Contact Lenses
Getting the right contact lens fit takes more than just measuring your prescription. Your eyes need a steady supply of oxygen to stay healthy and clear. Many people think discomfort is just part of wearing contacts. We don’t believe you should have to settle for that. At Smoky Mountain Eye Care, we treat lens fitting as an important medical step. Using high-resolution imaging and our knowledge of eye anatomy, we find solutions that protect your vision for the long term.
We start by carefully checking the surface of your eye and the stability of your tear film. Dr. Brad Lindsey uses corneal topography to make a detailed 3D map of your eye. This process can find small changes that regular exams might miss. Off-the-shelf lenses often don’t match these unique shapes. This mismatch can cause the lens to move or block oxygen. If a lens doesn’t fit well, it can even cause tiny injuries to your eye’s surface. We focus on matching the lens material to your eye’s shape to help prevent these problems.
Advanced Diagnostics for Optimal Surface Health
Clear vision depends on your eyes working as they should. We use OCT retinal imaging to check the deeper layers of your eye before choosing your contact lenses. This helps us monitor the retinal nerve fiber layer for potential problems. We make sure your eye health isn’t affected by outside factors. If you spend a lot of time outdoors in places like Panther Creek State Park, pollen and wind can make lens wear harder. This is especially true if you have issues like meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
If the oil glands in your eyelids are blocked, your tears dry up too fast, and your contacts can feel uncomfortable. Our dry eye tests help us spot meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) early. Treating your tear film before fitting lenses increases your chances of success with contacts. Many people who struggled with contacts before just needed their eye surface treated first. Our treatments may include gentle heat therapy to open blocked glands, specially formulated eye drops, or recommending lid hygiene routines you can do at home. By explaining each step and helping you improve tear quality, we make it easier for you to wear lenses comfortably for the long term.
Navigating Complex Visual Requirements
Athletes at Morristown East and West High Schools often need special contact lenses to perform their best. Quick movements and changing light mean the lens has to stay in place. Toric lenses for astigmatism or multifocal lenses for people over forty need very precise measurements to work well. Even a small misalignment in a toric lens can make your vision blurry with each blink. We use digital tools to find the exact fit you need.
Your eye safety is always our top priority. We regularly check your eye pressure to make sure you don’t have ocular hypertension, which can affect which lenses are right for you. If we detect signs of high pressure, we’ll perform a visual field test to assess your peripheral vision. Our advanced care means you receive the same level of attention as at a big-city surgical center, allowing you to enjoy clear vision without risking your eye health. To keep your eyes healthy, we recommend scheduling a contact lens check-up at least once a year, or more often if you have ongoing issues. If you notice any changes in your vision, discomfort, redness, or a gritty feeling, let us know right away so we can make adjustments and protect your eyes.
Tailored Solutions for Every Lifestyle
Today’s contact lenses allow much more oxygen to reach the eye and help maintain moisture on the ocular surface. Silicone hydrogel lenses, for example, provide higher oxygen transmission than older soft lenses. For instance, someone who spends extended periods working at a computer may experience lens discomfort by the end of the day, as decreased blinking during screen use can cause lenses to dry out more quickly. In such cases, the improved oxygen flow and moisture retention of silicone hydrogel lenses can help reduce this discomfort. Additionally, we select lens materials that resist protein buildup and hold their shape throughout the day to further support comfortable and healthy contact lens wear in these common work environments.
If you have an irregular cornea or significant astigmatism, we offer scleral lenses and other custom options. These lenses can help with issues such as keratoconus, high astigmatism, severe dry eye, corneal scarring, or discomfort with regular contact lenses. Symptoms that may make you a good candidate include frequent lens discomfort, blurry vision that is not improved with standard contacts, or lenses that do not stay in place. These lenses rest on the white part of your eye and arch over the sensitive cornea, creating a smooth surface and keeping your eye moist. Advanced lenses are an option for people who were told they couldn’t wear contacts. We are here to help you see better through our expertise and technology.
Why does my eye doctor need to map the surface of my eye for contacts?
Your eye’s surface is as unique as your fingerprint. Corneal topography lets us see its exact shape. Without this map, a lens could fit too tightly and block oxygen, or too loosely and cause irritation. This information helps us pick the right lens shape for you.
Can I wear contact lenses if I have been diagnosed with dry eye?
Yes, many people with dry eye can wear contacts once we treat the cause of their discomfort. We often treat meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) or inflammation before starting a lens trial. Special lens materials and daily disposables can also help keep your eyes comfortable.
Is it necessary to check my eye pressure during a contact lens exam?
Checking your eye pressure is a normal part of our eye exams. We want to make sure you don’t have high eye pressure or other issues that could get worse with contact lenses. Keeping your eyes healthy is just as important as updating your prescription.
How do multifocal contact lenses work for reading?
Multifocal lenses have special zones that let your brain choose the clearest image for seeing up close or at a distance. They’re great for professionals in Morristown who need to see both their computer and paperwork without changing glasses. Getting the right fit is key, so these zones line up with your pupil.
What should I do if my lenses feel gritty at the end of the day?
If your lenses feel gritty all the time, they may be drying out or have buildup. Schedule a follow-up with us so we can check your tear film and lens fit. We might need to change the lens material or your cleaning routine to better match your eyes.
Don’t settle for the irritation of poorly fitted contact lenses during your workday in Morristown
Our clinical fitting process ensures your lenses work in harmony with your unique anatomy. Schedule your contact lens evaluation at Smoky Mountain Eye Care today to experience superior comfort.
