Contact Lenses in Castle Rock, CO

Founders Eyecare offers all forms of contacts, including soft, hard, disposable. They also carry specialty lenses made for patients who are suffering from conditions such as keratoconus or dry eye syndrome.

What is keratoconus?

Keratoconus is a unique eye condition characterized by a bulge in the cornea, the clear globe of the eye. When the tiny fibers in the eye that hold the cornea in place weaken, it bulges. A decrease of protective antioxidants in the globe will cause the cornea to produce damaging by-products that break down this protein. That causes significant eyesight problems, like blurred vision and glare sensitivity. The condition can be corrected early on, though, and Founders Eyecare has specialty contact lenses for just such a purpose.

How do patients choose a style of contact lens?

The specialists at Founders Eyecare determine which style of contact lens is best for each patient. It starts with a comprehensive eye exam that includes family history. Dr. Raffa or Dr. Ragsdale will conduct vision acuity tests to measure the level of correction necessary and then issue a prescription for the contacts.

Contact lenses exist with two general categories: gas permeable — which include soft and rigid lenses — or hard lenses. Soft lenses are more comfortable and are easier to adjust to, while hard lenses take longer to acclimate to but provide better clarity. Either one offers you a chance to step away from eyeglasses, though.

What about patients with astigmatism or another eye condition?

There are specialty contacts designed for those patients with unique eye problems like astigmatism or keratoconus. Toric contacts, for example, are specifically made for those with astigmatism. Unlike traditional designs, manufacturers shape them to offset the issues created by astigmatism to allow for a greater range of vision. Toric lenses also rotate to the correct orientation based on the degree of astigmatism, and that’s something conventional contacts cannot do.

Other specialty contacts include hybrid lenses, which are also well suited for astigmatism. The hybrid lens offers a central zone that’s rigid and gas permeable, with edges made of soft contact material.

Scleral contact lenses work well for patients with an eye disease, such as dry eye syndrome or keratoconus. This lens holds a reservoir of saline solution that bathes the cornea to create comfort and prevent drying.