Contact Lens Prescriptions – Poplar Bluff & Sikeston, MO
Contact lenses are a convenient alternative to glasses, offering an expanded field of vision and a more natural appearance while correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. At Dr. Obermark Eye Health Care, our optometrists provide accurate, individualized contact lens prescriptions for patients in Poplar Bluff MO and Sikeston MO.
As part of a contact lens examination, physicians conduct a series of tests to ensure that lenses fit properly and are comfortable. All fittings come with a complimentary trial pair of contacts, and we will replace lost or damaged lenses (from that fitting) at no additional charge for one year.
Comprehensive Eye Exams
All contact lens prescriptions start with a comprehensive eye exam.
- Step 1: We check your vision (refract) using a phoropter (computerized refractor) to measure your exact lens power and ensure accuracy.
- Step 2: We use instruments such as slit-lamp microscopes to check the front and back of the eye for cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and other factors.
- Step 3: Dilation and retinal imaging are performed as needed for a thorough examination of health.
Routine comprehensive examinations enable us to detect eye problems early and maintain prescriptions current.
Contact Lens Fittings & Prescription
During contact lens fitting, we take readings beyond your glasses prescription, including corneal curvature and tear film measurement, and consider your daily habits to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for daily or extended-wear lenses. You test diagnostic lenses to ensure a proper fit and clear vision.
First-time wearers learn individually how to insert, remove, and take care of their new lenses. We strive to make your contacts feel comfortable from the start and leave them confident about using them.
Types of Lenses Available
We offer a range of contact lenses tailored to various prescriptions and lifestyles. Choices include:
- Daily disposable lenses (one-day disposable lenses that are thrown away nightly).
- Bi-weekly (2-week) disposable lenses (replaced every 14 days, cleaned nightly).
- Monthly lenses (replaced every 30 days).
- Extended-wear/custom lenses for hard-to-fit prescriptions (for longer wear or special vision requirements).
- Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses are worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea and temporarily improve vision.
- Rigid Gas-Permeable (RGP) lenses and other specialty lenses for strong prescriptions or astigmatism (usually used for sharper vision in complicated cases).
- Multifocal/bifocal contacts for presbyopia (for clear near and distance vision).
- Toric lenses are used to correct unequal curvature of the eye.
We offer lenses to correct vision problems such as astigmatism and presbyopia. We can also fit color contact lenses safely if desired (in consultation with your eye doctor).
Contact Lens Hygiene & Training
We employ gentle insertion and removal techniques, and we are happy to address any questions you may have. Detailed hygiene instructions are also provided to minimize the risk of infection. Some of the important care tips are:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling your contacts.
- Hold lenses carefully using only your fingertips (without fingernails) and store them in clean solution when not in use.
- Use new rubber-bulb syringes and fresh cleaning/disinfection solution each time you remove lenses, and never use used solution.
- Replace your lens case whenever you start a new set of lenses to prevent contamination.
- Adhere to your prescribed wear schedule and do not sleep in contact lenses or extend wear beyond the recommended time, except with your doctor's advice.
- Do not use water or saliva for cleaning lenses. They can harbor bacteria.
- Never exchange contact lenses with anyone else (they're individually prescribed to fit your eyes and can pass an infection).
By adhering to these guidelines and the instructions provided during your fitting, you'll maintain healthy lenses and eyes with a minimal risk of irritation or infection.
Advanced Technology & Personalized Care
Dr. Obermark Eye Health Care utilizes the latest technology to deliver precise prescriptions and comfortable fittings. Our facilities are equipped with digital refractors (phoropters) for vision measurement, slit-lamp microscopes for examining ocular tissue, and other imaging systems to conduct a thorough examination of eye health. These advanced devices enable our optometrists to customize each contact lens prescription to your eyes exactly.
Moreover, each new fitting is performed under direct supervision, allowing for any small adjustments to be made on the spot. For instance, our offices offer a free trial lens as part of the exam and provide 1-year replacement insurance for lost or broken lenses, ensuring you receive a precise and comfortable final prescription.
Meet the Experts
Our contact lens care is administered by trained, board-certified optometrists:
- Dr. Cassidy D. Obermark, O.D. – Eye care expert in ocular disease. Dr. Cassidy earned her Doctor of Optometry from the University of Missouri and a fellowship in ocular disease. She applies her knowledge of eye health to each contact lens fitting and eye examination.
- Dr. Daniel R. Obermark, O.D. – Practice founder and senior optometrist. Dr. Dan Obermark received his Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Missouri College of Optometry in 1990 and founded our Sikeston practice in 1996. With over 25 years of experience, he provides comprehensive eye care, including thorough contact lens evaluations and fittings.
Insurance & Payment Details
We bill most vision insurance plans for our routine eye exams and contact lens services. This typically includes plans such as VSP, EyeMed, UnitedHealthcare Vision, and others. If your contact lens exam is considered medical care (for instance, if it's for an eye disease), Medicare or your medical insurance may also help cover the cost. Our office personnel can assist you in determining your benefits and help process your claims.
For payment, we accept cash, check, and major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover). We also accept CareCredit financing for patients who want to make payments over time. A cash discount may be available for uninsured exams in some instances.
