A: Yes. We have many options available to us now; often we’ll prescribe a 30-day disposable lens that’s reasonably priced.
Q: At what age should I have my childs's vision checked?
A: I recommend all children get a comprehensive eye examination (not just a screening by their pediatrician) before they begin kindergarten. I begin examing children at age 5. If there is a family history of strabismus (lazy eye or crossed eye) or visual problems are supsected by the parent or physician I recommend a referral to a pediatric opthalmologist if the child is an infant or toddler.
Q: If I need bifocals in my mid-late 40's does that mean I’ll need to give up wearing contact lenses altogether?
A: No, in most cases there are options that can allow you to continue contact wear; such as mono-vision (one eye reads and one sees distance), bifocal contact lenses, or simply wearing reading classes over contacts. We can work together to find an option that will work for you.
Q: Can I sleep in my contact lenses?
A: Your lenses have been approved by the FDA for sleeping in... but your risk of an eye infection is 20 times greater. Some of these eye infections can cause serious, permanent loss of vision due to corneal scarring. So, I always advise my patients never to sleep wearing their contacts.
Q: Why do I need a contact lens exam in addition to my regular eye exam? After all, I’ve been wearing contacts for years.
A: Since contact lenses sit directly on your eye, they can cause subtle physiological changes due to decreased available oxygen; or to allergy or toxicity for example. To retain the ability to wear contact lenses for many years, these changes need to be identified and rectified early on... changes in lenses or solutions, schedules or your mode of wearing lenses must be monitored to insure that your physiological response to them is as expected. Thousands of people have to stop wearing contacts every year... I want to be sure my patients aren’t among them.
Q: What is the difference between opthamologist, optician, and optometrist?
A: An Opthalmologist is a medical doctor (MD) who specializes in eyes. They prescribe medicine and sometimes perform surgery, such as an operation for cataracts.
An Optometrist is someone who examines your eyes and writes prescriptions for your lenses. Optometrists prescribe medications but don’t do eye surgery. They do have a doctorate degree (Doctor of Optometry, OD). The Doctors at Sterling Optical are Optometrists.
An Optician is a licensed specialist who fills the prescription for your glasses. They are responsible for grinding, polishing and inserting the lenses in your frames. They can also fix your glasses should they break. Your final fitting and adjustments are made by an Optician.
