The Importance Of Proper Contact Lens Fitting

What To Know About Contact Lens Fitting

Why Contact Lens Fitting Matters So Much
Contact lenses are an item often worn every single day and they are on one of the most delicate parts of the body: the eyes. Ill-fitting contact lenses can make your eyes uncomfortable in the moment, but they can also lead to more severe problems. If a person wears improperly fitting contact lenses for too long, they can develop a condition called contact lens intolerance. This general term is applied to anyone who experiences pain, irritation, or discomfort while wearing contact lenses. Regularly wearing contact lenses that don’t fit can cause:

• Corneal abrasions
• Corneal ulcers
• Eye infections
• Eye irritation and redness
• Loss of vision (in extreme cases)

What Happens During A Contact Lens Fitting?
Your contact lens rests on your cornea, which can vary in size and curvature. People with astigmatism can have abnormally-shaped corneas. To measure the curvature of the cornea, your optometrist will use a machine called a keratometer. This device takes photos of your eyes and analyzes the reflection of light as it bounces off the cornea so that your optometrist gets an accurate measure of the curvature of the cornea. During a contact lens fitting, your optometrist will also measure your pupils, likely with an automated device. Your optometrist may also evaluate your tear film, although this is most common for patients with dry eyes.

How To Know If Your Contact Lenses Fit
First and foremost, did you receive a contact lens fitting when you got your contacts? If you ordered your contact lenses online without a fitting, they are likely not the right fit. Although it might seem obvious, many people choose to order online and don’t think about whether or not their contact lenses will fit since they seem fairly soft and flexible. Even if you are wearing soft contact lenses, you still need a fitting. If you did receive a contact lens fitting, you may need to have another fitting done at some point. If you received your contact lens fitting when you were young, your eyes may have grown or changed shape since then and another contact lens fitting is required. You should get regular contact lens fittings at your annual eye exams if you have keratoconus, which is a condition where the cornea thins and gradually bulges. Other than this, your contacts should stay relatively the same fit for a long time. If your contact lenses feel uncomfortable, you should discuss this with your optometrist; the fit of your contact lenses may be incorrect, or it could be something to do with your care of the contact lenses, an allergic reaction, or Dry Eye Syndrome. Your optometrist will need to conduct an eye exam to determine the cause of your discomfort.

Contact Lens Fitting In Calgary

If you want to switch to contacts or if your eyes feel uncomfortable with your current contacts, schedule an appointment at Market Mall Optometry in Calgary for a contact lens fitting. Our team will not only ensure that your contact lenses are ordered with the proper fit, but we will also schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure you know how to take your contact lenses in and out and how to properly clean them. At Market Mall Optometry, our staff is committed to providing top-quality care and we can discuss what contact lenses are right for you while measuring your perfect fit. Book a contact lens exam complete with a contact lens fitting by contacting Market Mall Optometry by phone at 1-403-286-4884 or you can fill out the online contact form.

FAQ

Q: Will my contact lens prescription be any different from my eyeglasses prescription?
A: Yes, the adjustment method is different for contact lenses and glasses. To correctly adjust your contact lenses, it is necessary to know the measurements of the eye, which will determine the diameter and curvature of the lenses. Because the distance between your eye and your glasses is different from the distance between your contact lens and eye, your prescription may also differ.

Q: Is a contact lens exam different from a regular eye exam?
A: A contact lens exam will involve contact lens-specific tests and measurements, such as contact lens fitting and measuring your contact lens prescription. Although the tests are slightly different, a contact lens exam will be very similar to a regular eye exam and it will take approximately the same amount of time. To learn more, read What To Expect During Your Contact Lens Exam.

Q: Do you still have to wear glasses if you get contact lenses?
A: It is still recommended that you keep your pair of glasses handy to give your eyes a break from wearing your contact lenses. Your glasses will also come in handy during allergy season if you need to itch your eyes or anytime you are unable to wear contact lenses.