If you suffer from nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, you will need prescription lenses to correct your vision and ensure that you can see clearly at all distances. While glasses are the preferred option for many patients, particularly those just starting out with vision correction, contact lenses offer patients a great alternative. In fact, many people choose to alternate between wearing glasses and contact lenses in different situations, in order to enjoy the benefits of each. We are delighted to offer a comprehensive contact lens exam and fitting service here at our eyecare center.

Contact Lens Exams

Before you can get contact lenses, you’ll first need to attend a contact lens exam. This is separate to a comprehensive eye exam, which is used to assess the health and condition of your eyes as well as your vision. The reason why you will need a contact lens exam is that the prescription needed for contact lenses is different from that of glasses. This is because, unlike glasses, which sit a short distance from your eyes, contact lenses are placed directly onto their surface.

A contact lens exam will involve checking your vision at different distances using a series of charts. Your eye doctor will then be able to determine if your vision can be enhanced using contact lenses.

Contact Lens Fitting

After your contact lens exam, you will need to undergo a contact lens fitting. This is an integral part of ensuring that you get the right contact lenses for your eyes and is important because there are many different types of contact lenses to choose from.

Every patient is different, and the shape and curve of their cornea, which is the clear dome covering the front part of the eye, is also unique. Since contact lenses sit directly on the surface of the eyes, its essential that they adhere exactly to the contours of the cornea or that they accommodate any abnormalities that exist. To assess what contact lenses may be best for you, your eye doctor will take a few measurements. The first will be the curve of your cornea, which may be measured using an instrument called a keratometer. The second will be the position of your pupil, and this may be measured using a slit lamp or a handheld ruler.

Another thing that your contact lens provider will take into account is how much tear film you produce. Your contact lenses will sit on this tear film, which will help to keep them comfortable and stable on your eyes. Too little tear film can cause standard design contacts to irritate your eyes. Patients who have dry eyes may need a type of speciality contact lens that is designed to trap tear film on the surface of the eye to ensure that the lenses remain comfortable.

Using the information obtained from these assessments, plus details about your lifestyle requirements, your eye doctor will be able to recommend the best contact lenses for you. Then you will be able to try them. You’ll be provided with a non-prescription pair to handle and to place into your eyes. Once in position, your eye doctor will check their position and make sure that they are stable and comfortable for you to wear. If we are happy with everything, we will be able to go on to order your bespoke lenses.

For more information about the process of getting contact lenses, or to schedule your contact lens exam, please call our eyecare centers in Ft. Mitchell, KY, and Dry Ridge, KY today.