How a Contact Lens Fitting Exam Can Enhance Your Vision and Eye Health

Contact lenses offer a convenient and effective alternative to traditional eyeglasses, but achieving clear, comfortable vision requires more than just selecting a lens prescription. A contact lens fitting exam is a crucial step in ensuring your lenses provide optimal vision, comfort, and eye health. Whether you're new to contact lenses or looking to upgrade to a better fit, a professional fitting can make all the difference.
 

What to Expect During a Contact Lens Fitting

A contact lens fitting exam goes beyond a standard eye exam. Before fitting you with contact lenses, your optometrist will assess your overall eye health and check for conditions such as dry eye, astigmatism, or corneal irregularities that could affect your ability to wear contacts comfortably.
 

Unlike glasses, contact lenses sit directly on the surface of your eyes, making precise measurements essential. Your optometrist will measure:

• Corneal curvature to ensure the lenses fit properly and do not cause discomfort.

• Pupil and iris size to determine the best lens diameter.

• Tear film quality to assess if your eyes produce enough moisture to support comfortable lens wear.
   

Finding the Right Contact Lenses for Your Needs

Based on your eye measurements and visual needs, your optometrist will select the most suitable contact lens type. Options may include:

• Soft lenses for general comfort and ease of use.

• Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses for sharper vision and durability.

• Toric lenses for astigmatism correction.

• Multifocal lenses for presbyopia and age-related vision changes.
   

After wearing the trial lenses, your optometrist will evaluate how well they fit and whether adjustments are needed. This step ensures that the lenses do not cause irritation, excessive dryness, or improper movement on the eye.
 

During your fitting exam, you'll also learn how to properly insert, remove, and care for your lenses. Following correct hygiene and lens care guidelines is essential for preventing infections and maintaining eye health.
 

The Benefits of a Professional Contact Lens Fitting 

A thorough contact lens fitting provides several key advantages that can significantly improve your vision and eye health. One of the most important benefits is improved vision. Customized lenses are tailored specifically to your prescription, ensuring sharper, clearer sight compared to standard, off-the-shelf options. This precise fit helps reduce distortions and enhances overall visual clarity.
 

Another major advantage is enhanced comfort. Poorly fitted lenses can cause irritation, dryness, and discomfort throughout the day. With a professional fitting, your optometrist ensures that your lenses sit correctly on your eyes, minimizing discomfort and making extended wear much more manageable.
 

Better eye health is also a critical reason to undergo a proper contact lens fitting. Ill-fitting lenses can increase the risk of eye infections, corneal abrasions, and other complications. When your lenses fit well, they allow for proper oxygen flow and reduce unnecessary friction, helping to maintain long-term ocular health.
 

Finally, a professional contact lens fitting gives you access to advanced lens options. Your optometrist can recommend specialized lenses, such as daily disposables for convenience or moisture-rich lenses for those with dry eyes. Whether you have astigmatism, presbyopia, or other vision concerns, there are lenses designed to suit your specific needs and lifestyle.
 

Schedule Your Contact Lens Fitting Today

A contact lens fitting exam is essential for ensuring that your lenses fit correctly, provide clear vision, and support long-term eye health. By working with our optometrist, you can find the perfect pair of lenses that enhance your vision while keeping your eyes healthy and comfortable.
 

If you’re ready to switch to contact lenses or need an updated prescription, schedule your contact lens exam and fitting with Eyes on You and experience the difference of a truly personalized fit. Visit our office in Portland, Oregon, or call (971) 252-7500 to schedule a consultation today.