What is a contact lens fitting?
If you wear or want contact lenses, you'll need to get a contact fitting in order to get a prescription. A contact fitting involves your eye doctor identifying what strength is needed for your eyes and what type of contact lenses will correct your specific refractive error.
What does contact lens fitting include?
First, they will take a measurement to check the curve and diameter you are going to need in your lenses. Next, the eye doctor will take a measurement of your pupil and your iris. Finally, the eye doctor will make sure that your eyes make enough tears to keep your contacts moist.
Do you really need a contact lens fitting?
You should have at least one regular fitting each year. Although, this could be every 6 months, depending on which type of contact lens you use and how frequently your prescription needs adjusting. The daily wear and tear on the eye caused by wearing contacts can cause damage over time.
What is the difference between an eye exam and a contact lens fitting?
If you wear or want contacts, you need a contact lens exam in addition to a comprehensive eye exam. Your eye doctor will perform special tests during a contact lens exam to evaluate your vision with contacts. The first test will measure your eye surface to determine what size and type of contacts are best for you.
What happens after a contact fitting?
Contact Lens Trial and Prescription
If after the fitting, the lenses appear to be a good fit, your eye doctor will order the lenses for you. Your eye doctor will also provide care and hygiene instructions including how to insert and remove your lenses, how long to wear them and how to store them if relevant.
Why is contact lens fitting so expensive?
This exam is more expensive than comprehensive eye exams because more testing is needed to fit you for contacts. If you are concerned about the cost of the contact lens exam, we highly recommend becoming an Eyecare Club member.
How long does a contact lens fit take?
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.
Does a contact lens fitting hurt?
During your fitting, be honest with your eye doctor about how the lenses feel. It can take a while to get used to wearing them, but you shouldn't experience any discomfort during your appointment.
Can I wear makeup for contact lens fitting?
Wearing makeup to an eye exam is okay, as long as you don't overdo it. We recommend going light on the eye makeup and steering clear of waterproof or lash-lengthening mascara. This is important if you wear contact lenses to your appointment or if you end up having a contact lens exam or fitting.
Who can legally fit contact lenses?
According to the Rule, “prescriber” refers to anyone permitted under state law to issue prescriptions for contact lenses — including ophthalmologists, optometrists, and licensed opticians who also are permitted under state law to fit contact lenses (sometimes called “dispensing opticians”).
Do they dilate eyes for contact lens exam?
Dilation is often a normal part of an eye exam for people who wear glasses or contacts. But if you're young and your eyes are healthy, you may not need it every time. Your doctor also may be able to use other methods to check your retina without dilating your eyes, but they may not work as well.
How do we check contact lens fitting?
push-up test — assessing the tightness of the lens is a measure of the fitting relationship of the lens with the eye. It is the most effective way to judge the dynamic fit of the lens. The practitioner moves the lens vertically, through pressure on the lower eyelid, using the finger.

What happens in a contact lens health check?
During the check-up, your optometrist will: ask you if are having any problems with your lenses, and how long you wear them for. check your vision. examine the front of your eyes using a slit lamp microscope.
How much does Costco charge for contact lens fitting?
A routine eye exam is $90. A contact lens exam is $120 or $140 depending on the complexity of your fit, and we charge $40 to train new contact lens wearers.
What is the difference between a standard and premium contact lens fitting?
Standard contact fitting is the applications of clear, soft, spherical, daily-wear contact lenses for single-vision prescriptions; Premium Contact lens fittings are conducted for more complex applications. Your doctor will advise which fitting is right for you.
Is it better to buy glasses or contact lenses?
Contacts carry more risk than glasses
Almost all complications are due to poor hygiene and maintenance, but the fact remains that contact lenses do carry more risk than eyeglasses. Oversights in lens care can cause irritation, conjunctivitis, dry eye syndrome, and other uncomfortable eye problems.
Are contact lenses 30 days or 30 wears?
37. Does monthly contact lens mean 30 wears? Monthly disposable contact lenses should be thrown away precisely 30 days after opening the blister pack, regardless of the number of times you have worn them.
Can you use your eyeglass prescription for contacts?
Can You Use Your Glasses Prescription for Contact Lenses? Unfortunately, you can't use your current glasses prescription for contact lenses. While both can correct your vision, your prescription for glasses differs from a contact lens prescription in many ways.
How many hours a day should you wear contacts?
Your optician will be able to discuss with you what is best in your individual case, but as a general point, it's recommended that you wear your contact lenses for a maximum of 10-12 hours per day. Wearing your lenses for longer may cause your eyes to become uncomfortable, red and prone to infection.
Why can you only wear contacts for 4 hours the first day?
There is no right answer to how long you should wear your contact lenses on the first day. Granted that in the beginning the lenses will create a bit of discomfort for your eyes, which will need some time to adjust, you should aim to wear the contacts as much time as you're able to without too much discomfort.
How do I prepare for a contact lens appointment?
You will need to have an eye examination to ensure your eyes are suitable and healthy. If you wear contact lenses, or have previously worn them, make sure you have had an eye test recently and have an up to date prescription before you schedule in a contact lens appointment.
Are fake eyelashes safe with contacts?
Yes! Eyelash extensions are typically safe to wear with contact lenses. If you have highly sensitive eyes, you may need to remove your contact lenses during your eyelash extension service but you will be safe to place them back in after the service.
What you can't do with contact lenses in?
You're risking your sight by sleeping in a lens that's not approved for overnight use, as it can lead to ocular irritation, swelling and corneal ulcers. Avoid inserting your contacts before you shower or wash your face, since you risk exposing your lenses to tap water and the bacteria that come with it.
Is it OK to wear mascara with contacts?
In short, the answer is yes, you can safely wear mascara with your contact lenses in your eyes, according to the AOA. You'll want to put your contact lenses into your eyes prior to applying any makeup, as long as they are soft lenses — rigid gas-permeable lenses should be put into your eyes after you apply makeup.
How much does a year of contacts cost?
Most people with average prescriptions should be able to get a year's worth of contact lenses for $200 to $500. The price range for contacts can feel broad, but they have a highly variable price tag depending on a lot of factors.