Contact lenses have various advantages. The flexibility they give can help match your lifestyle and preference. Patients are different. Some wear their contacts on special occasions, for sports, or only during weekends. If you opt to wear contacts at any time, it is ideal that you get a proper fitting lens.

Contact lens wearers must get a contact lens exam, which is different from regular eye exams. People trying contacts for the first time or those who need a new prescription must get a contact lens fitting. If you do not know how long the fitting will take, read on to learn more.

What Is a Contact Lens Fitting?

A contact lens fitting is a measurement taken to ensure the contact lens your eye doctor gives you fits. They measure the corneal curvature, iris or pupil size, and tear film evaluation.

What to Expect at a Contact Lens Fitting

The first step is always a comprehensive eye exam. Your eye doctor will perform it to determine your prescription and ensure you have healthy eyes for wearing contact lenses. After the eye examination, the contact lens fitting happens.

Your eye doctor will determine what lenses suit you by asking about your lifestyle. The options are usually diverse ranging from soft, rigid gas permeable, extended wear, and disposable contact lenses. Patients whose eyes cannot fit may get yearly lenses or hard lenses.

Your eye doctor will then ensure the best fit for your needs by measuring your eyes. They will take measurements to check the diameter and curve required for your lenses. They will also take measurements of your iris and pupil. Additionally, they will ensure your eyes can keep the contacts moist by evaluating your tears.

Contact lens measurement should be 100 percent accurate as the contacts will sit directly on your cornea. They should have a healthy and comfortable fit. Once your eye specialist determines your suitable contact lenses, they will guide you on how to put them on and take them out. They will also teach you how to take proper care of them.

Importance of a Contact Lens Fitting

Contacts are different from eyeglasses. Not all sizes can suit every individual. They could cause discomfort, blurry vision, or eye damage if you wear contact lenses that do not fit your eyes properly. 

How Long Does Contact Lens Fitting Take?

Comprehensive eye exams last 45 minutes to an hour. A contact lens fitting combined with an examination adds 10 minutes. First-time contact lens wearers or those fitting multifocal contact lenses may take a longer time in the specialist’s office. 

After the Fitting

You should schedule a follow-up appointment after your initial fitting appointment. Some individuals may need a few tries to get the perfect lenses. You may have to get different lenses if you suffer from dry eye to see how they fare when you produce inadequate tears for moisture. Your optometrist can also check your contacts using fluorescein to check for any defects that could cause harm to your eyes.

Once you get the final prescription, you can use it to buy more contact lenses online or from your eye doctor. It should include the power of the lenses, base curve, and eye diameter. You may not manage to buy contact lenses online if you do not have an up-to-date prescription and these measurements.

For more about contact lens fitting, visit Enochs Eye Care, Clarity Vision of Suffolk at our offices in Suffolk, Virginia. Call (757) 638-2015 to book an appointment today.