Bellflower Optometrist talks about soft contact lenses

Published on

December 9, 2022

It is estimated that 40.9 million Americans wear contact lenses, and that more than $8.5 billion is spent on contact lenses worldwide each year.

Soft contact lenses are lenses made up of plastic that enable oxygen to pass through the contact lens and to your cornea. The cornea is the front part of your eye which allows light to enter your eye, and allowing oxygen to pass through the lens is important for both comfort and safety.

A variety of soft contact lens modalities are available nowadays, including daily contacts, biweekly contacts, and monthly contacts. The purpose of LASIK surgery and contact lenses is the same, which is to improve distance vision. That’s what the majority of contact lenses are used for.

At our full scope medical eye care clinic in Bellflower, we offer a wide range of contact lenses for all patients and ages. Our team spends time with the patient during a contact lens exam to understand your needs and provide you with the contact lenses that will provide you with the best vision and comfort.

What conditions can soft contact lenses correct?

Soft contact lenses can correct the following visual conditions:

Presbyopia
Myopia (nearsightedness)
Hyperopia (farsightedness)
Earlier stages of keratoconus
Astigmatism.

What are the different types of soft contact lenses?

Bifocal contact lenses

Most contact lenses correct either distance or near vision, however, as we all age it gets harder for us to see close up, which is an eye condition known as presbyopia. Such patients need correction for both distance and near. That’s where bifocal contact lenses come in handy. These lenses have two powers within them. While these are great, they are not comfortable for everyone. For some patients, the transition from distance power to reading power and the way it fits on the eye may be uncomfortable initially.

Multifocal contact lenses

Multifocal contact lenses can have more than two prescriptions. They're great for anyone who needs clear vision at near, far, and intermediate distances, especially those who have presbyopia and frequently use computers. Nowadays, these lenses are available in a variety of modalities, which wasn't always the case. It is available in daily, biweekly, and monthly wear options.

Toric contact lenses

The other type of specialty contact lenses that take a bit longer to adjust to is for patients with astigmatism. These are called toric contact lenses. You need to find the perfect fit and modality for you, not one size fits all. We always inform our patients that getting used to it takes time. If you need any changes in any way to get perfect and comfortable vision, we try to make that happen for you by making necessary adjustments. Toric lenses can be single vision or multifocal.

Schedule a contact lens exam in Bellflower, CA

If you are not comfortable with the contact lenses you have, or you want to switch to another modality, we welcome you to schedule a contact lens exam at our Bellflower optometry clinic. You can schedule a contact lens exam and eye exam by calling (562) 925-6591. Patients looking for a contact lens exam visit our clinic from all over California, and we are proud to be a leading contact lens practice for patients from Bellflower, Long Beach, Lakewood, and Los Angeles.

Testimonials

I haven't actually used the optometrist side, so my review is limited to the vision therapy offered. This office was recommended by my occupational therapist for the treatment of my double vision following a stroke.

Claire A.

Love this location. I had a brain injury accident from day one one. All the team make you feel you still important and hope in the horizon after when the medical system fell you miserably. Dr. Ikeda very professional and very understanding about your issue. Two tombs up.

Jim K.

My husband and I were immediately impressed with Dr Ikeda. I was hit by a car while cycling which caused broken bones and three brain injuries. The brain injuries caused double vision. Dr. Ikeda examined my eyes and got me started on vision therapy with his occupational therapist who specializes in vision therapy. She (Chris) is absolutely great. I am impressed with the array of tools used to help recover my binocular vision. I am doing things I never thought were possible (balance boards etc). Chris pushes me and keeps me motivated. I really enjoy my sessions with her. The office staff is always friendly and they have a wonderful appointment reminder tool that makes it easy to keep my calendar up to date. I am happy the rehab center at Little Co. of Mary recommended them!!

Teresa S.

The Vision Therapy is handled in a separate office through a different door from the shared waiting room. Chris, the vision therapist, has a wide and varied assortment of tools, equipment and resources to best evaluate and treat most vision issues. After just a few visits, my double vision became easier to control, using exercises developed during the therapy process. It was time well-spent.

Joe M.

I have been coming here since I can remember. I love it here. The staff is so amazing and nice. They explain everything they gonna do and never make you feel rushed. Dr. Ikeda has always been my doctor and I would never want another one. He is the doctor for my whole family and is always asking how everyone is doing. I am also so crazy about picking out my frames and have to try so many and each person who helps me take the time and lets me try them all on. I would never want to go anywhere else! I definitely would recommend this office to anyone looking for a great eye doctor.

Kayla W.

This is not for the eye exam but for the frames selection portion. I brought my prescription from Kaiser here with my VSP insurance. The reception staff was very polite and professional. Manny helped me to pick out frames and explain my coverage. Very helpful and patient not like the individual at the other place I rated here on Yelp. I was running late and he still helped me and was not bothered at all. I am so glad I came here ..........very pleased.

Very professional staff and pleasant.