More Calgarians are choosing contact lenses as a convenient alternative to glasses. Whether you’re active, on the go, or looking for more flexibility, contacts can fit easily into your lifestyle. While Calgary’s dry air can sometimes make wearing contact lenses a bit tricky, the right lens type and proper fit can make all the difference. At Mission Eye Care, our team of optometrists know the unique challenges of our climate. Lenses that work in more humid climates are often uncomfortable here. We offer expert guidance to help you enjoy clear, comfortable vision with lenses tailored to your eyes.
How do our Optometrists find the Right Contact Lenses for You?
Every eye is unique, so your contact lenses should be too. When you visit our Optometrists at Mission Eye Care we will evaluate your prescription, eye health, and lifestyle to recommend lenses that suit your vision needs and daily routine. As a teaching institution, we also have early access to the newest options from daily disposable to reuseable lenses to custom options suited to your needs.
Types of Contact Lenses
There are plenty of options for contact lenses in Calgary, from simple daily disposables to advanced specialty designs. The best choice often depends on your vision, comfort preferences and lifestyle. Here’s a quick look at what’s available:
Daily Disposable Contact Lenses
If convenience and hygiene are top priorities, daily disposable lenses are hard to beat. Perfect for travel, sports, or busy days—just wear them once and toss them before bed. These are also ideal for occasional wearers. Learn more about daily disposable contact lenses here.
Weekly, Bi-Weekly and Monthly Contact Lenses
Reusable lenses can be a more economical and environmentally friendly option. They require daily cleaning with contact lens solution recommended by your doctor that is suited for your specific contact lens type to reduce risks of inflammation and infection.
Multifocal Contact Lenses
These lenses let you see clearly at all distances—no need to switch to reading glasses. They come in daily, bi-weekly, and monthly options. See if multifocal contact lenses are right for you.
Scleral Contact Lenses
For patients with complex prescriptions or conditions like keratoconus, scleral lenses can offer outstanding clarity and comfort. They rest on the white part of the eye (the sclera) and create a tear reservoir that can be especially helpful for people with dry eyes. Read about scleral lenses here.
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Lenses
Ortho-k lenses are worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea, giving you clear daytime vision without glasses or contacts. They are also one of the most effective ways to help slow the progression of myopia (nearsightedness) progression in children. Explore Ortho-K options.
Colored Contact Lenses
Want to change or enhance your natural eye color? Colored contact lenses are a fun, safe option—when properly fit and prescribed by your optometrist. See color options here.
The Fitting Process: What to Expect
Your first appointment includes:
- A full eye exam to assess your prescription and eye health.
- Measurements of corneal curvature and tear film.
- A trial fitting to check comfort and clarity.
- Training on inserting, removing, and caring for your lenses.
Our advanced technology, including 3D scleral mapping, ensures a custom fit for any specialty lenses.
Why Buy Lenses from Mission Eye Care Instead of Online
We pride ourselves on our Lens Price Guarantee, promising to be within 10% (and in most cases less expensive) compared to the leading online retailers. We also provide instant and loyalty rebates that you cannot get online. Our easy online reordering portal is hassle free, transparent, and offers free shipping on any supply!
We also upload your exact prescription and lens information to your profile, avoiding the risk involved with manual entry on your part. Logging in is easy with just your phone number. You can also customize reorder reminders to suit your desired frequency of wear!
When you’re fit by one of our Optometrists, you also get the peace of mind knowing your lenses are safe and effective, with additional access to our no-stress replacement policy, warranty options, and direct follow-up care if anything isn’t quite right. Health Canada classifies contact lenses as medical devices, meaning they should only be purchased from trusted, licensed providers to protect your eye health (Health Canada, 2021).
Tips for Wearing Contact Lenses in Calgary’s Dry Climate
- Certain materials used in daily or weekly disposable soft contact lenses offer superior wetting characteristics compared to lenses that are to be worn for a longer period of time. Ask to try these newer options!
- Use unpreserved artificial tears compatible with contact lenses. Your Optometrist can recommend several options that will best suit your unique eyes.
- Follow your optometrist’s replacement schedule closely.
- Avoid napping and do not sleep in lenses. Doing so increases your risk of severe bacterial infection by 5 times!
- For severe dry eye, consider scleral lens designs which act as a barrier to keep moisture directly on the corneal surface all day long.
The Canadian Association of Optometrists emphasizes that proper lens care — including washing hands before handling lenses, using recommended cleaning solutions, and never extending wear time — is essential to protect your eye health (CAO, 2023).
FAQ: Contact Lenses in Calgary
Are contact lenses safe for kids?
Yes, with proper training and supervision, children can safely wear contacts. Ortho-K lenses are often recommended for myopia control in kids.
How long does it take to get used to contacts?
Most people adapt within a few hours to days. Specialty lenses may take a little longer.
Can I swim with contact lenses?
Daily disposables are best for swimming and should be disposed of afterwards, but it’s safest to use prescription goggles.
How often should I replace my contact lenses?
Follow the replacement schedule (daily, weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly) set by your optometrist. Extending wear increases risk of inflammation and infections.
Conclusion
Whether you’re considering your first pair of lenses or exploring specialty options, contact lenses in Calgary can be safe, comfortable, and life-changing when fitted by our experts at Mission Eye Care. Our team has advanced training with over 65 years of combined experience in fitting everything from daily disposables to complex scleral lenses.
Book your contact lens consultation today and see the difference a professional fitting can make.
Dr. Andrea Lasby Optometrist (FAAO, FSLS, FCCSO)
Dr. Lasby is a private practice clinician and partner at Mission Eye Care in Calgary. She is residency trained in corneal disease and custom contact lenses. She is also a well-renowned speaker and serves on the board of the Alberta Association of Optometrists.
References
- Canadian Association of Optometrists. (March 18, 2023). Wear and Care for Contact Lenses. https://opto.ca/eye-health-library/wear-and-care-contact-lenses
- Health Canada. (July 19, 2021). Contact Lenses – Medical Devices and Safety Information. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/healthy-living/your-health/medical-information/contact-lenses.html
