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Contacts Specialist

Paddy Kalish, OD -  - Optometrist

Paddy Kalish, OD

Optometrist located in Brookline, MA

If you’re tired of wearing glasses but can’t see without them, it’s time to consider the benefits of contacts. At the office of Paddy Kalish, OD, in the Coolidge Corner district of Brookline, Massachusetts, Dr. Kalish can fit you with soft or hard contact lenses to improve your vision without the inconvenience of glasses. You can schedule a contact lens exam by calling the office of Paddy Kalish, OD, or by booking an appointment through the online booking feature.

Contacts Q & A

What are contacts?

Contacts are thin, clear plastic disks that fit over your eyes to correct refractive errors like:

  • Nearsightedness (myopia)
  • Farsightedness (hyperopia)
  • Age-related vision changes (presbyopia)
  • Distorted vision (astigmatism)

Prescription contact lenses work similarly to eyeglasses to improve your vision. When you put the lenses into your eyes, they float on a film of tears that covers your cornea. Dr. Kalish can determine the prescription of your lenses and the best type of contacts for you during an eye exam.

Dr. Kalish also specializes in orthokeratology, a refractive therapy that uses special contact lenses to improve adolescent vision over time.

What types of contacts are available?

There are two primary types of contact lenses – soft and hard.

Soft contacts

Soft contact lenses are made of thin, flexible plastic. This type of contact is popular because the lenses fit comfortably on your eye and you can choose from different lens types, including daily wear and extended wear, to accommodate your lifestyle and personal preferences. 

Hard contacts

The most common type of hard contacts is known as rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses. This type of contact is made from a more rigid plastic. The lens allows oxygen to flow through to your eyes but holds its shape. 

RGP lenses are most beneficial for people with astigmatism and keratoconus, a condition where the cornea thins out and bulges in a cone-shape.

If you’re interested in getting contacts, you’ll need a contact lens exam which is different from a routine eye exam. Dr. Kalish also sells contact lens accessories in-office for your convenience.

Why do I need a contact lens exam?

A contact lens exam involves special tests to ensure a good fit for your contact lenses. Dr. Kalish doesn’t include these tests during a routine eye exam, so you need a separate exam before you can order your contacts.

If you know you want contacts or need to update the prescription of your contact lenses, Dr. Kalish can perform both exams at the same time. Just let the office know when you schedule your appointment.

In addition to evaluating your visual acuity and measuring your eyes for your contact lenses, Dr. Kalish provides guidance that helps you care for your contacts properly. Proper maintenance of your contacts protects your vision and reduces your risk for infection.

To schedule a contact lens exam, call the office of Paddy Kalish, DO, or book an appointment online today.