Contact Lens Fittings
If you are thinking about getting contact lenses, we can help! If you are new to the world of contact lenses, this is how it begins. The first thing that you will need is a comprehensive eye exam. During this exam, the optometrist will determine your prescription and make sure that your eyes are healthy enough to wear contacts. After the comprehensive exam, you will need a contact lens fitting. This will give the doctor the information necessary to prescribe contacts.
Discuss Lens Preferences and Options
During the contact lens fitting, the eye doctor will ask you a bit about your lifestyle. This can help them figure out which type of lenses are best for you. There are many different types of lenses on the market including daily disposables, bi-weekly lenses, monthly lenses, multifocal lenses, and toric lenses for patients who have astigmatism. For people with very high astigmatism or certain corneal conditions, sometimes the doctor will recommend hard gas permeable, hybrid or scleral lenses.
Taking the Measurements
First, they will take measurements of your corneal curve and diameter along with pupil size. Next, the eye doctor will compare this to your refractive error to determine the proper lens shape and power. Finally, the eye doctor will make sure that your eyes make enough tears to keep your contacts moist. This is done with a tear film evaluation.
Contact Lens Teaching
When the eye doctor has chosen the best lenses for you, a trial pair will be ordered. This is the pair that will be used while the doctor or technician teaches you how insert and remove your contact lenses. You will also learn how to clean and care for them. Once you learn how to do all this you can take them home!
Follow-Up Visit
Before the eye doctor orders your supply of contacts, often they will have you come in one more time to make sure that the lenses are comfortable, that your vision is perfect, and that they fit properly. If everything goes well, your supply of lenses will be ordered.