Contact Lens Exams and Fitting: What to Expect and Why They Matter

Thinking about switching from eyeglasses to contacts? Or maybe your contact lens prescription needs an update? Either way, contact lens exams and fitting are non-negotiable parts of getting you set up with just the right kind of lenses tailored specifically to your unique vision needs, eye health, and even lifestyle. From measuring the exact curvature of your eye to ensuring you can insert your lenses safely and comfortably, we’ll break down every step so you know what to expect.

A contact lens exam is more than just a routine check—it’s a personalized journey toward finding the best vision solution for you. It includes a thorough evaluation of your eyes and vision using specialized equipment, with every inch of your cornea examined and measured to ensure your new lenses are a perfect match for your needs. This process is complemented by the expertise of your eye doctor, who interprets the results and combines them with insights gathered during an introductory conversation. 

To determine the ideal lens prescription, your optometrist will ask about your previous experience with contact lenses—or, if you’re new to them, explain how they differ from glasses and what to be prepared for as you adjust. Don't be surprised to hear questions about your lifestyle—working long hours on a screen or using lenses for sports can require significantly different prescriptions. The more information you provide on your habits and daily routine, the better the fit.

• REFRACTION TEST: Since contact lenses sit directly on your eye, the prescription may differ slightly from glasses, which sit a short distance away. During this test, you’ll look through different lenses and read an eye chart to help your optometrist find the best correction for clear and comfortable vision. This is especially important if you need an individual prescription for each eye.

• KERATOMETRY: This test measures the shape and curve of your cornea, which is the clear front surface of your eye. It's done to ensure your lenses fit comfortably and stay in place. The test uses a special device that shines a light on your cornea and measures its reflection. A proper fit helps prevent irritation and keeps your lenses secure throughout the day.

• CORNEAL TOPOGRAPHY: If your cornea has an irregular shape, like with astigmatism or keratoconus, eye topography may be needed to determine the best-fitting contact lenses. In simple terms, it's a detailed map of your cornea surface. Your eye is scanned by a machine that produces a 3D image of your cornea, showing its unique shape. This helps your optometrist choose or design contact lenses that fit better and improve your vision effectively.

Once the tests are finished, your eye doctor has all the details to craft a prescription that’s just right for you. They’ll consider your unique eye shape, how your vision focuses, and any other factors that influence your comfort. This personalized prescription ensures that your lenses not only fit well but also meet your specific eye demands, lifestyle, and situations in which you're planning to use your new contacts.

Contact lens fitting is a vital step in finalizing your prescription, where you'll actually get to wear the lenses selected for you while the optometrist checks them for both how well they fit and how effectively they improve your vision. Rather than simply walking away with your prescription and having to deal with any potential issues later, this procedure helps catch problems early and fix them right away. It allows for quick and qualified adjustments, ensuring your new lenses offer maximum comfort and clarity.

• TRIAL LENS FITTING: First, the optometrist will select a trial lens for you to try on. This helps ensure the lens not only corrects your vision but also fits comfortably on the specific shape of your eyes. You'll wear it for a few minutes, giving the optician a chance to check how it feels and performs. The goal is to make sure the lens curvature and size match your eye perfectly, preventing discomfort or a poor fit.
  
  
• SLIT LAMP TEST:  To examine how the lens sits on your ey e, the doctor will use a slit lamp. This special microscope helps them check if the lens stays in place or moves too much, and whether it provides enough oxygen to your cornea. It also helps identify any irritation or redness, making sure the lens material and fit are right for you.

• VISION TEST: With the lenses in place, the optometrist will test your vision to make sure the lenses are correcting your eyesight as they should. You’ll be asked to look at things at different distances, ensuring the lenses provide clear and sharp vision without distortion.
  
  
• PRESCRIPTION ADJUSTMENT: If there are any issues—like discomfort, irritation, or blurry vision—your eye doctor will adjust the fit. They might try a different lens material, shape, or prescription strength to provide you with the best possible fit and comfort.

For first-time contact lens users, the mere process of inserting a lens often feels like a real challenge. That’s why an essential part of the fitting process is learning to handle your new contacts under the guidance of an eye professional so that you can repeat each step with comfort and confidence at home. You will also get detailed instructions on how to store and maintain your lenses to keep them clean, safe, and effective throughout their usage period. Here’s what you’ll learn:

• Inserting and Removing Your Lenses: Getting the hang of putting your lenses in and taking them out can be tricky. During contact lens fitting, your eye doctor will teach you the easiest way to do it with minimal fuss, avoiding any discomfort or damage.
• Storing and Cleaning Contacts: Keeping your lenses clean is crucial for both comfort and eye health. Your optometrist will show you how to properly clean and disinfect your lenses, ensuring that you know which solutions to use and how to store them correctly.
• Maintaining Good Hygiene: Sticking to simple lens hygiene rules is key to their safe use. As part of contact lens fitting, you will be guided on the important habits to protect your eyes, such as thoroughly washing your hands before handling your lenses and properly maintaining your lens case to prevent contamination.

When it comes to your eye health, comfort, and vision clarity, no detail is too small to overlook. At Eurooptica, we offer professional contact lens exams and fitting to give you a prescription tailored to your unique vision needs and eye shape. Using the latest equipment, our expert optometrists ensure accurate results that translate into contacts offering the highest level of comfort and sharp vision. Every procedure is performed with knowledge, skill, and care in a comfortable and welcoming setting. For new users, we also provide comprehensive instruction and training on how to insert, remove, and care for your new contacts so that you can confidently handle them on your own even if it's your first time. Get the right fit for your eyes with a full range of advanced eye care services—choose Eurooptica for your next contact lens exam and fitting! We look forward to seeing you at 280 Columbus Ave., Upper West Side , or  1249 3rd Ave., Upper East Side  in  New York!