Contact Lenses - New York, New York

Common Questions

Throughout the years, many customers have to come ask us similar questions and Stuart H. Blankman would like to share of them in the Manhattan and New York, New York areas.

Questions About Contact Lenses:

Q: How Long Does It Take To Get Used To New Contact Lenses If You Have Never Worn Them Before?

A: This varies from patient to patient. Generally speaking, most new soft contact lens patients get used to the feel of the lenses almost immediately. Patients needing gas permeable lenses usually take a day or two.

Q: Can A Contact Lens Get Lost Behind My Eye?

A: No. Your eyes protect themselves from anything going behind it.

Q: Am I Old Enough To Wear Contact Lenses?

A: If you are old enough to be responsible for your personal property, then you are probably old enough to wear contact lenses. While I have fit several 9 and 10 year old children with contact lenses, I have met many 21 year olds who were not "old enough."

Q: Are Disposable Contact Lenses Worth The Extra Money?

A: Disposable contact lenses are much cleaner and, therefore healthier, way to go providing they are changed according to your eye doctor's instructions. Most contact lenses on the market allow mucous to accumulate and then harden on the lens. This can feel irritating to the patient and possibly cause infections. Disposable lenses are generally changed before this occurs.

Q: Is There Really A Big Difference Between Daily & Extended Wear Contact Lenses?

A: In many cases there is no difference, extended wear contact lenses have been approved for sleep by the FDA. However, one must realize that while asphyxiation of the eye does not occur with extended wear lenses, the eye does not get the same amount of oxygen while closed.

Q: Where Is The Best Place To Buy Contact Lenses?

A: While some Internet companies may be lees expensive to purchase contact lenses, you must realize that they have no interest in the health of your eyes. As a contact lens wearer, you should have your eyes examined at least once a year to be sure that the lenses are not causing damage. If you really compare Internet prices to your practitioner's fees, you might be very surprised to see how little the difference is over the course of a year.

Q: My Doctor Refused To Give Me A Prescription For Contact Lenses. Is This Legal?

A: No!

Q: Can I Wear Contact Lenses If I Have Bifocal Eyeglasses?

A: Yes! Many people have successfully been fit with bifocal monovision contact lenses. Monovision lenses consist of fitting one eye for distance and the other eye for near. You'd be surprised how many people LOVE this.

Q: Why Did My Doctor Tell Me To Come Back After He Has Already Fitted Me With My Contact Lenses?

A: Your doctor is looking out for the health of your eyes. On occasion, a contact lens will tighten up causing a slightly red eye, or loosen up causing discomfort or reduced vision. If this occurs, your doctor will change the fit of the lens or the brand and type of lens.

Q: What Are Gas Permeable Contact Lenses?

A: Gas permeable lenses transmit more oxygen to the eyes resulting in greater comfort and better eye health. They can provide better vision and durability than soft lenses and are easier to clean. Since they are long lasting, they can be less expensive in the long run.

Questions About Eyeglasses:

Q: Why Should I Bother To Go To The Eye Doctor When I Can Simply Pick Up An Inexpensive Pair Of Eyeglasses At The Store?

A: Besides being fabricated from superior materials, eyeglasses that are custom made from a doctor's prescription will be made so that your eye is looking through the optical center of the lens. Ready made "drugstore" glasses are mass produced and the optical center may fall far from proper positioning.

Q: How Do I Avoid Annoying Reflections On My Eyeglasses?

A: An anti-reflection coating can be put on your lenses to minimize those annoying reflections. These coatings are now made far superiorly to those of a few years ago.

Q: I'm Interested In The Glasses That Change To Sunglasses When You Go Outside. Can You Tell Me More About Them?

A: Lenses can be made to go from practically clear (very slight tint) to dark sunglasses depending on the amount of sunlight (and degree of temperature). Until recently, only glass lenses (photo gray or brown) turned dark in a car. Today, there is a newer type of plastic (transitions) lens called "Drivewear" that will get darker in a car.

Q: I Find Most Eyeglasses To Be Too Small For My Head. Do You Know Of Any Brands That Carry Larger Frames?

A: While it is true that smaller frames are in vogue, most optical establishments carry frames small enough to fit little children as well as larger children and adults.

Q: What Are The Warning Signs That A Child Might Need Glasses?

A: If your child holds his reading material too close, sits too close to the TV, confuses letters and numbers, rubs his eyes a lot, complains of burning or tearing of the eyes while reading, or frequent headaches, he may need glasses.

Q: How Do I Choose Glasses That My Child Will Actually Wear Without Breaking The Bank?

A: There are MANY moderately priced children's frames on the market. Don't let an optical dispenser show you only high priced frames. If that occurs, speak up.

Q: I'm Worried That My Son's Glasses Could Break While He Is Wearing Them. What's The Best Way To Protect His Eyes?

A: While it is true that frames can break (even titanium or "bendable" material) and cause cuts and scratches, lenses made of polycarbonate are extremely difficult to break, while providing good protection against ultraviolet ray's scratches.

Q: How Can I Prolong The Life Of My Eyeglasses?

A: Glasses should be put on and removed using two hands at all times. This prevents the frames rfom being pulled out of shape. Your fingers should never be used to wipe the lenses as there may be hard particles like dirt that can scratch them. Lenses should NEVER be wiped dry. Wet them before wiping.

Q: I Can See Fine To Read Or Drive, But I'm Having Trouble With Certain Tasks, Especially At Work. What's Wrong?

A: You may be reaching "presbyopic" age and need help for reading. Many Asthenopic symptoms (eye strain) can be relieved by turning down the brightness on your computer monitor and taking a visual break from the computer every few minutes. This is accomplished simply by closing your eyes or turning away from the computer for 2 to 3 seconds.

Q: I'm Tired Of My "Coke Bottle" Lenses. Is There Anything I Can Do?

A: There are several types of "high index" lenses that can minimize the thickness, or polycarbonate lenses. You should opt for a smaller frame which will make the edge of the lenses thinner. Anti reflection coatings and edge polishing also help.

Q: The Anti-Reflection Coating On My Glasses Is Smeary (Or Foggy). What Can I Do About It?

A: Using a spray made specifically for anti-reflective lenses and a special lens cleaning cloth can alleviate the problem.

Q: Do My Glasses Protect My Eyes From The Sun?

A: Incorporating UV protection into your plastic lenses will help protect you from the sun's harmful rays. Glass (which may be heavier and of course can break more easily) and polycarbonate lenses also protect your eyes from the harmful rays. Ultraviolet protection should not be misconstrued for sunglasses. Sunglass tint, especially Polaroid, should be used to cut down on brightness and glare.

Call us now at (212) 362-8090 or (212) 724-5040.