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A Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Contact Lenses

woman putting on contact lenses

Contact lenses are a great choice for those seeking clear vision without the need for eyeglasses, however your lifestyle, eye needs and eye health all impact your contact lens choices. Whether you are new to contacts or looking to switch to a different lens type, understanding the options available can help you make an informed decision.

At Dr Elmalem and Associates in Newmarket, we provide comprehensive contact lens exams and personalized fittings to ensure that every patient gets the best possible vision correction and comfort.

Types of Contact Lenses

Not all contact lenses are the same. Each type is designed to meet different vision needs and eye health conditions.

Soft Contact Lenses

  • Made of flexible materials for all-day comfort
  • Available in daily, bi-weekly, and monthly disposables
  • Suited to mild to moderate vision correction

Gas-Permeable (RGP) Lenses

  • Provide sharper vision than soft lenses
  • More durable and last longer with proper care
  • Recommended for high astigmatism or irregular corneas

Scleral Lenses

  • Larger lenses that vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera (white part of the eye)
  • Ideal for those with chronic dry eye, keratoconus, and irregular corneas
  • Offers exceptional comfort and stable vision

Ortho-K (Orthokeratology) Lenses

  • Worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea
  • Provides clear vision during the day without lenses
  • A great option for myopia control and active lifestyles

How Lifestyle Affects Your Contact Lens Choice

Your daily activities, screen time, and eye health play a role in determining the best contact lenses for you.

  • Screen Time: Extended screen use can lead to dry eye symptoms. Daily disposable or moisture-retaining lenses can help reduce discomfort.
  • Sports & Active Lifestyles: Contact lenses provide better peripheral vision than glasses, and soft or ortho-k lenses are often the preferred choice for athletes.
  • Dry Eye Syndrome: Some patients experience discomfort with standard lenses. Scleral lenses or specialized moisture-retaining lenses may be recommended.

The Importance of a Proper Contact Lens Fitting

A contact lens exam at Dr Elmalem and Associates includes:

  • Detailed eye measurements to ensure a perfect fit
  • Evaluation of tear film health to prevent discomfort
  • Trial lenses to test comfort and vision clarity
  • Follow-up visits to monitor lens performance and eye health

Wearing poorly fitted contact lenses can cause redness, irritation, and long-term eye damage, which is why regular follow-ups are essential.

Find the Right Contact Lenses at Dr Elmalem and Associates

At Dr Elmalem and Associates in Newmarket, our team provides customized contact lens fittings to match your vision needs and lifestyle. Whether you need daily disposables, RGP lenses, scleral lenses, or ortho-k, our team ensures that you receive the best possible care.

Schedule your appointment to experience clear, comfortable vision.

Book an Appointment to One of Our Two Locations
Upper Canada Mall (Newmarket) Hillcrest Mall (Richmond Hill)