Contact Lenses Fitting and Safety

During winter time in Calgary, is it the season for fogging glasses or contact lens wear?  If you are considering contact lens wear for the first time, or a seasoned wearer but hesitant about contact lens safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, a contact lens eye exam will answer your questions if contact lens wear is right for you.  

What is a contact lens exam?

If you wear or want to wear contact lenses, you'll need an eye exam for contact lenses, in addition to your regular comprehensive eye exam. Special tests are performed during a contact lens exam to evaluate your eyes and vision with contacts.   Although contact lens orders are often done online, this can cause risk if the fitting evaluation is bypassed since contact lenses are considered medical devices that directly contact the ocular surface. Eye abrasions or infections may arise if the lens ill-fitting.  Drs. Dianna Leong & associates take the time to ensure the contact lens is safe for your eyes.

Are eyeglass prescriptions the same as contact lens prescriptions?

No, a prescription for glasses cannot be used for contact lenses. An eyeglass prescription is for lenses that are positioned approximately 12 millimeters from your eyes, whereas a contact lens prescription is measured for lenses that sit directly on the surface of your eye.

The prescription for contact lenses also includes the brand, lens diameter and curvature, which are not part of an eyeglass prescription.

Contact lenses fitting: One size does not fit all

One contact lens size doesn’t fit all eyes. If a contact lens is too flat or too steep for your corneal shape, you may experience discomfort or even eye damage. The material may also be important in preventing allergic responses.  For example, silicone hydrogel is a common lens material which suits many people but some will have an allergic reaction that can be mistaken for “dryness”.

Your eye doctor will take certain measurements, assess lens fit and observe ocular response to determine the best contact lens design and fit for your eyes. 

Corneal curvature

This measures the curvature of your eye’s clear front surface (cornea) so the eye doctor can select the optimal curve and diameter for your contact lenses. If your eye’s surface is somewhat irregular because of astigmatism or other conditions, you may require a special lens. 

Pupil and iris size

The size of your pupil and iris (the colored part of your eye) is also important in determining the best contact lens design.

Tear film evaluation

This test evaluates the quality of your tears, to determine whether they will be able to keep contact lenses and your cornea sufficiently hydrated throughout the day. If you have dry eye disease, standard contact lenses may not be right for you. 

Trial lenses

Following the eye exam, you will be provided with trial lenses to verify that the chosen contact lenses offer clear and comfortable vision. This will allow the eye doctor to make any fine adjustments to the prescription.

Contact Lens Eye Exam Near You

Wearing the correct contact lenses for your eyes allows you to enjoy all of the benefits of wearing contacts, while keeping your eyes healthy and comfortable. 

If you're already a contact lens wearer, visit your eye doctor at least once a year to make sure the lenses are still providing you with optimum vision and comfort.

Contact Foresight Eyecare in the Country Hills area in northwest Calgary to book your contact lens eye exam today!