Many people who need vision correction opt for contact lenses, preferring the aesthetic or the convenience they provide when participating in sports such as swimming.

There are many types of contact lenses and we can help you to decide which one is right for you. We will measure and fit your contact lens to the exact diameter and curvature of your eye. Just like you need to try on a pair of shoes before wearing them contacts need to be specially selected to fit the unique shape of your eye. If you are ready to make the leap from glasses to contacts or simply want them to wear for special occasions give us a call today.

What type of contact lenses do you offer?

We offer a variety of contacts from disposable to longer wearing in a range of materials. Contacts come in the following materials:

Soft Contact Lenses

Are made from gel-like, water-containing plastics called hydrogels. These lenses are very thin and pliable and conform to the front surface of the eye making them easy to adjust to and comfortable.

Gas Permeable Contact Lenses

also called GP or RGP lenses — are rigid contact lenses that look and feel like “hard contacts” or PMMA lenses, rarely offered today because they are made from rigid plexiglass material that doesn’t breathe and are rather uncomfortable. Unlike old fashioned hard contacts, GP lenses are permeable to oxygen, and can be fit closer to the eye, making them more comfortable than conventional hard lenses. Gas permeable contact lenses have essentially replaced nonporous PMMA contact lenses. These types of lenses provide sharper vision than soft and silicone hydrogel contacts — especially if you have astigmatism or irregular cornea surfaces. They can be worn for longer periods of time but are generally less comfortable initially. After an adaptation period, most people find GP lenses are as comfortable as hydrogel lenses.

Silicone hydrogel lenses

are an advanced type of soft contact lenses that are more porous than regular hydrogel lenses and allow even more oxygen to reach the cornea. According to All About Vision, these are the most popular lenses prescribed in the United States.

Hybrid Lenses

the goal of these lenses it to combine the benefits of Gas Permeable and Soft or Silicone Hydrogel Contact Lenses in one lens providing comfort and advanced optics. Hybrid lenses have a rigid gas permeable central zone, surrounded by hydrogel or silicone hydrogel material making them one of the best lenses available. According to All About Vision, despite these features, only a small percentage of people in the U.S. wear hybrid contact lenses, perhaps because these lenses are more difficult to fit and are more expensive to replace than soft and silicone hydrogel lenses.

Contact Lenses are offered in different forms from long wearing to daily disposable to suit your lifestyle. We offer: 

Daily Disposables

These are ideal for those who want to have a low maintenance option. No need to clean your contacts or store them at the end of the day, just throw them away. Daily soft contact lenses are a popular choice as they are comfortable and are easy to get used to, allow oxygen to pass through and are less likely to have protein build up as they are replaced on a daily basis.

Weekly Disposables

Replace at the end of a week’s wear.

Bi-Weekly Disposables

Replace every two weeks.

Monthly Disposables

For those who want to wear their lenses a little longer we offer monthly disposables. Simply replace your lenses at the end of each month.

Continuous Wear Lenses

These lenses are for those who want to wear their lenses for a longer period of time and don’t wish to continually replace them. Gas permeable contact lenses are more resistant to lens deposits and don’t need to be discarded as frequently as soft lenses. Often, GP lenses can last a year or longer before they need to be replaced.

Toric Lenses for Astigmatism

In the past if you had astigmatism then contact lenses weren’t an option but with Toric lenses mostly everyone is a candidate for contacts.

Bifocal Lenses

These lenses offer an option for those with dual vision correction issues and work just like bifocal glasses offering clear vision at different distances. Bifocal or multifocal lenses are used to correct astigmatism as well.

Coloured Lenses

If you want to correct your vision and change your appearance you can opt for coloured lenses.

Frequently Asked Questions About Contact Lenses

How do I buy contact lenses?

To buy contact lenses you will need a prescription. Make an appointment for an eye exam and we can help access which type of lens works best for you and give you the best fit possible for optimal sight and comfort.

How much do contact lenses cost?

Cost of lenses varies depending on the type you get. While disposables may seem cheaper you have to factor in how often you are buying them, and while longer wearing contacts may be a better investment you have to factor in the cost of cleaning supplies and replacement if you should lose them.

Does OHIP cover contact lenses?

No unfortunately it doesn’t. For a list of what eye services are covered by OHIP visit the Ontario Association of Optometrists. They encourage you to check your health insurance company’s benefit plan (i.e., Manulife, Sun Life, Green Shield of Canada, Great West Life) for vision care coverage for eye exams, eyewear, and other optometry services. Many employers have extended health-care benefits for employees.

How do I switch from glasses to contact lenses?

Switching from prescription glasses to contact lenses starts with an eye exam to check that you are a candidate for contacts, followed by a lens fitting session where we evaluate your ocular structure to choose the right kind of contact lens for you.

Contact Lens Fitting

What can I expect during a contact lens fitting? Is it necessary?

After your comprehensive eye exam where your visual acuity is tested to determine your prescription you can make an appointment for a contact lens fitting where measurements of your eye and the curve of your cornea are taken. This is necessary because each individual has a measurement unique to them. Think of the curve of your cornea like a fingerprint, unique and individual to you. Having an accurate measurement of the curve and diameter of your eye allows us to prescribe the contact lens that fits your eye the best for comfort and visual clarity. If the curvature of a contact lens is too flat or too steep for your eye’s shape, you could experience discomfort or even damage to your eye.

A contact lens fitting may also include:

Cornea measurements

Taken with a keratometer to measure the curvature of your cornea using light reflections and a corneal topographer an automated instrument that gives precise details about the surface characteristics of the entire cornea. You may be asked to sit facing the machine with your forehead resting against a curved brace. Circular patterns of light are then shone into your eye for analysis and a computer creates and prints out the surface “map” of your eye.

Wavefront measurements

For more specific information about how well your eye focusses light.

Pupil and iris measurements

The size of your pupil may also be measured by simply using a card or ruler with different pupil sizes to compare with yours and determine the best match. Automated instruments that measure pupil size are capable of extremely precise measurements, and some simultaneously measure the horizontal and vertical diameter of your pupil. Similar techniques may be used to measure the diameter of your iris (the coloured portion of your eye).

Tear film evaluation

Contact lens fittings may also include a tear film evaluation which measures your body’s ability to produce tears. A small strip of paper may be inserted underneath your lower eyelid. You close your eyes for about five minutes, and then the paper is removed. The length of the paper moistened by your tears is measured to assess your tear production and determine if you have dry eyes. Alternatively, dry eye can be detected by adding drops that contain dye to the tear layer on your eye, and then evaluating how long it takes for your tears to evaporate. Note: If you have a severe dry eye condition, you might have to avoid or discontinue contact lens wear. For mild dryness there are now special contact lenses for dry eyes may enable you to wear contacts safely and comfortably.

These combined measurements can help us determine the type of contact lenses that will give you the sharpest vision possible and the most comfort.

Evaluation after a trial contact lens

You may be asked to come back after a trial contact lens is chosen to evaluate how it rests on the surface of your eye using the slit lamp and to check the health of your eye to see if any changes have occurred due to contact lens wear.

Have more questions about contacts?

Visit our post about contact lenses which addresses common concern and questions or contact our office. We’re here to help.

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