If you wear contact lenses or are considering it, you’ll need to have a special exam called a contact lens fitting. This is different than a regular eye exam, and it’s important to understand what to expect before you go. Read on to learn more about what to expect at your eye exam for contact lenses.
Contact Lens Fitting
During a contact lens fitting, your doctor will measure the curvature of your cornea and assess the size and shape of your pupils. They’ll also evaluate the health of your eyes and check for any signs of infection or irritation.
Your contact lens fitting ensures that your contact lenses are the right size, shape, and prescription for your eyes. Your doctor will also help you select the best type of contact lens for you and help you to try on different lenses until you find a perfect fit.
The entire process usually takes around 30 minutes to an hour, although it may take longer if you require a more complex fitting.
Types of Contact Lenses to Choose From
There are three main types of contact lenses available on the market today: soft lenses, gas permeable lenses, and hybrid lenses. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the right type for your needs.
Soft Lenses
Soft lenses are the most popular type of contact lens. They’re made from a flexible material that conforms to the shape of your eye, making them very comfortable to wear. Soft lenses are also easy to care for and can be worn for extended periods of time. Disadvantages of soft lenses include a higher risk of infection and a greater chance of developing dry eyes.
Gas Permeable Lenses
Gas permeable lenses are less common than soft lenses, but they offer several advantages. They’re made from a rigid material that allows oxygen to reach your eye, which is important for maintaining healthy vision. Gas permeable lenses also provide better clarity of vision than soft lenses and are less likely to cause dry eyes. However, they can be more difficult to adjust to and may require more care than soft lenses.
Hybrid Lenses
Hybrid lenses are a combination of soft and gas-permeable materials. They offer the best of both worlds by providing the comfort of soft lenses with the clarity of vision and health benefits of gas permeable lenses. Hybrid lenses are also easier to adjust to than gas-permeable lenses and don’t require as much care. However, they can be more expensive than other types of lenses.
Trial Contact Lenses
After the contact lens fitting, you will be able to take home a pair of trial lenses to use for a week or so. If you’re happy with the way they feel and perform, your doctor will then provide you with a prescription for the lenses. Otherwise, they may need to adjust the fitting or try a different type of lens.
Caring for Your Lenses
After your eye exam, your doctor will provide instructions on how to care for your lenses and what to do if you experience any problems.
No matter what type of contact lens you choose, it’s important to have regular eye exams and to follow your eye care professional’s instructions for care and use. Contact lenses are a safe and effective way to improve your vision, but they should be used with caution.
The team at Windsor Eye Care and Vision Center can help you ascertain if contact lenses will help you accomplish your vision goals and determine if you are a candidate. Contact us today!
