Contact Lens Fittings: Clear Vision, Lasting Comfort, and Eye Health

Our doctor begins by checking your overall eye health and vision, with a specific focus on factors that could impact contact lens wear. This comprehensive approach ensures your lenses will rest safely and comfortably on your eye surface and that no underlying conditions could cause problems during wear.

• Tear film assessment to evaluate moisture stability and check for dryness or excess tearing.
• Slit lamp examination to detect surface irregularities, scarring, inflammation, or other concerns.
• Precise vision measurement to determine the optimal correction for contacts.

Special instruments are used to take detailed measurements of your eyes, which helps determine the ideal lens size, shape, and material for a proper fit. These metrics help match the lenses to the unique anatomy of your eyes. Modern technology allows us to map your cornea with incredible accuracy, ensuring every detail is captured.

• Corneal curvature is measured using keratometry to ensure the lens curve matches your eye shape precisely.
• Pupil and iris size are measured to select a lens that centers properly and remains stable on your eye.
• Tear film quality and quantity are evaluated to ensure your eyes have enough moisture for comfortable, all-day wear.

Based on your measurements, you will try on different types of trial lenses to see how they feel and how well you can see. This hands-on testing lets you and our doctor evaluate comfort, vision clarity, and how the lenses move on your eyes during blinking and eye movement. A follow-up visit is typically scheduled about a week later to finalize the fit and make sure everything is working perfectly.

A crucial part of your fitting is learning how to safely insert, remove, and care for your contact lenses. Our eye care team will provide hands-on training and ensure you feel confident in handling your lenses before you leave, which is key to preventing eye infections and keeping your lenses comfortable. We do not rush this step because proper technique is essential for your eye health and your satisfaction with contacts.

Once your trial is successful, our ophthalmologist will provide your final contact lens prescription. This is different from an eyeglass prescription because it includes specific details like the lens brand, material, curvature, and diameter, all tailored to your individual eyes. You will receive clear instructions on where to order your lenses and how often to replace them based on your specific prescription.

An eyeglass prescription corrects your vision but does not account for how a lens fits directly on your corneal surface. A contact lens fitting includes measurements of your eye's curvature, diameter, and tear film to ensure the lenses are safe, comfortable, and optically precise for your unique eyes. This is why the law requires a separate, valid contact lens prescription.

No, contact lens prescriptions are legally distinct from eyeglass prescriptions and contain additional information necessary for a proper fit. Using an incorrect or outdated contact lens prescription can lead to discomfort, infection, or even corneal damage, so you must always have a valid prescription from an eye doctor. Our ophthalmologists are happy to provide you with a prescription after your fitting appointment.

A fitting involves measuring your corneal curvature using keratometry to match the lens shape, measuring your pupil and iris size to ensure proper lens diameter, and evaluating your tear film quality to prevent dryness and discomfort. Some patients may also need corneal topography, which creates a detailed map of your cornea to detect irregularities. These precise measurements help select a lens that aligns with your eye's anatomy for better long-term wearability.

A complete fitting for a new wearer usually takes 60 to 90 minutes, which includes the examination, measurements, trial lens fitting, and time for instruction on lens handling and care. For experienced users switching lens types or getting a routine refitting, the appointment may be shorter. We allow plenty of time to ensure you leave feeling confident and informed.

Yes, many options are available for those with dry eyes. Our ophthalmologists may recommend daily disposable lenses, lenses made from special moisture-retaining materials, scleral lenses that vault over the cornea to protect a dry ocular surface and maintain a fluid reservoir, or other specialty options designed for dry eye conditions. We also have dry eye management treatments available to improve comfort while wearing contacts.

If trial lenses cause discomfort or vision problems, contact our office right away. Often, a minor adjustment to the lens type, size, or material can solve the problem immediately. Continuing to wear uncomfortable lenses can risk irritation or infection, so we encourage patients to speak up during their fitting so we can find the right solution.

No, you should avoid exposing your contact lenses to water from pools, showers, lakes, or oceans, as it can contain harmful microorganisms that cause severe eye infections. If you must swim with contacts, use watertight goggles and discard the lenses immediately after. Your eye health is worth the extra precaution.

You should not sleep in your contact lenses unless they are specifically approved for extended wear and your eye doctor has determined it is safe for you. Sleeping in most lenses significantly increases your risk of serious corneal infections and other complications. If you are interested in extended wear options, our ophthalmologists can discuss whether they are appropriate for your eyes.

Place the lens on the tip of your finger and look at it from the side. If it forms a perfect bowl shape with the edges pointing straight up, it is correct. If the edges flare outward, like a saucer or plate, the lens is inside out and should be flipped. During your fitting appointment, we will show you this technique so you can check your lenses at home.

Yes, many children and teenagers can successfully wear contact lenses, especially for sports and other activities. Success depends more on a child's maturity level and ability to follow care instructions responsibly rather than age alone. If your child is interested in contacts, we encourage you to schedule a fitting appointment to discuss whether they are a good option.