Contact lens fitting for new wearers

Prescribing contact lenses can be a complicated process. However, at the Blackheath Eyecare we will simplify and explain the various options available in a clear and concise manner.

There are many steps involved in arriving at a prescription for contact lenses. After assessing the health of the eyes, we will discuss the various types of contact lenses with you. As well as your visual needs, lifestyle and other factors may influence the decision on what type of lenses to prescribe.

You need to see our optometrist to have you eyes examined and get a prescription. You will then have a contact lens consultation and fitting. A contact lens fitting takes a little longer than a regular eye examination, so you need to reserve enough time – plan to spend about 60 – 90 minutes at the practice. When you make your appointment, be sure to let the practice know that you are interested in contact lenses and would like an appointment for a fitting as well as an eye examination.

Here is what you can expect at your examination and fitting:

Consultation

Why do you want contact lenses? How do you plan to use them?

Our optometrist will talk to you about your general health,and about your eyes. You will be asked your reasons for wearing contact lenses. Is it to see better close up? See better far away? Change the colour of your eyes? Your answer can be definite: “I want to see well far away, and I want to have blue eyes.” You can also answer in general terms: “I’m not sure what I want. I just know I don’t see very well and I don’t like glasses.” Our optometrist will know how to proceed with the examination based on your answers.

Eye examination

A complete evaluation of your eye health and vision.

Next you’ll begin the actual eye examination. This consists of a series of tests to determine your eye health and your current vision. Our optometrist will test your eyes together, and one at a time, for a number of different things: general vision, peripheral vision, muscle actions, eye pressure and so on. At the end of this examination, we would have calculated the prescription you require for glasses.

Contact lens fitting

Measuring your eye surface to evaluate vision, fit and comfort – plus trying on lenses.

Eyes come in different sizes and shapes, so you need to have an accurate “fitting” to make sure your lenses will fit your eyes properly. To do this, our optometrist will take special measurements of your eye and its surface,checking for curvature and other factors that will affect how your lenses fit. You will also be asked if your eyes tend to be dry (how dry your eyes are is very important in determining which type of contact lens is best for you. There are special lenses for people who experience eye dryness). Finally, your cornea will be carefully examined to make sure there are not any problems that could make it hard for you to wear contact lenses. Next, trial lenses will be applied to your eyes so our optometrist can see how well they fit. It takes time for lenses to “settle” on your eyes, so you may wait 10 or15 minutes after the lens has been inserted before the fit is checked. You may need to try on more than one pair before you get it just right. Once our optometrist is satisfied that your lenses fit, feel comfortable and give you good vision, you will learn how to take care of them.

Contact lens instruction

Learning how to handle and care for your lenses, including inserting, removing,cleaning and storing.

Learning to apply (and remove) your lenses is very easy. Most people get the hang of it right away, and even the most nervous patient can expect to learn within a week.

Our optometrist (or a member of the staff) will teach you how to handle and care for your lenses. You will also get written instructions to refer to – and you can always call our optometrist if you have any questions.

Receiving trial lenses

Taking your lenses (and care products) home. A trial lens will then be placed on the eye, so that we can assess the fit of the lens. Several trial lenses may need to be used to arrive at the best possible fit.

Follow-up appointment

Returning in one to two weeks so our optometrist can see how you are doing with your lenses. We will usually reassess the lenses after they have been worn for a week or two, in order to make sure that the lenses are fitting and performing properly and that you are not having any difficulties. It is sometimes necessary to alter the lens prescription at this point to solve any problems which may have arisen.

After care for Contact Lens wearers

Contact lens wearers need to have regular eye examinations to reduce the risk of complications from eye infections. While serious complications of contact lens wear are rare some conditions may not be noticed by wearers, so it is important that you are seen on a regular basis.

Book a contact lens examination or contact us to explore options.