Contact lenses and traditional eyeglasses correct a range of eye conditions and are often used to correct refractive errors, such as nearsightedness and farsightedness. Whether an individual chooses to wear glasses or contacts depends on personal preferences and her lifestyle or occupation. Unfortunately, contact lenses do not work well for some people, while others need specialized lenses. Whichever situation applies to you, if you live in or near Chico, CA, and want an optometrist near you, consider working with our Chico Vision Care Optometry team.
Differences between Eyeglass and Contact Lens Exams and Prescriptions
Almost everybody can wear eyeglasses. Other than the choice of frame, there is little customization other than ensuring the lenses provide the proper correction. Two people with the same prescription could easily exchange eyeglasses if their frames fit the other person's head.
Contact lenses, on the other hand, are tailored to the individual. Not only must they have the prescribed correction, but they must also fit the size and shape of the wearer's eyes. The differences in the structure of each person's eyes mean the contact lens examination includes detailed measurements of the size and shape of the eyes, including the cornea's curvature. Specialized contact lenses need additional, precise physical eye measurements.
Eyeglass and Contact Lens Fittings
The differences in the complexity of the eye exam carry over to the fitting process. During an eyeglass fitting, the optician helps select frames based on their appearance, such as shape and coloring. Later, when the eyeglasses are delivered, time is spent physically adjusting the frames to fit the patient.
A contact lens fitting is different. The optometrist has patients test various types of contacts for short periods in the office until a pair feels comfortable. The patient uses the pair for a week or two before a follow-up appointment. If the selected pair works well, it becomes the prescription. If not, the trial or fitting process restarts to find another pair.
"Hard-to-fit" or specialty lenses can require laser scanning to map the corneas, with the map providing instructions to produce contacts customized to the patient's eyes.
Obtaining Eyeglasses at Chico Vision Care Optometry
If you live in or near Chico, CA, and want an optometrist near you, contact us at Chico Vision Care Optometry. Call us at (530) 342-9644 or use our online appointment form.