Contact Lens Fitting Guide

When you want clear vision, without the glasses, contact lenses are a great option. If you opt for contacts, it’s important to get a contact lens fitting to ensure they are comfortable and work properly. 

What’s shocking is, we surveyed 81 adults who wear prescription contact lenses, and less than half (43%) said their contacts fit perfectly and do not cause vision issues. That means most of those who wear contacts suffer with an uncomfortable fit and/or vision issues. 

What’s more, those who said their contacts are uncomfortable said it makes them feel irritable, and they tend to avoid wearing their contacts altogether.

This doesn’t have to be you! Getting an annual contact lens fitting can help you see clearly and comfortably while avoiding these issues.

During a contact lens fitting, your eye doctor will check overall eye health, test your vision, and take detailed measurements of your eyes to make sure you get the right contact lens prescription and fit. This is different than a routine eye exam, which you should still get every year to check for overall eye health and any changes in vision.  

If you’re considering contacts and want to know more about contact lens fittings, keep reading for a step-by-step explanation of what to expect when you visit your eye doctor.

1. Schedule a Contact Lens Fitting

If you currently wear contacts or are considering getting them, you’ll need a fitting to get a contact lens prescription. 

A contact fitting is different than an eye exam because it specifically assesses and measures your eyes for contacts—not just checking overall eye health and vision. When making an appointment, be sure to specify that you need a contact lens fitting, so your provider is prepared to meet your vision needs.

During your scheduled fitting, you can expect to discuss different types of contacts and how to wear contact lenses if you’re new to them.  

If you’re ready to go, schedule an contact lens fitting at your local Pearle Vision EyeCare Center today. When you schedule online with us, you can indicate whether you need contacts as part of your exam, so the doctor is fully prepped to meet your needs.

2. Assess Eye Health and Vision

During your contact lens exam and fitting, your doctor will check for overall eye health, any eye conditions you may have, and test your vision. Some eye conditions, like dry eyes, may affect your ability to wear contacts. 

Testing your vision for contacts is different than a normal eye exam because the optometrist measures the curvature of your cornea and how severe an astigmatism is if you have it. Astigmatism won’t prevent you from wearing contacts, but it could take you and your doctor a bit more time to find the proper contact lens fit. 

After your exam, the eye doctor will assess whether you’re a good candidate for contact lenses.

3. Measure Your Eyes

 The contact lens fitting process will include detailed measurements of each eye, including: 

• Eye surface measurement: Your eye doctor will measure the curvature of the cornea, which is the clear, outer surface of your eye that helps you focus. They may use 3D mapping known as corneal topography to take this measurement.   
• Pupil and iris measurements: The size of the pupil is measured to help determine what size contacts are best for your eyes.
• Tear film evaluation: This measurement checks if your eyes are too dry for contact lenses by seeing how long the tear film lasts. The tear film is an important part of your eye that provides protection from the outside environment. Your doctor will insert a small strip of paper under your eyelid or use fluorescein dye to see how long the tear film lasts. If it doesn’t last long, you may have dry eyes, which can affect your ability to comfortably wear contact lenses.  

4. Try on Different Contacts

After the eye doctor takes your measurements, they will have you try a few different pairs of contact lenses to see which is the best fit. If you’re a first-time wearer, you’ll also be shown how to properly put your contacts in and take them out, and how to take care of the lenses. 

You may be sent home with a trial pair of contacts that don’t have your prescription but will help you assess if the fit is right. 

You’ll then return for a follow-up appointment about a week later to check how you are adjusting to the contacts. Your doctor may ask you to blink and move your eyes around to ensure the lenses are comfortable and working properly.  

If the trial lenses provided during the contact lens fitting are comfortable and your doctor is satisfied with how they’re performing, they’ll order your prescription contact lenses. If the trial pair is unsuccessful, your eye doctor can order another trial pair or recommend other vision solutions.

5. Get Your Contact Lens Prescription

After your follow-up appointment, your eye doctor can write a contact lens prescription specifically for your eyes. 

You’ll have the option of choosing between disposable contacts or extended wear depending on your lifestyle and eye needs. Disposables (or dailies) are worn for a day and then thrown away. Reusable contacts are worn, cleaned, and then worn again the next day. 

You may also have the option between soft or hard contacts. Soft lenses can be more comfortable and easier to put in because they are flexible. Hard contacts can be more difficult to get used to but provide a long-lasting vision solution that is particularly good at correcting astigmatism.

It’s important to note that an eyeglass prescription can’t be used for contact lenses. An eyeglass prescription doesn’t take into account the specific measurements of your eye since the lens is not placed in your eye. 

If you have a glasses prescription and want to try contacts, schedule a contact lens fitting to ensure you get the best fit and prescription. 

Taking Care After Your Contact Lens Fitting

Now that you’ve had your contact fitting and received your new lenses, you’re ready to enjoy great vision with ease—but it’s important to take proper care of your contacts! Here are a few recommendations for taking care of your new contact lenses:

• Clean with care: Always handle your lenses with clean hands and dry them with a lint-free cloth. 
• Use solution to clean and soak lenses: Gently rub the contact solution onto the lenses, rinse, and soak in an approved contact lens solution. Make sure to use fresh solution each time and don’t reuse solution from the day before. Never use saliva or tap water to moisten your contacts.
• Keep the contact lens case clean: You can use the sterile contact lens solution to clean the case before letting it air dry completely. If the case gets damaged or too dirty, replace it immediately. 

You may be wondering how often you need a contact lens fitting. We surveyed 81 people who regularly wear contacts and found that a majority of them (64%) get a fitting every year—which is great! 

It’s important to get an annual fitting and eye exam to check for any changes in your eye shape and health. For example, your cornea may swell due to wearing contact lenses, in which case you would need to have a fitting to get different shaped contacts.

Schedule Your Contact Lens Fitting Today

Whether you’re thinking about trying contact lenses or have been wearing them for years, you can rely on the eye care experts at Pearle Vision EyeCare Centers. From eye exams to contact lens fittings, we’ve got you and your family covered. Contact us today to make an appointment and learn about services in your area!

Contact Lens Fitting FAQ

Are contact lens fittings different from regular eye exams?

Yes. An eye exam checks your overall eye health and vision acuity. A contact fitting and exam will check your overall eye health and include specific measurement to ensure you get the right fit, comfort, and type of contact lens for your eyes.

Do I need a contact lens fitting if I've worn contacts before?

Typically, yes. Your eyes and prescription can change, so it’s important to get an annual contact lens fitting to ensure your contacts are comfortable and meet your vision needs.

How long does a contact lens fitting take?

Fittings often require more time than a standard eye exam, so allow for an additional 30 minutes to an hour.

Can I try different contact lenses during the fitting?

Yes! We offer a wide range of contact lenses, so your optometrist may have you try a few different types to find the best lens for your vision needs and comfort. They may also order a trial pair so you can try them for a few days before ordering prescription contact lenses. 

Is a contact lens fitting covered by insurance?

Coverage varies, so check with your provider to confirm what’s covered. Some plans may cover the cost of a contact lens fitting, while others may only cover a portion or none at all.