The first time you step outside wearing contacts is an incredible moment. Everywhere you look you can see the details on the signs, the leaves on the trees– it’s all perfectly sharp. And the technology that goes into manufacturing contact lenses over the past decade has made them more comfortable than ever. But you still might be a little uncertain as to what to expect at your first contact lens fitting. Here’s how your first fitting may look:
1. Tests for Visual Acuity
One of the first steps to a contact lens fitting is a visual acuity test, or in other words, an eye chart test. The eye doctor will review your history and determine your level of prescription.
2. Tests for Eye Health
Successful lens wear starts with healthy eyes, so your eye doctor will thoroughly check you for eye disorders and diseases, some of which have no outward symptoms.
3. Tests for Fit
The diameter and curvature of your cornea will be determined for if the curvature of a contact lens is too flat or too steep for your eye, you could experience discomfort. If the shape of your cornea is irregular, you may need a special type of lens called a toric contact lens. CooperVision offers toric lenses in a two week, toric multifocal, and toric extended wear versions. The size of your pupil and iris will be measured as well.
4. Given trial lenses
Once your exam is done, your doctor will likely ask you some questions: do you play sports, do you have seasonal allergies, do you travel? He or she will determine the proper wear schedule for your lifestyle and give you a trial pair. Bring in this coupon if you’d like to try a free pair of CooperVision lenses. Once you get them in and they settle a few minutes, the fit will be checked along with your vision.
5. Instruction
If the lens is comfortable and lets you see clearly, your eye doctor will go over putting in and taking out your lenses and how to properly clean and care for them. Here’s a little guide to refer to just in case you forget.
6. Follow up visit
After a week, your eye doctor will have you come in to make sure the fit is still good. If you’re satisfied, you can order or sometimes take home your new supply of contacts that day.
A couple weeks after wearing contact lenses for the first time, you’ll be a pro and possibly wonder how you ever got by without them before.