Contact lenses come in many shapes, sizes, and materials, but not all lenses suit all prescriptions or eye shapes. 

Our optometrists can identify the best lenses for your needs during a contact lens exam and fitting. We’re qualified to examine your eyes and determine which lenses will help provide optimal vision and comfort.

If you’re switching from glasses to contacts, you may wonder why you need a contact lens exam, fitting, and new prescription. Because of the differences between contacts and glasses, your contact prescription will differ from those used for your eyeglasses.

During a contact lens exam, your optometrist will identify your prescription, assess if contact lenses work for your vision needs, and measure your eyes to help them recommend comfortable lenses. This assessment and fitting are necessary for clear, comfortable vision when you wear contacts.  

Read our full blog to learn more about contact lens exams, including why they’re important and what to expect during the process. 

How Do You Get Fitted for Contact Lenses?

Glasses provide clear vision, but not everyone wants to wear them. Contact lenses can provide clear, comfortable vision without cumbersome eyewear. Many patients may wish to make the switch to contacts, but it’s not as simple as walking into a store and grabbing something off a rack. 

Contact lenses require a specialized eye exam and fitting to find the most comfortable lenses for your needs.

Don’t worry; you’re not alone when looking for contact lenses—our optometrists can identify the best lenses for your needs during a contact lens exam and fitting. 

A Contact Lens Exam & Fitting Can Help

Contact lenses come in various shapes, sizes, and materials. This is why they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution. Your optometrist is the best source of information for finding the right lenses for you. They’re qualified to examine your eyes and determine which lenses provide optimal vision and comfort.

During a contact lens exam, your optometrist will determine your prescription, assess if contact lenses work for your vision needs, and measure your eyes to help recommend comfortable lenses. 

This assessment and fitting are necessary for clear, comfortable vision with contacts.  

Why Do You Need a Contact Lens Exam & Fitting? 

If you’re switching from glasses to contacts, you may wonder why you need a contact lens exam—aren’t you just using your same prescription for contact lenses? 

Many patients assume this, but you need a new prescription for contact lenses. 

Your glasses sit about 12 mm away from your eyes. This distance affects how the light is refracted (bent) as it passes through the lens to reach your eyes. Your eyeglass prescription takes this distance into account.

Contact lenses sit directly on the surface of your eyes. Since they’re much closer to your eyes than glasses, the contact prescription needs to be adjusted accordingly. The power of the lenses and the way they correct your vision is different because they function in a different position relative to your eyes.

What Happens During a Contact Lens Exam & Fitting? 

Contact lenses are medical devices that must be properly fitted to avoid complications. You likely won’t leave your initial visit with a supply of contacts. Your optometrist will order them specially for you.

A contact lens exam includes a comprehensive eye exam, fitting, and trial period. 

Eye Exam

Getting an eye exam is crucial for checking your eye health and vision. 

During the exam, your eye doctor will assess your sight and may ask you to bring your glasses if you wear them. Your eye doctor will check how well you see at various distances, the overall health of your eyes, and look at other important assessments. Identifying any eye conditions that may affect your eligibility for contact lenses is an essential part of the process. 

This process is necessary for an effective prescription for your contact lenses and to ensure they won’t negatively impact your eye health and visual comfort.

Fitting Your Lenses

Next, your eye doctor will take specific measurements of your eyes’ curvature to determine what size and type of contact lenses will best fit them.

They may also perform a tear film evaluation to ensure that your eyes produce enough tears to keep the contact lenses moist and comfortable throughout the day. 

This portion of your appointment is crucial for ensuring your contact lenses are comfortable, provide good vision, and do not cause damage to your eyes. If you’re new to contact lenses, your eye doctor will explain how to properly insert, remove, and care for your contact lenses. These medical devices can lead to possible complications if not cared for properly. 

Once the measurements are complete, your eye doctor will provide trial lenses to wear for a short period to ensure a proper fit. 

Trial Period

During the trial, you receive a set of contact lenses to assess if they fit well. 

Typically, this trial period lasts about a week or 2, and you’ll record your experiences, noting any discomfort, dryness, or other issues. After this period, you’ll return for a follow-up appointment where the doctor will evaluate their findings and make necessary adjustments to the lenses to ensure the best possible fit. 

While you’re likely excited about your new lenses, this trial period is essential for helping ensure your contacts fit comfortably. Poor-fitting contact lenses can lead to eye problems like a scratched cornea. During your trial period, contact our eye doctors immediately if you experience red, painful, or watery eyes when using your contacts—there may be something wrong if these symptoms develop. 

Book Your Contact Lens Exam & Fitting Today

Contact lens fittings are essential to get lenses that provide everyday comfort and clear vision. We can help meet your vision needs, helping you enjoy clear, comfortable vision. Book an appointment at Hazleton, Stroudsburg, Pottsville & Nanticoke Eye Specialists for a comprehensive contact lens exam and fitting.