacteria.)
• Use tap water to wash or store your lenses
• Share lenses with your friends
• Use products other than what was recommended by your doctor
• Use hair spray when your lenses are in. (Spray your hair before inserting the lenses.)
• Sleep in your contact lenses unless instructed by your doctor

Possible Contact Lens Complications

Wearing contact lenses can be a wonderful experience. However, there are many potential hazards and risks associated with them. The following conditions are potential complications from wearing contact lenses that patients should be informed about.

• Corneal Ulcer - This is the most severe complication of contact lenses and is often seen with extended wear. This infection is painful and can often lead to permanent vision loss. Quick diagnosis and treatment is essential. Following the recommended wearing schedule, avoiding overnight use and the proper cleaning products helps eliminate this risk
• Allergic Reaction - The eye can become irritated and red in response to the contact lens solutions. It is usually associated with a reaction from the preservatives in these solutions.
• Corneal Abrasion - This is a “scratch” on the front surface of the eye resulting from a contact lens over wear, or debris on the surface of the lens
• Contact Lens Over-Wear - This occurs when the contact is worn longer than the cornea can tolerate resulting in not enough oxygen being available to the cornea. This results in discomfort and blurred vision
• Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC) - In this condition, there is itching, lens intolerance, and redness while wearing the contact lenses. This is usually caused by a buildup of protein on the surface of the lens. Treatment usually includes discontinuation of contacts for an extended period of time