Contact lenses have come a long way from the hard lenses and multiple disinfecting products prescribed decades ago. Today, most contacts are disposable and use one-step solutions, making them a convenient and safe option for vision correction. More than 24 million Americans now wear contact lenses.

At Armstrong Colt George Ophthalmology, optometrists Dr. Geoffrey Kaplan and Dr. Tania Mohammed are specially trained to fit patients with the right type of contact lenses for their vision and lifestyle. They have over 15 years of combined experience in the design, fitting and prescription of contact lenses.

Armstrong Colt George Ophthalmology provides quality eye care in their Abington, PA and Hatboro, PA offices, serving patients from Montgomery County, PA, Bucks County, PA and Philadelphia, PA.

TYPES OF LENSES

Soft contact lenses are made of a hydro-gel polymer and are oxygen permeable. Since they contain up to 80% water, they are easy to adapt to and very comfortable to wear. These lenses are used by the majority of patients. Depending on your prescription and lifestyle, the optometrist may recommend soft contact lenses that are disposed of daily, weekly or monthly.

Toric soft contact lenses are designed for patients with astigmatic prescriptions.

Bifocal soft contact lenses are designed for those over age 40 who need correction for both near and far vision.

Cosmetic and colored soft contact lenses are available in several shades for those who wish to change the color of their eyes.

Rigid gas permeable contact lenses are made of firmer plastic. Although there is a slightly longer adaptation period, many patients find that they offer crisper vision than soft contact lenses. Because rigid gas permeable lenses are more durable, they are replaced yearly.

Synergeyes lenses, a new option for hard-to-fit patients, are hybrid lenses with a rigid gas permeable center and soft silicone skirt. They provide the visual quality of a hard contact lens and the comfort of a soft lens. Synergeyes lenses are a good choice for patients with kerataconus, corneal surgery or other cornea abnormalities. They are replaced every six months.

THE EXAMINATION AND FITTING

Contact lenses are a medical device, so a professional fitting by a Doctor of Optometry is necessary. Fittings at Armstrong Colt George Ophthalmology begin with a comprehensive ocular examination, which assures that your eyes are healthy and determines your prescription. Your optometrist then discusses the options available to correct your vision.

Myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism (distorted vision) and even presbyopia (need for reading glasses) can all be successfully corrected by contact lenses. Most patients with these refractive errors are candidates for contact lens wear.

If trial disposable lenses are available in your prescription, the optometrist will insert them to check for fit, comfort and visual acuity.

PRICING AND INSURANCE

• A complete contact lens fitting costs $150 to $200, depending on your prescription and type of lenses selected by your optometrist. This includes the initial visit, teaching visit and follow-up appointment.
  
• The cost of an annual contact lens evaluation for established Armstrong Colt George Ophthalmology patients is $50. The initial evaluation for new patients who are current contact lens wearers is $75.
  
• The prices of contact lenses vary as widely as the types of lenses available, ranging from $25 a box for disposable soft lenses to more than $60 for an individual gas permeable lens. The optometrist will discuss pricing with you when deciding which type of lenses to order.
  
• Armstrong Colt George Ophthalmology is committed to offering competitive prices for contact lenses. We inform patients about manufacturer discounts and rebates that may lower the cost of certain brands of contact lenses.
  
• Armstrong Colt George Ophthalmology participates in most insurance plans that cover contact lenses. Our technician will assist you in determining your insurance coverage eligibility.

Conventional contact lenses are worn during the day and removed at night. However, a new type of contact lens is now available: CRT, or Corneal Refractive Therapy. CRT uses specially designed oxygen permeable lenses to reshape the cornea overnight, while sleeping. Patients simply remove the lenses when they wake up, and are able to go through the day with clear vision.

CRT is ideal for swimmers, boaters and active people who often lose contacts or break their glasses during sports. CRT is also a good choice for those who work or play in a dusty environment that may irritate daytime contact lenses.

CRT treats nearsightedness with or without moderate astigmatism. There are no age restrictions, making CRT an option for adolescents too young for LASIK vision correction surgery.

The $1,500 fee for CRT includes an examination, fitting, lenses and follow-up visits for one year. A free pair of spare lenses (a $250 value) is also included in the fee. Financing is available.

Geoffrey Kaplan OD, Armstrong Colt George Ophthalmology’s certified CRT optometrist, offers free consultations for patients considering CRT. Dr. Kaplan is certified to fit the Paragon brand of CRT lenses, which have been approved by the FDA for nighttime use. To find out if Corneal Refractive Therapy is right for you, call (215) 672-3960 for an appointment.