Contact Lens Fittings for Clear, Comfortable Vision
Understanding Contact Lens Fittings
A contact lens fitting is a specialized appointment that goes well beyond a routine eye exam. We use precision measurements and detailed assessments to ensure your lenses fit safely, feel comfortable, and provide the clearest possible vision.
Contact lenses sit directly on your cornea, the clear front surface of your eye. Unlike eyeglasses that sit away from your face, contacts must match the unique curve and size of your eye to work properly. Even minor differences in corneal shape or tear quality can affect both comfort and vision, making a thorough fitting essential.
Before we recommend any contact lens, we check for conditions that might affect lens wear. These include dry eye, allergies, corneal irregularities, or signs of inflammation. Identifying and addressing these issues first helps ensure comfortable, safe lens use and protects your long-term eye health.
Your daily activities, work environment, and hobbies all influence which lenses work best for you. Whether you need lenses for extended computer use, active sports, or occasional wear for special events, we customize your fit to support both your vision needs and your way of life.
We recommend annual contact lens fittings to track changes in your eyes over time. Factors like aging, medications, hormonal changes, and environmental conditions can all affect how your eyes respond to lenses. Regular check-ups allow us to adjust your prescription before problems develop.
What Happens During Your Fitting Appointment
Every contact lens fitting follows a careful sequence designed to gather all the information we need for the best possible fit. Each step builds on the previous one to create a complete picture of your vision and eye health.
We start by examining your overall eye health with special attention to factors that affect contact lens wear. This assessment includes checking your tear film stability to ensure adequate moisture, examining the eye surface for any irregularities or inflammation, and measuring your vision precisely to determine the optimal correction. These findings guide our lens recommendations and help prevent future complications.
We use specialized instruments including corneal topography and keratometry to map the surface of your eyes. These technologies help us gather critical information for your perfect lens fit.
- Corneal topography creates a detailed three-dimensional map of your corneal surface
- Keratometry measures the curvature of your cornea to match the lens curve
- Pupil and iris measurements ensure proper lens diameter and centering
- Tear film evaluation confirms your eyes have adequate moisture for comfortable wear
Based on your measurements, we'll have you try different types of trial lenses. This hands-on testing lets both you and your eye doctor evaluate comfort, vision clarity, and how the lenses move on your eyes. We typically schedule a follow-up visit about a week later to confirm the fit is working well in your daily life.
A crucial part of your fitting includes hands-on training in safely inserting, removing, and caring for your contact lenses. Our team will work with you until you feel confident handling your lenses independently. This training is key to preventing eye infections and maintaining comfortable lens wear.
Once your trial period is successful, we provide your final contact lens prescription. This prescription differs from an eyeglass prescription because it includes specific details like lens brand, material, base curve, and diameter, all tailored to your individual eyes.
Types of Contact Lenses We Fit
Modern contact lenses come in many varieties to match different vision needs and lifestyles. Dr. Leyla Najafi, our contact lens fitting specialist, will help you choose the best option based on your eye health, prescription, and daily activities.
These single-use lenses are discarded after each wear, providing a fresh, clean pair every day. They require no cleaning or storage, making them ideal for busy lifestyles, people with allergies, or occasional wearers. Daily disposables are also an excellent choice for patients with dry eyes.
These lenses are designed for multiple uses, typically two weeks to one month. They require daily cleaning and proper storage but are often more economical for full-time wearers. Extended wear lenses are available in a wide range of materials and prescription strengths.
If you have astigmatism, an irregular curvature of your cornea, standard spherical lenses won't correct your vision properly. Toric lens fitting uses specially designed lenses with different powers in different meridians to correct astigmatic vision and provide clear, stable sight.
Presbyopia is the age-related loss of near focusing ability that typically begins in your 40s. Multifocal lens fitting provides different prescription zones within a single lens, allowing you to see clearly at multiple distances without needing reading glasses.
Some patients require specialized lenses for conditions like keratoconus, severe dry eye, or irregular corneas. Scleral lens fitting is one advanced option that uses larger lenses to vault over the cornea, creating a fluid reservoir that protects and hydrates the eye surface while providing excellent vision.
Caring for Your Contact Lenses
Proper care and healthy wearing habits are essential for protecting your eyes and keeping your lenses comfortable. Following these guidelines helps prevent the most common contact lens-related problems.
Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your lenses. Dry them with a lint-free towel to avoid transferring fibers to your lenses or eyes. This simple step is your most effective defense against transferring bacteria from your hands to your eyes, which could cause serious infections.
Use only the cleaning solutions we recommend and never substitute tap water, saliva, or homemade solutions. Clean your lens case regularly with fresh solution, allow it to air dry completely, and replace it every three months to prevent contamination. Never top off old solution with new solution.
Replace your lenses exactly as prescribed, whether daily, bi-weekly, or monthly. Over-wearing lenses allows protein deposits and bacteria to build up, causing discomfort, reducing oxygen flow to your cornea, and increasing your risk of eye infections.
Remove your lenses immediately if you experience unusual eye pain, redness, light sensitivity, discharge, or sudden vision changes. These symptoms may indicate an infection or other serious problem requiring prompt attention. Contact our office right away if symptoms persist after removing your lenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about contact lens fittings and lens wear. These responses provide practical guidance to help you make informed decisions about your eye care.
No, eyeglass and contact lens prescriptions are legally distinct and not interchangeable. Contact lens prescriptions include additional specifications like base curve, diameter, lens brand, and material that are determined during your fitting. Using an incorrect prescription can lead to discomfort, poor vision, or even corneal damage.
We recommend annual contact lens evaluations even if your vision seems stable. Your eye shape, tear production, and prescription can all change over time due to aging, health conditions, or medications. Regular appointments help us catch small changes early and adjust your lenses before you experience discomfort or vision problems.
Yes, many patients with dry eyes can successfully wear contact lenses with the right lens selection and care routine. We often recommend daily disposable lenses, lenses made from moisture-retaining materials, or specialized scleral lenses that protect the ocular surface. We may also suggest specific dry eye treatments to improve your comfort.
Contact us right away if your trial lenses cause discomfort, blurred vision, or irritation. Often a minor adjustment in lens type, size, or material can solve the problem completely. Never continue wearing uncomfortable lenses, as this can lead to corneal irritation or infection.
No, you should avoid exposing your contact lenses to any water source, including pools, hot tubs, showers, lakes, or oceans. Water can contain microorganisms that cause severe eye infections, including a rare but serious condition called Acanthamoeba keratitis. If you must swim with contacts, use watertight goggles and discard the lenses immediately afterward.
Yes, many young people can successfully wear contact lenses. Success depends more on maturity and the ability to follow care instructions responsibly than on age alone. Contact lenses are especially popular with active children and teens who play sports or participate in activities where eyeglasses are inconvenient or unsafe.
Schedule Your Contact Lens Fitting Today
At Dulles Eye Associates, our fellowship-trained eye doctors and experienced optometrist provide expert contact lens fittings using the latest technology and techniques. Whether you're new to contacts or looking to update your current prescription, we're here to help you see clearly and comfortably. With convenient locations throughout the DC Metro Area and over 800 patient reviews, we're committed to providing exceptional eye care tailored to your unique needs.
Dr. Dar has a high level of expertise and patience, answering all my questions about my cataract surgeries. He follows up on details with other staff and ensures all concerns are taken care of.
Margaret Sedlacek
Had a follow-up with Dr. Nasrullah. The office staff and technicians were great getting me ready. Doctor checked quickly, said all looked good, and advised to return in 9 months. Smooth visit!
RICKY ALFORD
Very welcoming and the staff answered my questions patiently.
Cindy Morris
Always a great experience the Reston office in particular is very efficient. Dr. Simon is always a delight. Highly recommend for cataract work, yearly eye exams, and every other aspect of eye care.
Ken Colley
Dr. Nasrullah and staff have been wonderful. He performed two cataract surgeries for me with excellent results. Timely, attentive, and highly recommended.
Donna Reynolds