CONTACT LENSES

What is a Contact Lens Prescription?

Contact lenses are defined as a medical device. Illinois State law governs the dispensing of contact lenses. Northern Illinois Optical complies with all laws governing the sale and dispensing of contact lenses.

Contact lenses cannot be dispensed without a valid contact lens prescription. A contact lens prescription cannot be written for a patient under Illinois law until the doctor has released the patient from an initial fitting and follow up period of not more than six months. Contact lens prescriptions are not valid for more than one year.

Our professional contact lens program includes:

1. Contact Lens Fitting

• The doctor will examine your eyes specifically to determine your ability to wear contact lenses. Based upon that information, the doctor will “design” and order an initial pair of contact lenses for you to wear for approximately two weeks. Hard or rigid gas permeable lenses require payment in full upon order, but carry a 60 day return/refit policy.
• Our contact lens technicians are trained to help all patients learn how to properly insert, remove, and care for your contact lenses.

2. Contact Lens Evaluation

• If the contact lens fit is correct and your vision is clear, we will then order the quantity of contact lenses based on what you and your doctor agree upon.
• If you are not satisfied with your vision or fit or your contact lenses, the doctor will “redesign” your contact lenses and have you wear the new lens design for another two weeks. There are no additional professional fees for any contact lens “redesign” services, or any additional contact lens follow up appointments regardless of the number of appointments needed to obtain a satisfactory fit and comfortable lens wear for one year.

3. Contact Lens Dispensing

• After you and your doctor have found the right pair of contact lenses, we will then order according to your vision needs. Upon arrival, you may either pick up your contact lenses at your convenience or for a nominal fee, we will mail them to your home. We also stock many brands for immediate purchase.

Contact Lens Wearing Do’s and Don’ts

Do...

1. Wash your hands before handling your lenses.
2. Clean /disinfect your lenses only with the recommended solutions.
3. Follow your recommended wearing schedule.
4. Store and care for your lenses only in the recommended solutions.
5. Remove your lenses if you have discomfort, extreme redness, blurred vision, or burning. Immediately call your doctor for their advice.

Don’t...

1. Overwear your lenses.
2. Sleep in your lenses unless approved by your doctor.
3. Shower or swim in your lenses unless approved by your doctor.
4. Wear your lenses around aerosol sprays or noxious fumes.
5. Use any products other than those that are recommended.
6. Take any advice from other contact lens wearers. Please call your doctor for their professional advice.

Common Questions about Contacts Lenses

• Can I wear soft contact lenses if I have astigmatism?
  Yes, you can wear a special type of soft contact lens called a toric lens, which will correct your astigmatism.
  
  
• Is a contact lens prescription different than a glasses prescription?
  Yes. When you order contact lenses, you must have a current contact lens prescription that specifies the power of the lens, the size of the lens, the type and brand of lens.
  
  
• If my 2-week disposable lenses are still comfortable and in good condition beyond 2 weeks, can I continue to wear the same pair?
  In order to maintain optimal eye health and comfort, it is important to adhere to the wearing schedule prescribed by your doctor. The main advantage of wearing disposable lenses is that you are putting a fresh new pair of lenses in your eyes every 2 weeks. Also, the convenient cleaning regimen of a disposable lens is only adequate for a 2-week wearing schedule.
  
  
• If I only wear my 2-week disposable contacts part time, do I still have to replace them every 2 weeks?
  No, the 2 weeks refers to the actual amount of wearing time so they can last longer than 2 weeks if you are not wearing them full time.
  
  
• Can I swim with my contact lenses in?
  It is best if you don't because there are bacteria in the water that can adhere to your lenses and cause infections. If you do swim in your lenses, you should wear goggles over them and you should disinfect them immediately afterwards.
  
  
• Why is it necessary for contact lens wearers to have regular eye exams even if their prescription hasn't changed?
  Regular eye exams are important not only to check your prescription but also to evaluate the health of your eyes.
  
  
• I wear contact lenses and in order for me to read, I have to wear reading glasses over them. Are there any other alternatives whereby I don't have to wear glasses at all?
  Yes, the most common option is called monovision where one eye is corrected for viewing distant objects and the other eye is corrected for reading and close work. Monovision is a good solution for some people, but not everybody can successfully adapt to the arrangement. Another alternative is bifocal contact lenses, which are available in both rigid gas permeable or soft lens designs.
  
  
• Do colored contact lenses work on dark eyes?
  Yes, they are called opaque contacts as opposed to enhancer tints which work only on light colored eyes. Year-long (daily wear and extended wear) opaque contacts are available in many different colors and shades.
  
  
• Do I still need a prescription if I just want contacts to change my eye color?
  Yes, you still need to be fitted for the lenses even if you don't need vision correction. This is because contact lenses are medical devices and wearing them can affect the health of your eyes.

For descriptions of the different contact lens options, click here.