We have put together a list of the most common questions received by our doctors and staff.

FAQ

  1. 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. However, these lenses are typically more expensive and there are fewer types available than there are with regular (spherical) lenses. Two of the more popular disposable toric lenses include the Purevision Toric and the Proclear Toric . Several manufacturers including Alcon (Focus) and CooperVision (Preference) produce 1-3 month frequent replacement toric lenses.

  2. Can I wear soft contact lenses if I need bifocals?
    Yes, there are a number of contact lenses designed for people who need bifocal (multifocal) correction. A couple of the more popular disposable toric lenses include the Purevision Multifocal and the Proclear Multifocal.

  3. Is a contact lens prescription different than a glasses prescription?
    Yes. When you order contact lenses, you must have a current contact lens prescription which specifies the power of the lenses, the size of the lens, the type and brand of lens. See also How to Read a Contact Lens Prescription.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. Your website lists my lens as 2 week disposable, but my doctor says I can wear them for 4 weeks. Which is correct?
    The lens wearing schedules on our website are provided by contact lens manufacturers. However, doctors may decide on a different wearing schedule (shorter or longer) for an individual patient based on wearing habits, lifestyle, cleaning methods etc. You should always follow the wearing schedule prescribed by your doctor.

  7. What's the difference between rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses and soft lenses?
    RGPs are smaller and made out of a harder, less pliable material than soft lenses which makes them less comfortable initially. RGPs correct some astigmatism whereas soft spherical lenses do not.

  8. 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.

  9. 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. This is especially important for contact lens wearers because the contacts could be causing damage to your eyes without necessarily causing any obvious symptoms.

  10. 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.

  11. 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. Freshlook Colors offer a great selection of opaque colors that will work great with dark eyes.

  12. 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.

  13. How does the Federal Law "Fairness To Contact Lens Consumers" Act affect me?
    On February 4 th, 2004, a Federal Law called the "Fairness To Contact Lens Consumers" act went into effect. This law made it much easier for you to enjoy the savings and convenience of ordering on-line from . Learn more about the Federal Law and how it affects contact lens wearers.

  14. How good is your pricing?
    According to an independent report by All About Vision, our prices are lower than major retailers including Lenscrafters, Pearl Vision, Wal-Mart as well as mail-order companies like 1-800-contacts.

  15. How can you offer such low prices on contact lenses?
    We can offer low pricing because of our large purchasing power. We are able to negotiate the best possible pricing from contact lens manufacturers and distributors. We simply pass those savings along to our customers.

  16. How can I be sure I receive email offers and updates from you?
    You should add [email protected] to your whitelist or "friends" to make sure our emails are correctly received. If you change your email address, please take a moment to log-in to your account, and update to the new address.