CONTACT LENS CARE

Our goal at Springfield Family Vision is to provide a wide variety of options for contact lenses that are superior in optical quality and ocular health. Many prescriptions can be treated with contact lenses including farsightedness, nearsightedness and astigmatism. We offer specialty lenses that accommodate higher prescriptions and multifocal lenses that help you see both at distance and up close. We are happy to discuss your personal options for contact lenses with an individualized care plan.

HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR NEW CONTACT LENS WEARERS

The first few days, don’t wear your contacts too long. Start with 4-6 hours of wear at a time and increase to 6-8 hours the next day. Slowly increase your lens tolerance until you can wear the contact lenses for a full day without any irritation or dryness.

Your lens may feel like there is an eyelash in your eye for the first couple days. Don’t worry, this will subside. We will be checking up with you to make sure your eyes are not red, the contact lenses feel comfortable, and your vision is perfect.

YOUR CARE SYSTEM

The Springfield Family Vision staff will most likely recommend a multipurpose cleaning solution for you to use with your contact lenses. The most important thing to remember is to use fresh storage solution every night. This will help to prevent infections and keep your eyes healthy. If your eyes feel dry, or if your contact lens keeps “fogging up”, you can use an approved contact rewetting drop for comfort and clarity.

NEVER use tap water on your contacts. There are impurities and microorganisms in the water that can cause serious harm to your eyes. The contacts should be removed if swimming without goggles.

GLASSES 

It is important to have a back-up pair of glasses along with your contacts. You will need an updated pair of glasses to wear when taking a break from your contact lenses. If your eyes are red, or if you feel you may have an infection, contact lenses should not be worn. If you rip a lens, or if a lens dries out, let the staff know and we may be able to replace it for you. We know that accidents happen.

SLEEPING

Unless approved for overnight extended wear, do not sleep in your contact lenses. Please discontinue wear and let your doctor know if your eyes are ever red, painful or blurry. In the mornings, use approved re-wetting drops to rinse your eyes and to improve lens comfort. If the lenses dehydrate during sleep, wait 5-10 minutes for your eyes to rewet by tears or place re-wetting drops in your eye.

For maximal health, extended wear contact lenses should be removed and cleaned at least two or three times a week. After a stretch of sleeping in them, please give your eyes a night of “rest” by sleeping without anything in your eyes. After thirty days, discard your lenses and start with a fresh new pair. Your eyes will thank you!

MYOPIA CONTROL TO HELP PREVENT NEARSIGHTEDNESS

Nearsightedness, or Myopia is a growing problem in our culture. New research shows that it is easier than ever to help halt the process of becoming nearsighted. We can use a combination of drops and specialty contact lenses to decrease the chances of your child developing high myopia and the risks that increase with a higher prescription. Ask us today if this is something we can do for you.

YEARLY EYE EXAMS

Your contact lenses are a medical device and must be prescribed. Annual contact lens fittings are necessary to monitor eye health and evaluate the fit of contact lenses on the eye. Improper use can cause irritation, infections, and ocular injuries. NEVER buy your contact lenses from unregulated sources.