Contact Lens Exams in Seattle

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Preparing for Your Visit

• Wear your current contact lenses to your appointment.

• Bring documentation of your prescription (brand and power), especially if lenses were prescribed elsewhere.

• No records? Don’t worry—we’ll still ensure a precise fit!

During Your Exam
Our Seattle optometrists will:

1. Evaluate your current lenses for fit and comfort.

2. Perform specialized tests to assess corneal health and vision needs.

3. Discuss new options—like daily disposables or multifocal lenses—if your eyes could benefit from updates.

Why Annual Evaluations Matter

Washington state requires yearly exams to:

• Ensure your eyes stay healthy.

• Update prescriptions, even if your vision seems unchanged.

• Cover follow-up visits and trial lenses at no extra cost (unless treating conditions like dry eye).

After Your Appointment

Most patients leave with trial lenses and finalize their prescriptions via a quick email or call. We make it easy!

Types of Lenses & Costs

Spherical Contact Lenses: Affordable Single Vision Solutions

Spherical contact lenses correct single vision without astigmatism, offering a straightforward fit for most patients. With a simplified design, spherical lenses are budget-friendly at just $100 for fitting. Ideal for those needing basic distance or near vision correction, these lenses are a cost-effective choice for standard prescriptions.

Toric Contact Lenses: Precision Correction for Astigmatism

Toric contact lenses address astigmatism with advanced curvature to focus light accurately. Due to their complex design, toric lens fittings cost $risingto$140 for specialty lenses. These lenses ensure optimal clarity for patients with irregular corneal shapes, balancing precision and value.

Multifocal & Monovision Lenses: Solutions for Presbyopia

Multifocal or monovision contact lenses cater to presbyopia (age-related near vision loss). These fittings require detailed customization, often needing follow-ups, with a fee of $140.up\; to$160 in rare cases. Perfect for patients over 40, these options blend distance, intermediate, and near vision correction.

Vision Insurance & Out-of-Pocket Costs

Vision insurance may partially cover contact lens fittings. Without insurance, a $195 comprehensive eye exam (including refraction) applies alongside fitting fees. Discuss coverage with your provider to estimate expenses.

Hard (RGP) Contact Lenses: Discontinued Fittings

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses are rarely used today. Our clinic no longer offers RGP fittings due to declining demand and patient preference for soft lenses.

Presbyopia Solutions: Distance Lenses + Readers vs. Advanced Options

Many patients over 40 ask, “Can I wear contacts if I need bifocals?” Solutions include:

1. Distance Contacts + Readers: Affordable but requires wearing reading glasses over contacts.

2. Monovision Contacts: One eye for distance, the other for near.

3. Multifocal Contacts: High-tech lenses with blended vision at all distances.

Monovision Contacts: Dual-Focus Adaptation

Monovision assigns your dominant eye for distance and the other for near/computer vision. While 80% of patients adapt successfully, depth perception may dip temporarily. Not recommended for surgeons, athletes, or detail-oriented tasks. Though intermediate vision may lag, monovision remains a proven, decades-old strategy.

Multifocal Contact Lenses: Advanced All-Distance Vision

Multifocal lenses use concentric ring technology to blend distance, intermediate, and near powers. Vision won’t be perfect at any range but functional for daily tasks. Adhering to the 80% Rule, patients achieve clear vision 80% of the time without readers. Expect slight ghosting due to overlapping focal zones, but modern designs like Acuvue Oasys Multifocal deliver impressive 20/20 distance and 20/25 near vision for adaptable wearers.

Contact Lenses for Children: Safety, Maturity & Success Stories

We typically fit contacts at age 13+, but exceptions exist for motivated, hygienic children. A 9-year-old gymnast, for example, transitioned to ballet with contacts after glasses hindered her performance. Dr. Mark Cannon emphasizes hygiene and responsibility during fittings, ensuring young wearers understand lens care.