To date, contact lenses remain the most popular alternative to eyeglasses. This is especially true for patients who require prescription glasses for regular vision correction. Contact lenses offer more significant versatility and flexibility than their alternatives.

Contact lenses have become quite affordable and come in a range of wearing modalities. If you would like to start or switch to contact lenses, you need to schedule a contact lens exam or contact lens fitting with your eye doctor. Here is what you need to know about the process.

Contact Lens Fitting

Several types of contact lenses are available in today’s market. This can make it daunting to find the right fit for your needs. For this reason, the first thing to do is to consult your optometrist. Your optometrist will ask about your lifestyle or preference as well as discuss potential risk factors.

This will help determine your eye health and eligibility for wearing contact lenses. You will get advice on the different types of contact lenses and how they work. Depending on the evaluation and discussions, you will be able to select from potential contact lens options.

Taking Your Measurements

All eyes are different. They differ in size, shape, and prescription so there is no one-size-fits-all contact lens for the eyes. For this reason, your eye doctor will take crucial measurements of your eye structure to determine which contacts fit best.

Evaluation of Your Ocular Surface

Next, they will examine ocular surface to determine if you have an enough of a tear film and adequate ocular health for wearing contact lenses. A lack in enough tear film can cause discomfort. The dryness can result in irritation and lens stiffness of the lens on the eye.

Trying on Some Contact Lenses

If you are new to contact lenses, you will be scheduled for contact lens insertion and removal training. At this visit, you will be instructed on the proper techniques of contact lens insertion, removal, and proper lens contact lens care.

After determining if you are a good candidate for contact lenses, your eye doctor will dispense you some trial contacts. This ensures they are a comfortable fit for you. The trial contacts are not the final prescription lenses and will be worn for 1-2 weeks to determine good comfort and vision prior to finalizing the prescription. At a follow up visit, the lenses will be evaluated to confirm that the contact lenses are right for you. The contact lens prescriptions will be finalized  if there are no issues with your vision, the contact lens fit, or the ocular health.

The Takeaway

Your eye doctor may recommend follow-up visits to examine how the new contacts are settling in. Additionally, visit your optometrist as soon as you experience any sign of discomfort. If the contacts do not help correct your vision, you should contact your eye doctor to reevaluate your prescription.

For more about contact lenses, call Clarke Eyecare Center in Wichita Falls at 940-905-0700 or Clarke Eyecare Center in Burkburnett at 940-569-4131.