CONTACT LENSES

Keratoconus & Astigmatism: What’s the Difference? by Brian Chou, OD, FAAO, FSLS April 11, 2024 If you have keratoconus, an eye doctor has almost assuredly told you that you have astigmatism. Keratoconus and astigmatism can get confused. What are they and how are they related to one another? The Short Explanation Keratoconus is an eye disease…

Do Hard Contacts Help Keratoconus? by Brian Chou, OD, FAAO, FSLS March 19, 2024   If you wonder if hard contacts can help keratoconus, please read on! The short answer is that yes, hard contact lenses can help keratoconus. However, there is much more you need to know to understand what is meant by this. “Hard…

Keratoconus Specialist in San Diego? by Brian Chou, OD, FAAO, FSLS February 14, 2024 Did you know that no law-abiding optometrist in San Diego – or anywhere else in California – will claim that they are a “keratoconus specialist”? This is because optometrists licensed in California are prohibited from holding themselves out as having special knowledge…

Can You Have Keratoconus in One Eye? by Brian Chou, OD, FAAO, FSLS January 21, 2024   The short answer is that keratoconus naturally affects both eyes. But this is a trick question. There are unusual and unexpected instances of keratoconus in just one eye! Read on to learn how. Keratoconus Affects Both Eyes As a…

Soft Contacts for Keratoconus: Fantasy or Possibility? by Brian Chou, OD, FAAO, FSLS December 27, 2023 Most keratoconus patients have custom rigid surface contact lenses as their lifeline to navigate the world. For mild corneal distortion, glasses and soft disposable contact lenses sometimes will afford adequate vision. Yet in most cases of keratoconus with more corneal…

Why Do New Contact Lenses Require Examination? by Brian Chou, OD, FAAO, FSLS July 20, 2023 In the US, disposable contact lenses are Class II medical devices which require a prescription for purchase. Nonetheless, contact lens manufacturers market them directly to consumers as if no prescription is required. Despite the misleading suggestion that contact lenses are…

Why Are Scleral Lenses Expensive? by Brian Chou, OD, FAAO, FSLS June 18, 2023 If you wear scleral lenses, you likely discovered that disposable soft contact lenses will not bring you a satisfactory outcome. Scleral contact lens wearers have unique eye-related requirements where common treatment fails. Scleral lenses are expensive, often approaching $1,000 each. Highly customized…

Should I Wear Contacts to an Eye Exam? by Brian Chou, OD, FAAO, FSLS May 10, 2023 If you wear contact lenses, should you wear them to your eye exam? There is conflicting information online. But below is universal guidance. Ultimately, each clinic has their own preference. To be sure, ask a representative where you will…