CONTACT LENSES & GLASSES
Wills Eye Physicians Paoli specializes in fittings and prescriptions for both contact lenses and glasses.
Bifocal and Multifocal Eyeglass Lenses
Presbyopia, which is the visual inability of the lens of the eye to focus on objects that are close, may take years to develop. Patients usually begin to show symptoms of presbyopia in their early- to mid-40s. Bifocal or multifocal eyeglasses will provide patients with presbyopia the ability to see clearly at all distances.
Bifocal and multifocal lenses allow patients to focus on both nearby and distant objects without the need to switch glasses or contact lenses. More than one prescription is combined into a single lens of the eyeglass.
Types of Eyeglass Lenses
- Bifocal eyeglass lenses contain two lens powers. prescriptions (distance-viewing at the top of the lens and near-viewing at the bottom) with a sharp separation in the middle.
- Trifocal eyeglass lenses contain three lens powers.
- Multifocal eyeglass lenses contain two or more lens powers.
The advantages of a bifocal or multifocal lens prevent the “jump” in vision when glancing from a nearby object to one further away. Bifocal and multifocal lenses do take some time for adjustment, but once the adjustment has been made, patients never want to go back to separate regular reading and distance glasses.
STEPS TO ACQUIRE CONTACT LENSES
WHAT IS THE PREREQUISITE FOR A Contact Lenses FITTING?
A complete eye exam (within the past year) by a doctor in our practice is a prerequisite to contact lens fitting. The doctor will determine if you are a good candidate for contact lenses. If you are a new wearer, you will need to return for additional services.
CONTACT LENSES FITTING
During this visit, your eyes will be measured, and your vision tested to determine the correct size, type, and power of contact lenses needed. We may need to order your contact lenses. (Your contact lens prescription is not the same as your eyeglass prescription.)
Wearing Your Contact Lenses the First Time
This visit is necessary if you are a first-time contact lens wearer or are switching between hard and soft materials. This usually can be completed on the same day as your contact lens fitting. During this visit, we will check the fit of your new lenses and test your vision. After being shown how to insert, remove, and care for your lenses, you will have the opportunity to practice insertion and remove the lenses yourself.
Follow-up Visits for Your Contact Lenses
This visit usually occurs one to two weeks after you receive your contact lenses. This allows an evaluation of your eyes’ response to lens wear. We will not order more contact lenses unless you return for your follow-up visit.
CHECK-UPS FOR YOUR CONTACT LENSES
Regular contact lens check-ups are required to maintain optimal eye health and vision. Contact lens prescription renewals will be issued, provided you have been seen for a contact lens check within the past year.