Soft Contact Lenses in Beverly Hills
Soft contact lenses are the most widely worn type of contact lens. They are made from flexible, water-containing materials that shape to the front of the eye, and many patients find them comfortable soon after they start wearing them. Visioncare Associates has fit specialty contact lenses since 1964, and Dr. Shily fits soft lenses for a range of prescriptions at the Beverly Hills office.
What Are Soft Contact Lenses?
Soft lenses are made from hydrogel or silicone hydrogel materials. These materials hold water and let oxygen pass through the lens to the cornea. Silicone hydrogel lenses allow more oxygen to reach the eye, which can help patients who wear their lenses for long hours.
Soft lenses cover the cornea and a small part of the white of the eye. They stay in place well, which makes them a good choice for sports and active lifestyles.
Types of Soft Contact Lenses
Spherical Soft Lenses
Spherical lenses correct nearsightedness and farsightedness. They are the most common type of soft lens.
Toric Soft Lenses
Toric lenses correct astigmatism. They are designed to stay in a set position on the eye so the correction lines up with the patient’s vision.
Multifocal Soft Lenses
Multifocal soft lenses correct near and distance vision for patients with presbyopia, usually starting in their 40s.
Daily, Two-Week and Monthly Lenses
Soft lenses come in different replacement schedules. Daily lenses are worn once and thrown away. Two-week and monthly lenses are cleaned each night and replaced on schedule.
Who Soft Lenses Can Help
Soft lenses work well for many patients with common prescriptions, including:
-
Nearsighted and farsighted patients
-
Patients with mild to moderate astigmatism
-
Patients with presbyopia who want multifocal lenses
-
First-time contact lens wearers
Patients with irregular corneas, keratoconus or high astigmatism may need a specialty lens instead, such as a gas permeable, hybrid or scleral lens. Dr. Shily can recommend the right lens after an exam.
The Soft Lens Fitting Process
1. Eye Exam and Measurements
Dr. Shily checks the patient’s prescription and eye health and measures the curve of the cornea. These measurements help select a lens size and material.
2. Trial Lenses
The patient tries a soft lens in the office. Dr. Shily checks how the lens fits and moves on the eye and how well the patient sees.
3. Lens Care Training
New wearers learn how to insert, remove and care for their lenses before taking them home.
4. Follow-Up Visit
A follow-up visit lets Dr. Shily check vision and eye health after the patient has worn the lenses for a few days.