TL;DR: A contact lens fitting includes an eye exam, eye measurements, trial lenses, and practice putting them in and taking them out. The process typically takes one or two visits, and follow-up appointments confirm your lenses fit correctly.
If you’ve worn glasses your whole life, switching to contacts can feel like a leap.
You might wonder if your eyes are even the right shape, whether it’ll hurt, or if you’ll be able to get the lens in without panicking. The good news: a contact lens fitting is designed to answer those questions before you commit.
It’s a step-by-step process that measures your eyes, tests different lenses, and gives you hands-on practice, so you leave knowing exactly how to wear and care for your new lenses.
What a Contact Lens Fitting Actually Involves
A contact lens fitting is more than just picking a brand off a shelf. Your eye doctor needs specific measurements and observations to find lenses that fit your eyes properly, correct your vision, and stay comfortable all day.
The fitting process typically includes:
- A comprehensive eye exam to check your overall eye health and current prescription
- Measurements of your cornea’s curve and diameter
- Evaluation of your tear film to see how well your eyes stay moist
- Trial lenses selected based on your prescription and eye shape
- Practice inserting, removing, and caring for your lenses
- Follow-up visits to confirm the fit is working
First-time wearers usually need one to two appointments to complete the process. If you’ve worn contacts before and are switching lens types, the fitting may be shorter.
The Eye Exam Comes First
Before any lens touches your eye, your doctor performs a full eye exam. This checks your vision prescription and screens for conditions that could affect contact lens wear, like dry eye or allergies.
At Eyes Now, this exam uses modern technology to get a clear picture of your eye health. The Optomap retinal imaging captures a wide view of your retina without dilation drops for most patients. The iCare tonometer measures eye pressure without the air puff. These details matter because certain eye conditions may influence which lens material or wearing schedule works best for you.
If you have an existing prescription for glasses, bring it along. It gives your doctor a starting point, though your contact lens prescription will differ since lenses sit directly on your eye rather than in front of it.
Measurements That Determine Your Fit
Contact lenses aren’t one-size-fits-all. Your doctor measures:
- Corneal curvature (base curve): A keratometer or corneal topographer maps the curve of your cornea. Lenses that don’t match this curve can slide around, feel uncomfortable, or cause blurry vision.
- Corneal diameter: This determines how large the lens needs to be to properly cover your cornea.
- Pupil and iris size: These measurements help with lens centration, especially for specialty lenses.
- Tear film quality: Your doctor evaluates how quickly your tears evaporate and whether your eyes produce enough moisture. Dry eyes may need lenses made from materials that retain hydration better.
These numbers go on your contact lens prescription, along with your vision correction. That’s why you can’t just use your glasses prescription to order contacts online.
Choosing Trial Lenses
Based on your measurements and lifestyle, your doctor selects trial lenses for you to test. The options vary depending on your needs:
- Daily disposables: Fresh pair every day, no cleaning required
- Bi-weekly or monthly lenses: Replaced on a set schedule, cleaned nightly
- Toric lenses: Designed for astigmatism, weighted to stay in position
- Multifocal lenses: Correct both near and distance vision for presbyopia
Your doctor considers factors like how many hours you’ll wear lenses, whether you have allergies or dry eyes, and your comfort with lens care routines. If you play sports, work at a computer all day, or have sensitive eyes, those details shape the recommendation.
Trying Lenses On and Testing Comfort
Once trial lenses are selected, your doctor places them on your eyes. You’ll wear them for 10 to 15 minutes while they settle, then your doctor checks:
- How the lens moves when you blink (it should glide slightly, not stick or slide too much)
- Whether the lens centers properly over your cornea
- How sharp your vision is at different distances
- Any discomfort, dryness, or irritation
Sometimes the first trial lens isn’t perfect. Your doctor may try a different size, material, or brand until the fit feels right. This is normal and exactly why fittings exist. Ordering lenses without this step often leads to problems.
Learning to Insert and Remove Your Lenses
For first-time wearers, this is usually the most nerve-wracking part. Your eyes naturally want to blink when something comes toward them. That reflex fades with practice.
Your doctor or a trained technician walks you through the steps:
Insertion:
- Wash and dry your hands thoroughly
- Place the lens on your fingertip and check it’s not inside out (edges should curve up like a bowl, not flare out)
- Hold your upper eyelid open with one hand
- Pull down your lower lid and look up slightly
- Place the lens on the white of your eye, then look down so it centers
- Blink gently to settle the lens
Removal:
- Look up and pull down your lower lid
- Slide the lens down to the white of your eye
- Pinch the lens gently between your thumb and finger to remove it
You’ll practice until you can do both confidently. Most people get the hang of it within 15 to 20 minutes, though some need a bit longer. There’s no rush. The goal is for you to feel comfortable handling your lenses at home.
Care Instructions for Your Lenses
How you care for your lenses depends on the type:
Daily disposables:
No cleaning needed. Throw them away at the end of each day and start fresh tomorrow.
Reusable lenses:
Clean and disinfect every night with the solution your doctor recommends. Never use water, saliva, or expired solution. Replace your lens case every one to three months.
General rules for all lenses:
- Never sleep in lenses unless they’re specifically approved for overnight wear
- Remove lenses before swimming or showering
- Don’t wear lenses longer than the recommended schedule
- If a lens feels uncomfortable, remove it and inspect for damage or debris
Your doctor provides specific instructions based on your lens type. Follow them closely. Most contact lens complications come from skipping steps or overwearing lenses.
Follow-Up Appointments Confirm the Fit
A fitting isn’t complete after one visit. You’ll schedule a follow-up, usually one to two weeks later, so your doctor can check how your eyes respond to the lenses after regular wear.
At the follow-up, your doctor looks for:
- Any changes in vision clarity
- Signs of dryness, redness, or irritation
- How the lens fits after extended wear
- Whether the wearing schedule is working for your lifestyle
If everything looks good, your doctor finalizes your prescription, and you can order a full supply. If adjustments are needed, you may try a different lens and return for another check.
Schedule Your Contact Lens Fitting
Eyes Now offers contact lens exams and fittings at every location, with appointments available seven days a week. Walk-ins are welcome, or you can book a time that fits your schedule.
Most fittings wrap up quickly, and you’ll leave knowing exactly how to wear and care for your new lenses.
A Few More Things to Know About Contact Lens Fittings
How long does a contact lens fitting take?
Plan for about 30 to 60 minutes for your first fitting. That usually includes the eye exam, measurements, trial lenses, and time to practice putting them in and taking them out. Follow-up visits are typically shorter.
Can anyone wear contact lenses?
Most people can wear contacts, but some eye conditions can limit your options. Severe dry eye, recurring infections, or certain corneal shapes may require a different lens type or another approach. Your doctor will check your eyes during the fitting and explain what makes sense for you.
Is a contact lens fitting different from a regular eye exam?
Yes. A regular eye exam checks your vision and overall eye health. A contact lens fitting includes measurements, trial lenses, and hands-on guidance to find lenses that fit properly and feel comfortable.
Do I need a new fitting if I switch contact lens brands?
Often, yes. Different brands can vary in base curve, diameter, material, and how they sit on the eye. A fitting helps confirm that the new lenses are comfortable, stable, and give you clear vision.
A Better Fit Starts With the Right Measurements
A contact lens fitting takes the guesswork out of finding lenses that work for your eyes. You get the measurements, trial lenses, and guidance needed to see how they feel and perform before making the switch.
If contacts are something you have been considering, a contact lens exam & fitting can help you figure out what works best for your prescription, comfort, and daily routine.
Disclaimer: This blog is general information, not a diagnosis. If something feels urgent, don’t wait for a blog post; call your nearest Eyes Now location or seek immediate care. For everything else, book your exam, and we’ll take it from there.
