Contact Lens Fittings in Saratoga Springs, NY
Whether you are a first-time contact lens wearer or looking to update your prescription, Saratoga Vision provides comprehensive contact lens evaluations and fittings for patients of all ages in Saratoga Springs, NY. Our optometrists offer a wide selection of lens types — from daily disposables and extended-wear lenses to specialty options for complex prescriptions and hard-to-fit eyes. Call (518) 587-5900 to schedule your contact lens consultation today.
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Why See an Optometrist for Contact Lenses?
Contact lenses are medical devices that sit directly on the surface of your eye — which means getting the right fit, material, and prescription matters enormously for both your vision and your long-term eye health. Buying contacts online without a proper fitting or current prescription may seem convenient, but it can lead to poor vision, lens discomfort, and serious ocular complications including corneal infections and ulcers.
At Saratoga Vision, our contact lens evaluation includes a comprehensive assessment of your visual needs, a detailed measurement of your corneal curvature and eye surface, and a personalized recommendation based on your lifestyle, prescription, and ocular health. We also provide thorough training on proper lens insertion, removal, and care to ensure you are confident and safe from day one.
Types of Contact Lenses We Offer
Soft Daily Disposable Lenses
Daily disposable lenses are discarded after each use, offering the most hygienic and convenient option available. They eliminate the need for lens storage solutions and overnight cleaning, and are an excellent choice for patients who wear contacts part-time, have sensitive eyes, or are prone to allergies. Many patients find dailies the most comfortable option for extended wear.
Bi-Weekly and Monthly Disposable Lenses
These lenses are removed nightly, stored in solution, and replaced every two weeks or once a month. They offer a cost-effective option for daily contact lens wearers and are available in a wide range of prescriptions, including toric designs for astigmatism and multifocal designs for presbyopia.
Extended Wear Lenses
Certain contact lenses are FDA-approved for continuous overnight wear for up to seven days. Extended wear lenses are made from highly oxygen-permeable silicone hydrogel materials to minimize the risk of corneal oxygen deprivation. They are suitable only for select patients after careful evaluation by our optometrists.
Toric Lenses for Astigmatism
Toric contact lenses are specially designed to correct astigmatism by incorporating two different powers in different lens meridians. They feature a stabilization mechanism that keeps the lens properly oriented on the eye despite the natural forces of blinking. Modern toric lenses offer excellent comfort and visual stability.
Multifocal Contact Lenses
Designed for patients with presbyopia (age-related loss of near focus), multifocal contacts incorporate distance and near correction zones within a single lens. They allow most patients to see clearly at multiple distances without reaching for reading glasses. We offer a range of multifocal brands and designs to find the best fit for your visual needs.
Scleral and Specialty Lenses
For patients with irregular corneas, keratoconus, severe dry eye, or other complex conditions, we offer a full range of specialty contact lens options through our dedicated hard-to-fit contact lens program. These include scleral lenses, rigid gas-permeable lenses, and hybrid lenses designed to provide clear, comfortable vision for patients who cannot wear standard soft lenses.
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Contact Lenses
We also offer orthokeratology (Ortho-K) — a non-surgical vision correction method using custom rigid gas-permeable lenses worn only overnight. While you sleep, these lenses gently reshape the cornea so you can see clearly without any correction during the day. Ortho-K is particularly popular as a myopia control tool for children and teens, as it has been shown to slow the progression of nearsightedness over time.
Ordering Contact Lenses
Current patients of Saratoga Vision can conveniently reorder their contact lenses online or by calling our office at (518) 587-5900. Please note that a valid, current contact lens prescription is required for all lens orders. Contact lens prescriptions typically expire annually, so if your prescription has lapsed, we recommend scheduling a contact lens evaluation exam before ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions About Contact Lenses
Do I need a separate prescription for contact lenses vs. eyeglasses?
Yes. A contact lens prescription is different from an eyeglass prescription. Contact lens prescriptions include additional parameters such as base curve and diameter, which determine how the lens fits on your eye. The prescription power may also differ slightly from your glasses prescription due to the lens being placed directly on the eye rather than at a distance from it. At Saratoga Vision, we perform a dedicated contact lens evaluation to provide you with a complete, accurate contact lens prescription tailored to your eyes.
How do I know which type of contact lens is right for me?
The best contact lens for you depends on your prescription, eye health, lifestyle, and wearing habits. Daily disposables are ideal for convenience and hygiene; monthly lenses are cost-effective for daily wearers; toric lenses correct astigmatism; multifocals address presbyopia; and specialty lenses serve patients with complex eye conditions. Our optometrists at Saratoga Vision will evaluate all of these factors during your contact lens fitting and provide a personalized recommendation. Call (518) 587-5900 to schedule your fitting.
How often should I replace my contact lenses?
Replacement schedule depends entirely on the type of lens prescribed. Daily disposables are discarded after each use. Bi-weekly lenses are replaced every two weeks from the date of opening. Monthly lenses are replaced every 30 days from the date of opening — regardless of how many days they were actually worn. Never extend your lens replacement schedule beyond what is recommended, as worn-out lenses accumulate deposits and bacteria that increase the risk of eye infections and corneal damage.
Can I sleep in my contact lenses?
Unless your optometrist has specifically prescribed extended-wear lenses approved for overnight use, sleeping in contact lenses is not recommended. Even with extended-wear lenses, risks increase with continuous overnight wear. Sleeping in lenses — particularly conventional daily wear lenses — reduces corneal oxygenation, increases the risk of corneal infections, and can cause complications ranging from mild irritation to serious corneal ulcers. Remove your lenses before sleep and consult Saratoga Vision if you are interested in lenses designed for extended wear.
Can I wear contact lenses if I have dry eye?
Many patients with dry eye can successfully wear contact lenses with the right lens type and a dry eye management plan. Silicone hydrogel lenses and daily disposables often perform better for dry eye patients. For more severe dry eye, scleral lenses — which create a fluid reservoir over the cornea — may be the most comfortable option. Our team at Saratoga Vision evaluates both your dry eye status and your contact lens needs together, and we offer comprehensive dry eye treatment to help improve your wearing comfort.
What is the difference between soft lenses and rigid gas-permeable lenses?
Soft lenses are made from flexible hydrogel or silicone hydrogel materials that conform to the shape of the eye, making them comfortable to wear right from the start. Rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses are firm and hold their shape independent of the eye, creating a smooth optical surface that can correct vision more precisely — particularly for patients with irregular corneas or high prescriptions. RGP lenses require an adaptation period but are extremely durable and provide excellent oxygen permeability. Our specialty lens program includes both options.
Can teenagers wear contact lenses?
Yes. Many teenagers are excellent contact lens candidates, and contact lens wear can be very beneficial for active teens involved in sports and other activities where glasses may be impractical. Readiness is more about responsibility and maturity than age — teens who are diligent about hygiene and follow-through are usually great candidates. We also offer Ortho-K lenses and specialty lenses for teens with myopia as part of our myopia control program. Call (518) 587-5900 to discuss the options for your teen.