AVS versus 1-800-Contacts

The value that patients receive from purchasing their contact lenses from AVS versus retail outlets like 1-800-contacts is twofold: first, the competitive and often superior price point that they will find at AVS; second, the opportunity to have their eyes evaluated by an ophthalmologist. Contact lens use, even when done with proper hygiene measures, can pose a challenge to the ocular surface, or surface of the eye. Because a contact lens is essentially a foreign body that sits on top of the cornea for hours at a time, the body can sometimes react to the presence of a contact lens with an inflammatory response. While rare, this is something that we find among some of our contact lens patients.

This inflammation can cause redness, irritation, tearing, light sensitivity, and even decreased vision. When issues like these arise, they are successfully treated with medicated eye drops and must be monitored carefully.  As with any other health condition, the old saying is true: "an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure". By visiting AVS on an annual basis for a contact lens examination, the patient's corneas can be thoroughly examined for early signs of this inflammatory process.  If present, changes can be instituted to the patient's contact lens regimen in order to minimize the inflammation, or even avoid it altogether.

Unfortunately, purchasing contact lenses from sources like 1-800-contacts does not offer the benefit of a thorough eye examination. Consequently, any corneal issues that might arise from contact lens wear cannot be caught at an early stage, and will progress until symptoms disrupt the patient's vision and eye comfort.