What Happens During a Contact Lens Fitting?

If you’re considering contact lenses as an alternative to glasses, you’re not alone. Millions of people around the world enjoy the freedom and convenience that contacts provide. However, before you can start wearing them, you’ll need a professional contact lens fitting. At Barrington Eye Care, we ensure that your lenses are perfectly suited to your eyes and lifestyle.

Comprehensive Eye Exam

Before your contact lens fitting begins, you’ll undergo a thorough eye exam. This is essential for determining the overall health of your eyes and checking for any conditions such as dry eye or astigmatism that might affect contact lens wear. Your optometrist will also measure your vision to ensure you have the correct prescription for your contacts.

Measuring the Shape of Your Eye

Contact lenses come in different sizes and shapes, and a proper fit is crucial for both comfort and eye health. During the fitting, your eye doctor will measure the curvature of your cornea using a tool called a keratometer. This helps determine the right size and type of lens for your eye. For patients with astigmatism, additional measurements might be necessary to ensure a stable fit.

Tear Film Evaluation

The amount and quality of your tear film are critical to your success with contact lenses. If you have dry eyes, it can make wearing contacts uncomfortable or even harmful. Your doctor will evaluate your tear production and may recommend specific types of lenses designed for dry eyes, such as moisture-rich or silicone hydrogel lenses.

Personalized Recommendations

Based on the fitting and your lifestyle needs, your eye doctor will recommend the most suitable contact lens type for you. Whether it’s daily disposables, extended-wear, or multifocal lenses, they’ll ensure you have the right option for both comfort and optimal vision.

Trial Lenses and Application

Once your doctor has gathered all the necessary information, they’ll provide you with a pair of trial lenses. You’ll be shown how to apply and remove the lenses properly. This may take some practice, especially if you’re new to contacts. The doctor will also check how the lenses fit on your eyes and ensure they provide clear vision.

After applying the trial lenses, your doctor will examine your eyes to ensure the lenses fit comfortably and securely. They’ll look for signs of any irritation or misalignment. If necessary, adjustments can be made, or a different type of lens can be tried.

Optimizing Your Vision with Barrington Eye Care

A contact lens fitting at Barrington Eye Care is a thorough, personalized process designed to ensure your lenses fit comfortably and provide the best possible vision. If you’ve been thinking about making the switch from glasses to contacts, schedule your fitting today and discover the benefits for yourself!

Contact Barrington Eye Care to schedule a contact lens exam and fitting today. Visit our office in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, or call (413) 528-2880 to book an appointment.