Every person is unique, as are their eyes, and those differences make the examination and fitting process for contact lenses much different from those for eyeglasses. Two people who have the same power eyeglass prescription could likely see through one another’s eyeglasses. The same is not true for contact prescriptions due to differences in the shape of each person’s corneas and other factors determined during your eye exam. If you live in the La Mesa area and need an optometrist, consider our team at Vision Solutions.
What to Expect
Contact lenses are personalized to the individual and depend on each eye’s shape. Prescription contact lens exams and contact fittings are more complex than eyeglasses because they must account for the:
• Eyes’ shape and curvature
• Size of the corneas and pupils
• Type of materials used for the contacts
• The wearer’s occupation, hobbies, and other activities
Assuming your optometrist has determined you will be successful using contact lenses, they will perform a contact lens exam and fitting.
The Contact Lens Exam and Fitting Process
Contact lenses should rest comfortably on your cornea, requiring your optometrist to take several precise eye measurements, including those listed below.
• Tear Film: To ensure your eyes produce tears of the needed quality and quantity, our optometrist, Dr. Peters, will evaluate your tears during your eye examination. The tear film may suggest that you are not a candidate for contact lenses or should wear a lens type better suited to those with dry eyes.
• Cornea Shape and Curvature: One physical measurement of your eyes uses a corneal topographer to measure your eyes’ shape and curvature. The measures can also identify astigmatism or any abnormal corneal eye shape.
• Pupil or Iris Size: Your optometrist will also measure your pupil size when needed to identify your appropriate size of contact lens.
The combination helps your eye doctor recommend a specific lens material, the use of daily or extended-wear contacts, and how often to replace your contacts. Dr. Peters will also recommend the contact lens solutions appropriate to clean, store, and insert the contact lenses. Trial lenses are often dispensed to ensure proper fit, comfort, and vision before finalizing the contact lens prescription.
Contact Vision Solutions, Your Optometrist in La Mesa, CA
If you live in or near La Mesa and are looking for an optometrist near you, call our team at Vision Solutions today at 619-461-4913 to schedule an appointment.
