Contact lenses are a popular choice for people who want to correct their vision without the inconvenience of glasses. This eyewear offers a range of benefits, including better side vision, the ability to participate in sports, and even improved self-esteem.
With their many benefits, contact lenses are an appealing eyewear choice. But before you can get one, a contact lens fitting is necessary. It does not matter whether you are getting contact lenses for the first time or replacing your old ones. You need a contact lens fitting to ensure proper fit, get the right prescription, etc. 
What Is Contact Lens Fitting?
Contact lens fitting is the process of obtaining and fitting contact lenses to the unique curvature and size of a person’s eyes. It involves a comprehensive eye exam by a licensed eye doctor to assess the eyes’ health and determine the prescription strength needed for the lenses.
Contact lens fitting may also involve discussing the patient’s lifestyle, visual needs, and preferences to determine the best type of lens for their individual needs. Proper contact lens fitting ensures comfort, safety, and optimal visual acuity.
Reasons For Contact Lens Fitting
Contact lens fitting is needed for several reasons, and here are some of them:
- Ensure Proper Fit
Contact lenses come in many different sizes and shapes, and it’s important to find the right fit for your eyes. It is not one-size-fits-all eyewear, after all.
A contact lens that doesn’t fit properly can cause discomfort, redness, and irritation. In some cases, an ill-fitting contact lens can even damage your eye.
During a contact lens fitting, your eye doctor will measure your eye and evaluate the size and shape of your cornea to ensure the proper fit.
- Ensure Correct Prescription
The United States requires a prescription from a licensed eye doctor when you purchase a contact lens. The prescription will only be given after an eye exam and fitting, and it usually expires on a yearly basis.
Take note that a contact lens prescription is different from one for glasses. So do not take shortcuts and get the one for contact to avoid consequences like developing eye health problems.
- Assess Eye Health
A contact lens fitting involves a thorough eye examination to check the health of your eyes. This exam can help identify any underlying eye conditions that may affect the suitability of contact lens wear.
- Guarantee Safety
Wearing contact lenses comes with some risks, including infection, inflammation, and corneal damage. A contact lens fitting is essential to ensure that you are wearing contact lenses safely and to reduce your risk of complications.
Your eye care professional will provide you with instructions on how to insert, remove, and care for your contact lenses. They will also advise you on proper hygiene practices, such as washing your hands before handling your lenses and not wearing your lenses while swimming or in a hot tub.
Contact lens fitting may seem unnecessary, especially to those who have been wearing contacts for years. But in the end, it does many things for you. It can help you avoid discomfort, infection, and other eye health problems.
To learn more about contact lens fitting, feel free to talk to the experts at Treasure Coast Eye Specialists. Visit our offices at Port St. Lucie or Stuart, Florida, or call us at 772-400-2400 or 772-286-0007.
