When Expert Calgary Optometrists Recommend Monthly Contact Lenses At Calgary Eye Clinics Near You
For many individuals with vision issues, monthly contact lenses have become an increasingly popular choice. These lenses, designed to be worn for a time span of 1 month, and are then discarded and replaced. Notably, they need to be cleaned and disinfected each night before use the following day.
The trend towards monthly contact lenses is fuelled by their cost-effectiveness and reduced environmental impact. However, it's not just about choosing to wear them; the decision involves a comprehensive understanding of your specific vision needs and lifestyle habits. And that's where professional guidance comes into play.
Highly skilled Calgary Optometrists can provide personalized advice and recommendations based on an individual's eye health and personal comfort. By conducting comprehensive eye exams, they ensure the proper fitment of these lenses while also addressing any potential complications.
In this article, we delve into:
The workings and benefits of monthly contact lenses
An overview of popular brands: Biofinity, Acuvue Vita, Air Optix, Total 30
How monthly contacts cater to specific vision needs like astigmatism
A look at coloured monthly contact lenses
Important tips for wearing monthly contact lenses comfortably and safely
Understanding potential risks associated with lens wear such as red eye or discomfort
Remember, it's crucial to consult with Calgary Optometrists available at eye clinics near you to ensure optimal vision health when considering monthly contact lenses. Call our Eye Clinic in Southcentre Mall if you are looking to book a contact lens fitting eye exam with one of our expert Calgary Eye Doctors.
Understanding Monthly Contact Lenses and Their Benefits
Monthly disposable contact lenses, as the name suggests, are designed to be worn over an extended period - typically one month. You remove the lenses each night for disinfection, ensuring they remain safe and comfortable to wear.
One of the primary advantages of these lenses is their affordability. Given the longer wear time, you need fewer replacements compared to daily disposable lenses, making them a cost-effective solution for many. Not only are these lenses light on your wallet, but they are also less wasteful. By using fewer lens packs and reducing the frequency of replacements, you contribute to a reduced environmental footprint.
In addition to being cost-effective and sustainable, monthly disposable contact lenses have other key benefits:
Consistent Vision Quality: Monthly contacts maintain consistent vision correction throughout their lifespan, ensuring clear vision from day one to day thirty.
Comfort: These lenses are made from materials that retain moisture effectively, preventing dry eyes and enhancing comfort.
Versatility: They come in different types, including multifocal and toric lenses, catering to a range of vision correction needs.
Monthly contact lenses offer significant advantages while addressing various vision needs. It's crucial for you to understand their benefits and how they work for optimal use. Next, we'll discuss popular brands that offer these monthly disposable options. A discussion with a trusted Calgary Optometrist near you at your next eye exam will help you decide in deciding if these benefits are better for you compared to daily contact lenses.
Exploring Popular Brands for Monthly Contact Lenses
Choosing the right brand of contact lenses is crucial for people who need vision correction. Comfort and clear eyesight are the most important factors, and there are many trusted brands available that cater to various visual needs. Let's take a detailed look at some of the popular monthly contact lens brands:
Biofinity Contact Lenses
Biofinity is a top-notch brand known for its Aquaform Technology. This advanced method allows more oxygen to pass through the lens, resulting in healthier eyes and greater comfort.
Key Features:
High oxygen permeability
Natural wettability that resists deposits
Soft and flexible material for extra comfort
Ideal For:
Wearers looking for extended wear options
Those who prefer lenses that stay moist without additional wetting agents
Acuvue Vita
Acuvue Vita contact lenses are made with HydraMax™ Technology, which helps maintain moisture throughout the month. They provide dependable, superior comfort all month long, which is the highlight of this brand.
Key Features:
UV protection to safeguard eyes from harmful sun rays
Enhanced comfort with HydraMax™ Technology
Consistent performance throughout the four-week period
Ideal For:
Individuals exposed to challenging environments like air-conditioned or dry offices
Users seeking monthly lenses with added UV protection
Air Optix
Air Optix contact lenses stand out because of their SmartShield™ Technology which creates a protective layer to guard against irritating deposits all month long. These lenses are designed to stay comfortable from day one to day thirty.
Key Features:
Breathable material that allows more oxygen to reach the eye
SmartShield™ Technology minimizes deposit buildup
Various options available including lenses for astigmatism and presbyopia
Ideal For:
Those who experience discomfort due to deposits on lenses
Patients requiring specialized lenses for astigmatism or multifocal needs
Total 30
Total 30 is a relatively new brand in the market but already gaining popularity because of its Water Gradient Technology. The surface of these lenses is almost as soft as the surface of your cornea, providing a gentle cushioning effect.
Key Features:
Exceptional breathability
Water Gradient Technology ensures a silky-smooth surface
Designed to give a sensation as if you’re not wearing any contacts at all
Ideal For:
First-time wearers looking for ultimate comfort
Those who prioritize a lens that feels natural
When it comes to choosing monthly contact lenses, it's important to talk to a Calgary Eye Doctor who can understand your specific eye health needs. Each of these brands offers unique benefits and features that may be well-suited to different individuals based on their lifestyle, vision requirements, and personal preferences. Our Southcentre Mall Calgary Eye Clinic carries all of the above monthly contact lens brands and more. Visit today for an eye exam with one of our experienced Calgary Eye Doctors.
Addressing Specific Vision Needs: Astigmatism and Monthly Contact Lenses
Astigmatism is a common refractive error caused by an irregular curvature of the eye's cornea or lens. This irregularity leads to blurred or distorted vision at all distances, as light fails to focus evenly on the retina. The condition often requires corrective lenses for clear vision. Astigmatism is often identified during the prescription process using an eye exam chart. Your Eye Doctor near you can help identify this.
Contact Lens Correction for Astigmatism
Toric Lenses
Unlike standard spherical contact lenses, toric lenses have a shape that creates different refractive, or focusing, powers on the vertical and horizontal orientations. This design compensates for the asymmetry of the cornea.
Precision
Toric lenses must remain stable on the eye to correct astigmatism effectively. They are weighted at the bottom to ensure consistent orientation with each blink.
Monthly contacts can be an excellent option for those with astigmatism. Several brands offer toric lenses designed specifically for extended use, combining the convenience of a monthly schedule with the tailored correction that astigmatism requires.
Scleral Contact Lenses for Astigmatism Management
Larger in diameter than typical toric lenses, scleral contact lenses rest on the sclera—the white part of the eye—creating a tear-filled vault over the cornea. Because they do not sit directly on the cornea but rather are vaulted over it, these lenses can be exceptionally comfortable and effective for individuals with irregular corneas due to astigmatism.
It is critical to have an accurate prescription from an optometrist, ensuring that any monthly contact lens selected offers both vision clarity and comfort while addressing astigmatic needs. If you are interested in sclerals, do a quick search for the best Optometrist in Calgary and head to an eye clinic near you to discuss sclerals further.
Adding a Touch of Colour: Coloured Monthly Contact Lenses
Coloured contact lenses are a fun way to change your eye color while also correcting your vision. Whether you want a subtle enhancement or a bold transformation, there are options available for everyone.
Why Choose Colored Contact Lenses?
Coloured contact lenses offer the following benefits:
Fashion Statement: They allow you to express your style and personality by matching your eye colour with your outfit or mood.
Subtle Change: If you're looking for a natural-looking change, enhancing tints can intensify your existing eye colour.
Dramatic Transformation: For a more noticeable change, opaque coloured contacts can completely change your eye colour, even if you have dark eyes.
Vision Correction: Many coloured lenses also provide vision correction, so you can see clearly while adding some flair to your look.
Visit our Eye Clinic in Southcentre Mall to discuss coloured contact lenses further with one of our qualified Calgary Optometrists.
Are Coloured Contact Lenses Safe?
Yes, coloured contact lenses are safe to use as long as you follow the guidelines provided by your Optometrist. Here are some important safety tips:
Get an Eye Exam: Before getting coloured contacts, make sure to have a comprehensive eye exam to determine if they are suitable for you.
Get a Prescription: Coloured contact lenses are medical devices and require a prescription from an eye care professional.
Follow Care Instructions: Proper hygiene and care of your lenses are crucial to prevent eye infections. Clean and store them as directed by your Optometrist.
Avoid Sleeping in Lenses: Unless specifically designed for extended wear, it's best to remove your coloured contacts before sleeping to allow your eyes to rest and breathe.
If you still have questions, you can reach out to our Southcentre Mall Calgary Eye Clinic to discuss them with one of our Calgary Eye Doctors.
Where to Get Colored Contact Lenses?
When considering adding colored contact lenses to your monthly lens routine, it's important to consult with an Optometrist. They can guide you in choosing the right lenses based on your eye health, prescription, and lifestyle.
Remember, while colored contact lenses can be a fun accessory, it's essential to prioritize your eye health above all else. Our Southcentre Mall Calgary Eye Clinic has walk-in eye exam availability for contact lens fitting every day.
Ensuring Comfort and Safety: Tips for Wearing Monthly Contact Lenses
Monthly contact lenses are convenient and can be worn for long periods of time, but it's important to follow safety guidelines to protect your eyes. Here are some tips to ensure your eye health while wearing monthly contact lenses:
Getting the Right Fit with Eye Exams
Before getting monthly contact lenses, it's essential to have an eye exam specifically for fitting contact lenses. This exam allows the Optometrist to:
Check the health of your eyes
Take precise measurements
Recommend the best type and fit of contact lenses based on your lifestyle and vision needs
This step is crucial in ensuring that your contact lenses fit well and are suitable for your eyes. All the best Calgary Optometrists will take their time to make sure they fit you for contact lenses properly.
Key Points to Remember for Safety
Here are some important points to keep in mind when wearing monthly contact lenses:
Comprehensive Eye Exams: These exams go beyond testing your vision. They involve a thorough evaluation of your eye health to determine if you can safely wear monthly contacts. During these exams, Optometrists measure your cornea, pupil, and iris to ensure the best fit for your lenses.
Importance of Professional Fitting: Getting fitted for contact lenses by an experienced Calgary Optometrist is extremely important. It reduces the risk of problems like corneal scratches or infections that can occur from wearing ill-fitting lenses.
Our Eye Clinic in Southcentre Mall has affordable eye exam cost in Calgary for contact lens fittings, so don’t hesitate to book an appointment.
Proper Maintenance for Lens Wearers
Taking care of your contact lenses is crucial in preventing eye infections and other complications. Here's what you need to do:
Follow Wearing Schedule: Stick to the wearing schedule prescribed by your optometrist. Avoid wearing your lenses for longer than recommended, as this can lead to problems.
Cleanliness Is Key: Always clean your lenses with the recommended solution, and make sure to wash your hands before handling them. This helps keep harmful bacteria away from your eyes.
Replace as Directed: Replace your lenses and lens cases as directed by your optometrist. Using old or expired lenses can cause discomfort and increase the risk of infection.
Addressing Common Concerns
Here are answers to some common questions about activities you might want to do while wearing monthly contact lenses:
Swimming: It's generally not recommended to swim with any type of contact lenses. Water can contain microorganisms that may stick to the lenses and cause eye infections.
Sleeping: Unless your contact lenses are specifically designed for overnight wear, it's best to remove them before sleeping. Sleeping in lenses not intended for extended wear can increase the risk of eye problems.
Remember, proper fitting and diligent care are essential in ensuring the comfort and safety of your eyes while wearing monthly contact lenses. If you have any issues with the contact lenses, make sure to call a Calgary Eye Clinic nearby and book an emergency walk-in eye exam. The eye exam cost in Calgary is covered under Alberta Health Care for this as well.
Recognizing and Managing Potential Risks: Red Eye, Discomfort, and Other Issues
Wearing monthly contact lenses from Calgary Optometrists offers numerous benefits. However, users may occasionally experience some common eye symptoms. Understanding these symptoms and their severity can help determine when to seek immediate care.
Common Issues with Monthly Contact Lenses
Red eyes, itchy eyes, and blurry vision are some common issues that wearers of monthly contact lenses might face. These symptoms can result from several factors such as:
Improper lens cleaning
Overwear of lenses
Allergies or sensitivities
Identifying Normal vs. Urgent Symptoms
Ordinarily, mild discomfort or slight eye redness might not signal an emergency. However, persistent symptoms or severe discomfort require prompt attention. For example, intense red eye coupled with eye pain could indicate a serious condition like keratitis (corneal inflammation), which necessitates urgent medical intervention.
The severity of symptoms often provides valuable information about the need for urgent eye care. Sudden onset of severe eye pain, vision loss, light sensitivity, or discharge from the eyes are emergency situations requiring immediate care.
Seeking Care from Your Optometrist
It is crucial to consult with your Calgary Optometrist if you experience any persistent or severe symptoms while wearing monthly contact lenses. They will provide appropriate treatment and advice to ensure your eyes stay healthy while enjoying the convenience and other benefits of monthly contact lenses.
Conclusion
Choosing the right monthly contact lenses is a decision that impacts not just your vision, but also your overall eye health. Calgary Eye Clinics near you provide access to seasoned Calgary Optometrists who offer personalized care and expert guidance.
Whether it's selecting the best brand for your lifestyle, addressing specific vision needs like astigmatism, or exploring the world of colored lenses, these professionals are equipped to help.
Regular consultations ensure that your monthly contact lenses offer optimal comfort and clarity. For all matters concerning eye health and monthly contact lenses, trust the recommendations of Calgary optometrists. They are your partners in maintaining excellent vision and preventing potential risks associated with improper lens use.
Remember to schedule regular eye exams and follow the advice of your eye care specialist to enjoy the full benefits of wearing monthly contact lenses.
Call our Eye Clinic in Southcentre Mall to book a walk-in eye exam for a contact lens fitting with one of our experienced Calgary Eye Doctors.
