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If getting new glasses is similar to getting a new pair of shoes, then changing from glasses to contacts is more like learning how to ride a bike. Contacts aren’t an accessory change. They’re a lifestyle change.
Glasses are easy. You put them on; you take them off. Contacts require more care and a higher level of responsibility.
So if you’re considering making the switch, you can never be too prepared or ask too many questions. Luckily your eye doctor is there to help you through the process, but here is a starter list of what to consider before jettisoning your glasses for contacts:
What to think about:
- Is vision correction affecting your activities or self-esteem?
- Do you consistently wear your glasses when needed? Are they frequently broken, lost or dirty?
- How interested are you in contact lenses? Are you motivated enough to take care of them?
- Have you noticed any eye problems such as blurry vision, flashes of light, poor night vision or double vision? Do you have trouble tracking moving objects, judging distances or determining colors?
- How’s your general health? Be ready to tell the eye doctor about injuries, chronic conditions, allergies, medications or operations.
- Does your family have a history of eye problems such as glaucoma, cataracts or other ailments?
What to tell your doctor:
- Describe any vision problems you’re having.
- Be sure to specify that you want a contact lens fitting appointment.
What to bring to your appointment:
- Your current eyeglasses and a copy of your last prescription, if available
- Your vision benefits card (if needed)
What to ask your doctor:
- How is my vision?
- What are my vision correction options?
- Am I a good candidate for contacts?
- What’s going to provide the best vision and the most flexibility given my activities and needs?
But before you start down this contact path, you might want to make sure you can touch your own eyeball without getting too creeped out. Because if you can’t, that’s kind of a deal breaker.
