Why Do New Contact Lenses Require Examination?
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?
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?
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…
Dot on Scleral Lens: What Does it Mean?
Dot on Scleral Lens: What Does it Mean? by Brian Chou, OD, FAAO, FSLS April 19, 2023 If you wear scleral lenses, there is a fair chance that one of your lenses has a black dot on it. The black dot serves two potential functions. First, it can help you identify the right from left lens….
Birth Control Glasses, According to ChatGPT
Birth Control Glasses, According to ChatGPT by Brian Chou, OD, FAAO, FSLS March 15, 2023 Ever hear of “birth control glasses”? Instead of asking Google what they are, today you might use the AI-powered ChatGPT bot. However, the result from ChatGPT is glaringly incorrect but admittedly quite humorous. The AI Chatbot’s Hilarious Response “Birth control glasses,…
How Contact Lens Power and Prescription Differ
How Contact Lens Power and Prescription Differ by Brian Chou, OD, FAAO, FSLS February 15, 2023 A contact lens prescription includes several parameters including power. Lens power describes light-bending efficacy. It is just one part of a contact lens prescription. Other elements of a contact lens prescription include material, diameter, and base curve. Custom scleral lenses…
Benefits and Disadvantages of Scleral Lenses Over RGPs
Benefits and Disadvantages of Scleral Lenses Over RGPs by Brian Chou, OD, FAAO, FSLS January 23, 2023 If you wear rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses, perhaps you have heard about scleral contact lenses. Are scleral contact lenses right for you? Learn six advantages of scleral lenses and two potential disadvantages over RGP lenses. Why Wear…
Should I Pay for Retinal Imaging?
Should I Pay for Retinal Imaging? by Brian Chou, OD, FAAO, FSLS December 18, 2022 More eye care practices offer retinal imaging today, a digital photograph of the internal structures of your eye. You may wonder if it is worth it. Should you pay extra for it? Most eye care practice charge between $30 to $50…
Why is my Eyeglass Prescription Wrong?
Why is my Eyeglass Prescription Wrong? by Brian Chou, OD, FAAO, FSLS November 16, 2022 You just got your new eyeglasses, but something feels wrong. What is going on? Rather than jumping to conclusions, you will want to consult your eye care professional. That way, you get specific advice for your individual situation. Often, your solution…
Saline for Scleral Contact Lenses
Saline for Scleral Contact Lenses by Brian Chou, OD, FAAO, FSLS October 23, 2022 If you wear scleral contact lenses, which saline solution should you fill your lenses with? The answer is simple: preservative-free saline. Learn below what preservatives are, what happens if you do not follow this guidance, and the benefits of adhering to…