1. Types of Lenses

Before deciding on eye lenses, it’s essential to understand the different types available:

  • Soft Lenses: These are the most common and comfortable, made of soft, flexible plastics that allow oxygen to pass through to the cornea.
  • Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses: These lenses are more durable and provide clearer vision, especially for people with astigmatism or irregular corneal shapes. However, they can take longer to get used to.
  • Extended Wear Lenses: These lenses can be worn continuously for up to 30 days, including overnight. They are suitable for people with busy lifestyles but require strict adherence to hygiene practices to avoid infections.
  • Daily Disposable Lenses: These are single-use lenses that you discard at the end of the day. They are convenient and reduce the risk of infections since you’re using a fresh pair every day.

2. Proper Fitting and Prescription

Getting the correct prescription and fit is crucial for comfort and eye health. An optometrist or ophthalmologist will perform a thorough eye examination to determine your specific vision needs and measure your eyes to ensure a perfect fit. Ill-fitting lenses can cause discomfort, blurred vision, or even damage to your eyes.

3. Maintenance and Hygiene

Proper care and maintenance of your lenses are vital to avoid eye infections and complications:

  • Cleaning and Disinfecting: Follow your eye care professional’s instructions on cleaning and disinfecting your lenses. Use the recommended solutions and avoid using water or saliva.
  • Storage: Store your lenses in a clean case with fresh solution. Replace the case regularly to prevent bacterial buildup.
  • Hygiene Practices: Always wash and dry your hands before handling lenses. Avoid touching your eyes with dirty hands, and never share your lenses with others.

4. Potential Risks and Complications

While lenses can significantly improve your vision, they come with potential risks and complications if not used correctly:

  • Infections: Poor hygiene and improper lens care can lead to eye infections, such as bacterial keratitis.
  • Dry Eyes: Some people may experience dryness and discomfort, especially with extended wear lenses. Eye drops or switching to a different type of lens may help.
  • Allergies and Irritations: Dust, pollen, and other allergens can get trapped under the lenses, causing irritation. Using daily disposables or rewetting drops can alleviate these issues.
  • Corneal Ulcers: Serious complications like corneal ulcers can occur with improper use and care, potentially leading to vision loss.

5. Lifestyle Considerations

Consider your lifestyle and daily activities when choosing eye lenses:

  • Convenience: Daily disposables are ideal for busy individuals or those who travel frequently, as they require minimal maintenance.
  • Sports and Activities: If you participate in sports or outdoor activities, look for lenses designed for active lifestyles, which offer better stability and comfort.
  • Work Environment: For those who work in dry or dusty environments, lenses with higher moisture content or special coatings may be more suitable.
  • Budget: Lenses come in a range of prices. Daily disposables can be more expensive in the long run compared to monthly or bi-weekly lenses, so consider your budget and how often you’re willing to replace them.

By understanding these key points, you can make an informed decision and enjoy the benefits of improved eyesight with the right eye lenses.

Tatum Eyecare is North Phoenix’s premier family eye care center. We’ve spared no expense to create the most pleasant, comfortable patient experience… including the finest furnishings, the best selection of prescription eyeglass frames, the most cutting-edge technology, and the most outstanding team of industry professionals. Come see why the choice for family eye care in the Valley has never been clearer.

Dr. Bryan Fuller

Dr. Bryan Fuller of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
Dr. Fuller grew up in Issaquah, Washington and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Washington State University. He decided to ditch the calculator and trade it in for a phoropter and slit lamp. He headed east to The Ohio State University where he received his Optometry degree in 1998. Go Bucks! Not wanting to return to the gray of Washington, after graduation, he headed southwest to sunny Arizona. Shortly thereafter he met Dr. McPhelan and they partnered up at their original location, Optical Illusions. With the success of the first location, the two doctors opened up their north location, Optique at the Ridge. After many years of operating the two locations, it was time for an upgrade. In 2016 they merged the two locations into their larger and current location, Tatum Eyecare! When not at the office, Dr. Fuller enjoys spending his free time with his amazing wife and two boys. Dr. Fuller holds the following degrees:

Ohio State University - Doctorate of Optometry
Washington State University - B.S. Mechanical Engineering

Dr. James McPhelan

Dr. James McPhelan of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
Dr. McPhelan grew up in Southern California and enlisted in the Army at age 17. He graduated from Southern California College of Optometry in 1976, then started practicing optometry in Arizona in 1977. Over the next few years, he grew 20/20 Eye Care to 15 offices. In 1999, he and Dr. Fuller took over Optical Illusions, then opened Optique at the Ridge. In 2016, they created Tatum Eyecare. In his spare time, Dr. McPhelan is an avid golfer, often competing in multiple tournaments through the year. Dr. McPhelan holds the following degrees:


Southern California College of Optometry - Doctorate of Optometry

Dr. Houle

Dr. Houle
Dr. Houle is following in her father's footsteps as an optometrist. She is a North Dakota native who received her Bachelor's degree from the University of North Dakota before earning her Doctorate of Optometry from Midwestern University - Arizona College of Optometry. Dr. Houle began her career in eye care more than 10 years ago, and she worked as a receptionist, optician, and technician before becoming an optometrist. She has a particular interest in the management of ocular disease including dry eye and glaucoma. In her free time, Dr. Houle is an avid baseball fan (go Twins!) and spends as much time as possible with her friends and family in both Arizona and North Dakota.

Midwestern University – Arizona College of Optometry - Doctorate of Optometry
University of North Dakota - Bachelor of Science: Biology

Dr. Kenneth O'Daniel

Dr. Kenneth O'Daniel of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
Dr. O’Daniel was born in the beautiful mountains of Waynesville, North Carolina and grew up in Dayton, Ohio. He attended Wright State University and graduated with his BS in Biology in 1977; shortly thereafter, beginning his Masters in BioChemistry.

Dr. O’Daniel is also a 1983 graduate of the Illinois College Optometry. He met his wife Lori during this period. Lori, a Chicago native, became an integral part of his practice (and life!) shortly thereafter.
He moved to Scottsdale in 1986 to begin practicing inside LensCrafters. In 1990 Dr. O'Daniel opened the Scottsdale LensCrafters, and he also presided as its director of Optometric services.
Dr. O’Daniel became an Optometrist because of his love and passion for photography, physics, and desire provide patients with the ability to see the world more clearly. As a licensed optometrist, Dr. O’Daniel provides complete eye care services for the surrounding communities ages seven and up.
Dr. O’Daniel has had a working relationship with both Dr. Fuller and McPhellan for over two decades. He has served as past director for the Arizona Optometric Association, and past President of the Central Arizona Optometric Society. In January, 2018 Dr. O’Daniel decided to join Tatum Eye Care, the premier Eye Care Center in Phoenix and Scottsdale.
Dr. O’Daniel’s goal is simple: Provide Excellent Eye Care, treat patients as family, and treat everyone honestly and fairly!

Dr. Christina Wong

Dr. Christina Wong of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
A southern California native, Dr. Wong attended UCLA where she received her B.S. in Biology. She then completed her Doctorate of Optometry at the Southern California College of Optometry. Dr. Wong moved to Arizona to complete a residency in ocular disease at Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital on the Gila River Indian Reservation. Following residency, Dr. Wong earned the distinction of Fellow in the American Academy of Optometry.

Dr. Wong provides comprehensive eye care to patients of all ages, from pediatrics through seniors. She has a special interest in the management of medical eye conditions including glaucoma, eye infections, dry eye and diabetic retinopathy.
Outside of the office, Dr. Wong enjoys running, going to the beach, rooting for the Bruins, and spending time with her husband and three daughters.
University of California Los Angeles - B.S. in Biology
Southern California College of Optometry - Doctorate of Optometry

Dr. Ryan Felten

Dr. Felten of Tatum Eye Care in Phoenix Arizona
Dr. Felten is a native to Arizona, and was raised in North Phoenix where most of his family still resides. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Brigham Young University; then returned home to Arizona to pursue his Doctor of Optometry at Midwestern University in Glendale. While at Midwestern University, he was a member of the Beta Sigma Kappa Honor Society and was the recipient of the Clinical Excellence Award in Pediatrics and Vision Therapy. Dr. Felten enjoys working with patients of all ages and also speaks fluent Spanish. Dr. Felten holds the following degrees:


Brigham Young University - Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
Midwestern University - Doctorate of Optometry