An OD prescribes glasses, contact lenses, engages in low vision rehabilitation and vision therapy, and, in some states, can prescribe ophthalmic medications and perform certain surgical procedures. An optician is a paramedical professional who manufactures and dispenses eyeglasses and helps in the selection of frames. A growing number of people now wear disposable soft lenses, which can be worn for either a single day or up to 14, depending on the wear schedule prescribed by the eyecare professional. Disposable lenses are usually prescribed in multi-packs, providing several weeks' supply at a time. Frequent and planned replacement lenses are lenses that are replaced on a planned schedule, most often monthly, quarterly or biannually.
Contact lenses can correct most vision conditions, including nearsightedness and farsightedness.
It's estimated that nearly 71 million Americans have astigmatism to some degree and 77 million Americans are affected by presbyopia. Today's lenses and lens fitting techniques can help many of these people. Vision may become slightly impaired or altered during pregnancy due to hormonal changes, dry eyes, and water retention. If any of the symptoms occur, contact your eyecare professional and obstetrician. Expectant mothers who require vision correction but are experiencing vision changes may want to consider disposable contacts, as these allow your prescription to be modified on a regular basis at a lower overall cost than some other lenses.