If you’re thinking about switching from glasses to contact lenses, you might assume your current prescription contains all the necessary information. A lot of people think they can just use their prescription to order contact lenses online. But at Envision Eye Care, we want you to understand what you’re missing for your eye health if you do that.
A contact lens fitting is an appointment that includes special measurements to find the size, shape, and material of contact lens that works for your eyes. This process helps make sure that your new lenses are a great match for your vision and your lifestyle.
Eye Exam vs. Contact Lens Fitting
You may wonder why your regular eye exam doesn’t tell you enough to get contacts. A comprehensive eye exam and a contact lens fitting are two different services that look at different things.
What a Regular Eye Exam Covers
Your annual eye exam is focused on your overall eye health and your prescription for glasses. During this visit, our team checks your vision and looks for any signs of eye conditions. The final prescription is calculated for glasses, which sit a short distance away from your eyes.
What a Contact Lens Fitting Adds
A contact lens fitting adds specific steps because contacts sit directly on your eyes. The appointment includes measurements of your eye’s surface to find a lens that fits comfortably. You also get a trial pair to see how they feel and perform before you commit to a specific type of contact lens.
The Steps of Your Contact Lens Fitting
A contact lens fitting is a straightforward process designed to find a comfortable match for you. Our team can walk you through each part of the appointment, so you always know what’s happening.
Measure Your Eyes
Special tools may be used to map the front of your eye. These measurements can assess the curvature of your cornea (the clear outer layer of your eye) and the size of your pupil and iris (the colored part of your eye). The eye doctor may also evaluate your tear film to see if you might be prone to dry eye with contacts.
Find the Right Lens for You
Next, you can discuss your daily activities and preferences. Whether you work on a computer all day, play sports, or want to wear contacts only on occasion helps determine the right lens type for you. You can explore different options, from daily disposables to lenses for astigmatism.
Try Your New Lenses
You get to try on a pair of lenses right in the office. The eye doctor can check how the lens moves, where it sits on your eye, and how comfortable it feels. They can also check your vision with the lenses in to make sure you’re seeing clearly.
Why a Separate Fitting Is Important
Contacts are considered medical devices, and a good fit is important for keeping your eyes happy. Unlike glasses, a contact lens rests on the delicate surface of your cornea, so it needs to be just right.
A lens that is too tight, too loose, or made from the wrong material can lead to discomfort or even blurry vision. It could also limit the amount of oxygen your eye gets or cause tiny scratches. The fitting process helps you avoid these problems from the start.
Your eyes are unique, so your contacts should be, too. A fitting helps make sure the lenses are tailored to your specific measurements and needs, which makes them more comfortable to wear all day long.
Learn How to Use and Care for Your Lenses
Part of your fitting appointment is learning how to live with your new contacts. Our team can give you all the information you need to handle and care for them at home.
Handle Lenses Safely
You get a hands-on tutorial for putting lenses in and taking them out. You also learn simple tips, like always washing your hands first, to keep the process clean and easy.
Keep Lenses Clean
Proper contact lens care is key to healthy eyes. You’ll learn how to use the right solution to clean and store your lenses each day. You’ll also get guidance on how to care for your lens case and when to replace it.
Follow the Rules for Wear
Every type of contact lens has its own schedule. Our team can explain how many hours a day you can wear your lenses. They’ll also remind you when to take them out, like before you swim or take a nap.
What Happens After the Fitting
After you leave with your trial lenses, the process isn’t quite over. You’ll typically schedule a follow-up visit in a week or 2. This helps our eye doctor in Fort Wayne see how your eyes are adjusting to the new lenses.
If everything looks good and you’re happy with the comfort and vision, the prescription is finalized. Then you can order a supply of your new contacts.
Start Your Contact Lens Journey Today
At Envision Eye Care, the goal is for you to feel comfortable and informed. If you’re ready to explore the freedom of contact lenses, schedule your fitting today.