CONTACT LENSES are medical devices, used to correct a wide range of vision issues, that need to be properly fitted by an eye care practitioner.

* In the United States, contacts can be legally purchased

only with a valid written prescription.

Contact lenses are made of many different types of plastic, but they are divided into two main groups:

SOFT: Soft contacts contain from 25% to 79% water, are easy to adapt to and quite comfortable.

RIGID GAS PERMEABLE (RGP lenses, now called GP lenses): Rigid gas permeable contact lenses take longer to adapt to, but are more durable and more resistant to deposit buildup. They tend to be less expensive over the life of the lens (but the upfront cost is higher) and can offer some people sharper vision than they would have with soft contacts.

* Contact lens wear is at an all time high, that's because technology continues to improve materials and designs.  One big buzz the last few years is contact lenses made from new silicone hydrogel materials.

* These "super-permeable" lenses can deliver five or six times as much oxygen to your eye than conventional disposable lenses, providing health and comfort benefits. Some silicone hydrogel lenses are approved for 30 days of continuous wear, and some brands are now available as a bifocal/multifocal.

* This means people with a wide range of vision problems can now successfully wear contacts, including most people with astigmatism and even bifocal wearers! And don't forget, there are lenses that can enhance or even change the Color of your eyes, as well as a contact lens line called Wild Eyes for an added dramatic effect perfect for Halloween!

Contact Lenses are now designed to fit into the way you live your life. 

Working with the eye care professionals here at the Vision Center, we will be able to determine the best type, prescription, wear and replacement schedules to fit your individual needs.  The replacement schedule of a contact lens refers to how long you can safely wear it before you need to throw it away. The wear schedule refers to whether you may sleep in your contacts. The kind you can sleep in are called extended wear, and the others are daily wear.

Type of Contact Lens

Replace it Every:

daily disposable

1 day

disposable (removed each night)

2 weeks - 1 month

disposable (15-30 day continuous wear)

2 weeks - 1 month

frequent replacement
(also called "planned replacement")

1 month to several months, depending on brand

conventional

1 year

Gas Permeable (RGP)

When needed

At Dr. Dexter's Vision Center, we want to make sure your eyes are as safe as possible when wearing Contact Lenses. 

Contact lens New Wear Procedure:

1. An initial refractive exam, with an evaluation and fitting

2. A comprehensive training in the handling and care of your lenses with one of our highly trained optometric technicians

3. At least one follow-up visit to ensure continued success with a comfortable and healthy fit in your everyday life.

Due to the recent developments in the contact lens industry, even people with difficult to fit vision issues are finding new lens solutions.  Call for a fitting today!