Contact Lens Prescription Services in Sault Ste. Marie, MI - Sault Vision Clinic P.C.

Contact lenses are thin, curved pieces of glass or plastic placed directly on the eye to correct common vision disorders, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia.

Sault Vision Clinic P.C. provides professional contact lens prescriptions as part of our thorough eye care services. Many people prefer contact lenses over glasses for their unobstructed field of vision and resistance to fog and moisture.

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What the Service Includes

At Sault Vision Clinic P.C., getting a contact lens prescription is a multistep process, ensuring your eyes are healthy and well-suited to contacts. The typical sequence includes:

1. Eye Examination: An optometrist reviews your medical and vision history, checks your eye health (retina, optic nerve, etc.), and conducts a refraction test for proper lens power. Any history of dry eye, allergy, or disease is noted. Only after a complete exam can the doctor safely prescribe contact lenses.
2. Lens Selection Consultation: The doctor discusses your lifestyle needs (daily wear, extended wear, sports, etc.) and presents various contact lens options (soft disposable, rigid gas-permeable, toric lenses for astigmatism, multifocal for presbyopia, etc.).
3. Eye Measurements: Accurate measurements of the eye's front (corneal curvature), pupil size, and iris diameter ensure a snug fit. These measurements address differences between spectacle lenses and contacts to properly center the lens for clear vision. Advanced corneal topography may map the corneal shape for challenging fits.
4. Tear Film Evaluation: The quality and quantity of tear film are assessed to ensure sufficient lubrication for contact lenses. This test is vital for patients with dry eye symptoms; if tear production is low, specific lens materials or eye drops may be recommended for comfort.
5. Trial Lens Fitting: Trial contact lenses are selected and inserted. The optometrist evaluates lens movement, centering, and comfort. Vision with the trial lenses is checked, and adjustments are made as needed. You may wear the trial lenses up to a week before a follow-up appointment to ensure clear vision and fit.
6. Follow-Up and Training: At your follow-up appointment, your eye doctor will confirm the fit and prescribe your contact lenses. You will receive lens care guidance, and comfort concerns will be addressed. More follow-up exams may be scheduled to check your eye health and comfort.

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Technology & Diagnostic Tools

Sault Vision Clinic P.C. uses advanced diagnostic equipment to improve contact lens fittings and eye health.

1. Essilor Visioffice® with EyeCode: This system captures 20 personalized parameters like eye rotation, head posture, and frame position. These measurements help select contact lenses—especially multifocal and specialty designs—by considering eye movement and lens alignment with the visual axis. The Visioffice system benefits patients with complex prescriptions requiring custom lens fittings.
2. Carl Zeiss Meditec Cirrus HD-OCT: Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) offers high-resolution images of the retina and optic nerve, aiding in detecting eye diseases like macular degeneration and glaucoma. It also helps assess contact lenses by identifying issues affecting comfort.
3. Digital Refraction Systems: The clinic uses modern phoropters and autorefractors to measure refractive error with high repeatability. These tools minimize variability and support accurate prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses, ensuring consistent vision correction.

These technologies enhance diagnostic accuracy and ensure contact lenses fit individual vision needs and ocular health.

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Comparison With Eyeglasses

Contact lenses and eyeglasses correct vision, each with unique benefits. Contacts move with your eye, providing an unobstructed view without frames. They avoid common eyeglass issues; once fitted, they're often forgotten, exert no pressure, and don't fog or get wet, making them ideal for sports. Additionally, contacts offer appearance flexibility and can correct various conditions (e.g., toric lenses for astigmatism).

Eyeglasses, however, require little maintenance and present no infection risk since there's no direct eye contact. Still, they can limit peripheral vision and may slip during vigorous activities. They might also fog up or distort light at certain angles.

In conclusion, contact lenses provide a natural and active experience with daily care, while glasses minimize risks but may not fit every lifestyle. Sault Vision Clinic P.C. staff can assist you in evaluating these options for your vision needs.

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Meet the Experts

• Peter Merchand, O.D.: Dr. Merchand is an AOA and MOA member and graduated from Michigan College of Optometry. He has provided comprehensive eye care at Sault Vision Clinic P.C. for many years, including vision exams for children and adults. Dr. Merchand is also involved in international eye care missions to give back to the community. He is experienced in fitting standard and specialty contact lenses in patients of all ages.
• Emily Miszewski, O.D.: Dr. Miszewski attended undergrad at Central Michigan University and then graduated from Michigan College of Optometry. She is affiliated with the American and Michigan Optometric Associations. Dr. Miszewski is experienced in fitting patients of all ages in contact lenses and has experience in all types of contact lenses, from dailies to specialty contact lenses for unique eye shapes.

The doctors, alongside their support team of opticians and technicians, assist patients in selecting and fitting lenses to enhance vision quality and comfort.

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Insurance and Payment

Sault Vision Clinic P.C. accepts various insurance plans, including VSP, EyeMed, Heritage, Meritain, Medicare, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Other plans may also be accepted—call for details.

Vision insurance covers routine eye exams and some contact lens products, while medical insurance covers exams for eye problems. We also accept cash, money orders, and major credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, Discover, American Express).

Our front desk staff can assist you with billing or insurance questions, especially regarding contact lens prescriptions.

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Schedule Your Contact Lens Exam

To schedule a contact lens evaluation at Sault Vision Clinic P.C., please call us or visit our clinic.