Contact lenses are a simple and convenient option to improve eyesight without eyeglasses. If you are thinking of getting your first pair of contact lenses or renewing your prescription, the contacts must fit your eyes correctly. It is important to see your doctor for a proper contact lens fitting to go over the best options for you and your lifestyle needs.

What Happens During a Contact Lens Fitting?

During your contact lens fitting, your optometrist will examine your eye health and do a contact lens eye exam. The exams will assess eye health and the quality of your eyesight.

The eye doctor will also measure your eye’s surface and determine your cornea’s curve. Based on these results, your eye doctor will suggest the best type of contact lenses to wear. Additionally, the eye doctor will examine your eye and tear duct to determine if you have an eye disease.

If you have dry eye disease or other eye health concerns, your optometrist will prescribe suitable contact lenses. If you cannot wear contact lenses, your eye doctor will suggest other fitting treatments to improve your eyesight and eye health.

When fitting your contact lenses, your eye doctor will:
 

• Ensure the brand, type, and care routine of the contact lenses suit your needs.

• Teach you how to wear and store your contact lenses securely and sanitarily.

• Suggest a wearing schedule that is consistent with the manufacturer's instructions.

Your eye doctor will also tell you how long your fitting duration will last. The period should be long enough for you to adjust to the contact lenses.

During the fitting period, your eye doctor will monitor your progress and address any changes in your eye health until they decide you are good to go. That is until your eye doctor decides you do not need any more follow-up visits other than your routine eye checkups.

How Long is a Contact Lens Fitting?

A contact-lens fitting appointment will vary and is dependent on the type of lens and if there are any health issues present.

Is Putting on Contact Lenses Painful?

Wearing contact lenses should never hurt. At first, they may feel uncomfortable as your eyes adjust, but they should not be painful. Inform your eye doctor right away if your contact lenses hurt.

How Do You Prepare for a Contact Lens Fitting?

To prepare for a contact lens fitting, you need to schedule an eye exam with your eye doctor. The results from the eye exam will tell you whether contact lenses are suitable for you and the type of contacts you need. Also, think about your lifestyle and what kind of contact lenses will suit you. Do you prefer wearing extended-wear contacts or those you can throw away daily or weekly?

Likewise, can you take care of your eye health and contact lenses? Contact lenses require proper care and maintenance. Otherwise, they may hurt your eyes. Contact lenses may not be a good idea if you will not use and care for them well.

For more on what to expect during a contact lens fitting, visit the Eye Center of Virginia at our office in Williamsburg, Virginia. Call (757) 919-3500 to schedule an appointment today.