Thinking about switching to contact lenses? Your first contact lens fitting is an exciting step, and it’s all about finding the perfect lenses that fit comfortably and suit your lifestyle. During this appointment, an eye doctor will ensure your lenses provide clear vision and feel great throughout the day. From choosing the right lens type to learning how to handle and care for your contacts, a fitting session helps you feel confident with your new lenses.
The process is straightforward and includes a comprehensive eye exam, lens fitting, and guidance on wearing and caring for your lenses. Here’s what to expect from start to finish, so you can approach your first fitting with ease and excitement.
Steps in the Contact Lens Fitting Process
During your first contact lens fitting, the eye doctor will walk you through several steps to ensure your lenses are comfortable, effective, and tailored to your specific needs:
- Comprehensive Eye Exam: The fitting begins with a full eye exam to assess your overall eye health and determine your prescription. This step is crucial, as contact lens prescriptions differ slightly from eyeglass prescriptions.
- Corneal Measurements: The curvature of your cornea (the front surface of the eye) is measured to ensure the lenses fit well and stay in place. Proper measurements help prevent discomfort or movement of the lenses.
- Tear Film Evaluation: The doctor may evaluate your tear production, as adequate tear film is essential for comfortable lens wear. If you have dry eyes, specific lens materials might be recommended to improve moisture retention.
- Lens Selection: Based on the exam and measurements, the eye doctor will recommend the most suitable type of lens, whether daily disposables, extended wear, or lenses for specific needs like astigmatism.
Each of these steps ensures that the lenses chosen are comfortable and compatible with your vision and lifestyle. By the end of this process, you’ll be ready to try out a pair of trial lenses to confirm the fit.
Trying Out Trial Lenses
Once the initial measurements and exams are complete, it’s time to try on a pair of trial lenses. These lenses allow you and your eye doctor to evaluate the fit, comfort, and clarity they provide. During this stage, the doctor will make sure the lenses sit properly on your eyes and that you’re seeing clearly at various distances.
During trial lenses, your eye doctor will check for:
- Proper Fit: Ensuring the lenses align well with the natural shape of your eyes, without shifting or causing discomfort.
- Comfort: Confirming that the lenses feel comfortable and don’t cause dryness, irritation, or foreign body sensation.
- Clarity of Vision: Assessing how clearly you can see with the lenses in, and making any adjustments if needed to achieve optimal vision.
This step is crucial for making sure the lenses will perform well in your daily life. Your eye doctor may adjust the lens type or fit based on this trial if necessary, ensuring you’re fully satisfied before you leave the office.
Learning to Insert, Remove, and Care for Lenses
After finding the right fit with your trial lenses, your eye doctor or a technician will guide you through the essential steps of inserting, removing, and caring for your lenses. This hands-on instruction is designed to help you feel confident and comfortable handling your contacts.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- Inserting Your Lenses: You’ll be shown the correct technique for placing the lenses on your eyes, including tips to keep your eyes moist and reduce any initial discomfort.
- Removing Your Lenses: The doctor or technician will teach you a safe and gentle way to remove the lenses, making sure you know how to avoid touching your eyes directly.
- Cleaning and Storage: Proper cleaning is vital for lens hygiene and eye health. You’ll learn how to clean your lenses daily (if not using disposables), and the best way to store them to prevent infections.
- Lens Wear Schedule: Based on your lens type, the eye doctor will recommend how long you should wear them each day, especially in the beginning, to allow your eyes to adapt gradually.
Getting comfortable with inserting, removing, and caring for your lenses is essential for maintaining eye health and ensuring your contacts remain comfortable. If you have questions or face any issues, your eye doctor is there to provide support and guidance.
Follow-Up Appointment and Adjustment Period
After your initial fitting, your eye doctor may schedule a follow-up appointment to check how well your eyes are adapting to the lenses and to address any concerns you might have. This appointment typically takes place a week or so after your fitting and is an opportunity to ensure the lenses continue to fit comfortably and provide clear vision.
What to Expect During the Adjustment Period:
- Adaption to Wear Time: You may be advised to wear your lenses for shorter periods initially and gradually increase the duration as your eyes get used to them.
- Monitor for Any Discomfort: If you experience any dryness, blurriness, or irritation, be sure to note when and under what conditions it happens. Your eye doctor can suggest solutions or adjustments to improve comfort.
- Fine-Tuning the Fit: In some cases, minor adjustments to the lens type or fit might be made during this follow-up to optimize comfort and clarity.
The follow-up appointment is a chance to discuss any challenges you’ve encountered and to ensure you’re fully comfortable with your new lenses. Your eye doctor will be your partner in this process, making adjustments as needed so you can enjoy clear, comfortable vision with your contacts.
FAQs
What is a contact lens fitting?
A contact lens fitting is an appointment where an eye doctor determines the best type and fit of contact lenses for your eyes. The process includes a comprehensive eye exam, corneal measurements, and a trial fitting to ensure the lenses provide comfort and clear vision.
How to tell if contacts fit properly?
Properly fitted contacts should feel comfortable and stay in place without shifting. If you experience consistent discomfort, irritation, or blurry vision, it may indicate that the fit needs adjustment. Your eye doctor can assess and make changes if necessary.
What to do before contact lens fitting?
Arrive with a clean face and avoid wearing any eye makeup to your fitting appointment. Bring your current glasses or prescription if available. It’s also helpful to come prepared with any questions you have about lens types, care, or wear schedules.
How long does a contact lens fitting take?
A typical contact lens fitting can take about 30 minutes to an hour. This includes the eye exam, fitting process, trial lens evaluation, and instructions for inserting, removing, and caring for the lenses.
What if the lenses feel uncomfortable?
It’s normal to feel a bit of initial discomfort as you adjust to wearing contacts. However, if discomfort persists, consult your eye doctor. They may suggest adjustments to the lens type or fit to improve comfort.
Can I wear contacts right away after my fitting?
Yes, most people can start wearing their contacts immediately after the fitting. Your eye doctor will provide guidelines on how long to wear them initially to help your eyes adjust comfortably, especially if it’s your first time.
Your first contact lens fitting is an exciting step toward clear, comfortable vision without the need for glasses. The process is straightforward, with your eye doctor guiding you through every stage, from selecting the right lenses to learning how to handle and care for them. A proper fitting ensures that your lenses not only correct your vision but also feel great to wear.
If you’re ready to experience the freedom and convenience of contact lenses, schedule a contact lens fitting with a trusted eye doctor from The Eye Pros today. With the right guidance and support, you’ll soon be enjoying all the benefits that contacts have to offer.
