What to Expect at a Contact Lens Fitting

Contact lenses are a popular alternative to glasses for patients who need to use prescription eyewear to see clearly. They offer greater flexibility and versatility, have more varieties to choose from, and are more affordable than ever before. If you are considering contact lenses, you’ll need to have a specific exam and fitting to determine your prescription, as the strength of contact lenses is very different from those of glasses.

If it’s your first time getting contact lenses, the fitting process may seem a little intimidating. However, it’s necessary to ensure that you get the right type of contacts to fit you perfectly and provide you with optimal vision. Here’s what you need to know about what to expect from a contact lens fitting.

Your Consultation

With so many different types of contact lenses to choose from, the first thing that your eye doctor will need to do is to determine which lenses will be most suitable for you. The best way to do this is by asking you about your lifestyle – for example, whether you play any sports or have any specific hobbies. You may also be asked if you have any allergies as these can affect your eyes too. 

You’ll need to decide how often you want to change your contact lenses. Daily disposables are extremely convenient but more expensive than longer-wear lenses which need to be cleaned overnight before they are replaced the next day. Your contact lens provider will talk you through the various options, explaining what’s involved and what the costs are likely to be. 

Taking Measurements

Eyes come in all different shapes and sizes, and there’s no one size fits all option. If the curve of your cornea is too steep or too flat, it could mean that your contact lenses don’t fit comfortably or could even come out or cause damage to your eye. 

Your eye doctor will take measurements of your eyes to determine which lenses will be the best fit. Some eye doctors use handheld equipment to measure the cornea’s curve. Others use laser technology to create a detailed map of the surface of your eye so that the corneal shape can be identified. 

Tear Film Evaluation

Contact lenses float on a layer of tear film. Tear film evaluation is a simple, painless process that uses tiny pieces of paper placed on your lower eyelid to monitor how much tear film is made. Without enough tear film, contact lenses can quickly become uncomfortable and hard to wear.

Trial Lenses

Once your contact lens provider has recommended the best contact lenses for you, they will pop them into your eyes for you and check how they fit. You will be asked to blink and move your eyes around to ensure that the lenses work correctly with the movements and that they are comfortable for you to wear. If your eye doctor is happy with this, your actual they may order you a trial pack of lenses that you can test yourself at home to make sure that you are happy with them. Sometimes it can take several attempts to find the perfect pair of contact lenses, so don’t get frustrated if you must try a few pairs before settling on a specific brand.

For more on contact lens fittings visit St. Marys Family Eyecare in St. Marys, Ohio. Call (419) 800-0400 today to schedule an appointment.