Contact lenses offer freedom from glasses, but only when they fit correctly. A professional contact lens fitting is key to avoiding irritation, infection, and poor vision.
What Makes a Contact Lens Fitting Different?
A contact lens fitting isn’t just about checking your prescription – it’s a specialized evaluation that ensures your lenses sit correctly on your eyes and support healthy, comfortable wear. While a regular eye exam checks your overall vision and eye health, a fitting focuses on the unique characteristics of your eyes that determine which lenses will work best for you.
During your appointment, the optometrist doesn’t just assess your vision; they evaluate your corneal curvature, tear film quality, and pupil size. These measurements help determine which lens type, shape, and material will offer the best fit and clarity. Without this step, your lenses might feel uncomfortable – or worse, cause serious eye issues over time.
What Happens During a Professional Fitting?
Your optometrist will start by discussing your lifestyle, preferences, and any past experiences with contact lenses. This helps determine whether daily, biweekly, monthly, or specialty lenses are right for you.
Then, they’ll measure:
- Corneal curvature using a tool called a keratometer or corneal topographer, which helps select the right lens base curve.
- Pupil and iris size, to ensure the lens centres properly and offers full coverage.
- Tear film quality, since contacts rely on your eye’s natural moisture to stay comfortable throughout the day.
After that, you’ll usually try a trial pair of lenses. Your optometrist will assess how they fit and move on your eyes and how your vision feels with them. You’ll also learn how to insert, remove, and care for your lenses before heading home for a short trial period.
Why the Right Lens Type Makes All the Difference
There’s no such thing as a “one-size-fits-all” contact lens. The lens that works for your friend or partner might not suit your eyes at all.
Depending on your vision needs and eye anatomy, your optometrist may recommend:
- Soft lenses – comfortable and widely used for everyday correction.
- Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses – provide sharp vision for patients with high prescriptions or irregular corneas.
- Toric lenses – specially designed for those with astigmatism.
- Multifocal lenses – offer clear vision at multiple distances, ideal for patients over 40.
- Specialty lenses – custom-made for complex vision issues like keratoconus or severe dry eye.
Your optometrist will guide you through the pros and cons of each option, ensuring your lenses support your visual needs without sacrificing comfort or safety.
The Risks of Skipping a Contact Lens Fitting
Some people are tempted to skip the fitting process and order lenses online – but without proper measurements and follow-up, this shortcut can cause major problems.
Ill-fitting lenses may seem fine at first, but they often lead to:
- Red, irritated eyes
- Dryness and discomfort throughout the day
- Blurry or unstable vision
- Increased risk of corneal scratches or serious infections
Improperly fitted lenses can even reduce the amount of oxygen reaching your cornea, which can lead to long-term damage. A fitting isn’t just a formality – it’s the only way to be sure your lenses are doing more good than harm.
Schedule a Contact Lens Fittings in Richmond Hill
At , we take contact lens fittings seriously. Our optometrists don’t just write a prescription – they consider your eyes’ shape, your tear film, and your day-to-day lifestyle to match you with lenses that work for you.
If you’re considering switching from glasses to contacts, or if you’ve had trouble with lenses in the past,schedule a contact lens fitting in with our team today. Your eyes deserve the best.