Dr. Harvey can fit a variety of contact lenses such as Color, Monovision, Bifocal and Toric Contacts.
A routine eye exam is not the same as a contact lens exam. For contact lens wearers, a contact lens exam is necessary to ensure the lenses are fitting both eyes properly and that the health of the eyes is not harmed by the contact lenses.
Dr. Harvey will ask you a number of lifestyle questions to determine which contacts best fit your needs. There are daily, weekly and monthly contacts available. Newer hydrogel contacts offer more comfort. Some contacts can change the color of your eyes for fashion. There are also lenses that correct for presbyopia and astigmatism.
If you are new to wearing contacts, our staff will teach you how to insert, remove and care for your contacts.
If you order contact lenses from us, we will either have them in stock or in most cases have your lenses in our offices by the next day. When you order a year supply, we can ship your contacts to you for free.
Contact Lens Care
The type of contact lens you wear determines how much care is required to be safe and comfortable. Extended wear disposable contacts require the least amount of care but increase the risk of eye infections. Conventional contact lenses require more care but are a healthier option.
Your lenses should remain comfortable as long as they are clean, undamaged and fitting properly. Over a period of time, it is reasonable to expect that the lenses will become coated with tear debris and that the fitting relationship between the lenses and the eyes may change.
Simple Instructions Should Guide You To Success
- Use only the types of solutions that we recommend to you. Many stores put their own brand of solution on sale; while it is fine to use, make sure you read the label or call us to find out if it is the right solution for your contacts. A retailer recently put their own solution on sale and it was in a box color similar to a multi-
purpose soft lens solution; however, it was a peroxide solution. Peroxide takes a few hours to neutralize before lenses soaking in it can be placed on the eye. Un- neutralized peroxide solution is very irritating to the eyes. - Never use water to clean your lenses. Never put contacts in your mouth to clean them. Water and saliva contain microorganisms which can cause infections.
- Don't swim in your contacts. Pool water, spa water and especially lake water can cause infections.
- Put your makeup on before you put your contacts in and remove your makeup after you take your contacts out.
- Make sure the counter and sink surfaces in the area you use to insert and remove your contacts in is clean.
- Make sure your case is clean. Clean your case every time you use it with either contact solution or hot water. Do not use soap on your case. Leave the caps off and let the case air dry before you store your contacts. Replace your case every three months.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before handling your lenses! The use of a fingernail brush to scrub the fingers and hands is especially recommended for smokers who often have nicotine on their fingers and hands. Use mild soap that does not contain oils, creams and other lotions as these are difficult to remove from the hands and can get on your contacts and cause eye irritation. Rinse your hands thoroughly and dry them with a lint free towel.
- Always inspect your lenses before inserting them. Do not wear the lenses if you see any defects such as torn edges or deposits that do not come off with cleaning.
- Clean each contact by rinsing it with the recommended solution and rubbing it gently with your index finger in the palm of your other hand. Most multipurpose solutions don’t have “No Rub” on their labels anymore. Lightly rubbing your contact removes surface buildup.
- Don't let the tip of solution bottles touch other surfaces, including fingers, eyes, or contact lenses. All of these can contaminate the solution.
- It is common for your eyes or lenses to feel dry once and awhile, especially if you are in an air-
conditioned or heated location for a long time. If your eyes dry out, use a rewetting drop to lubricate your eyes. Don't use artificial tears directly on a contact lens. The contact will absorb the oily tears and blur your vision. - Don't try to "pull" open a contact that has folded over and become stuck together. Soak it in solution and gently massage it until it opens.
- Never share contacts with anyone or let someone try your contacts. This puts your eyes at risk to infection.
- An annual re-
examination and re- evaluation of lens fit is necessary for continued successful and safe contact lens wear.
If In Doubt, Take Them Out
- If you develop any eye irritation, remove your contact lenses and don’t use them again until you talk with Dr. Harvey. Wearing a contaminated pair of lenses invites the infection to stay.
- If your vision becomes blurry or you experience eye pain, sensitivity to light, discharge, swelling or other problems, remove your contact lenses and call our office.
Cosmetics and Contact Lenses
- Cleanliness is important. Hands should be clean before you touch your lenses or your eyes. Avoid using soaps like Dove or Caress or cleansers like Noxema or Cold Cream. They contain moisturizers which can get on your contacts and irritate your eyes.
- Remove contacts before washing your face or using facial cleansers.
- Remove contacts before showering or shampooing.
- Don't touch your contacts if you have makeup on your fingers.
- Insert contacts before using shadow or mascara. Avoid using shadow with iridescent or frosted properties or mascara with eyelash builders. They contain small gritty particles which can become lodged under the contact lens and scratch the surface of the eye and even ruin the contact lens.
- Germs can multiply in cosmetics and cause infection. Never use someone else's mascara or eye makeup.
- Be careful when applying liner to the lower lid. A water soluble liner should be used. Never apply liner to the inside surface of the lids (the flat surface closest to the eye).
- Use care when using hair dyes and bleaches. Even fumes from these products can cause discomfort. Many lid and skin irritations are the result of an allergy or sensitivity to a particular cosmetic.