Contact Lens Fittings at ReFocus Eye Health Penndel

Your fitting begins with a thorough examination of your overall eye health and visual system. Our ophthalmologists use specialized equipment to examine your corneas, conjunctiva, tear film, and eyelids under high magnification. This evaluation identifies any conditions that might affect lens wear and establishes a baseline for monitoring your eye health over time.

We use corneal topography to create a detailed map of your corneal surface, measuring its curvature at thousands of points. This technology reveals even subtle irregularities that might affect lens fit and helps us select lenses that match your eye's natural shape. We also measure your pupil and iris diameter to ensure proper lens centering and coverage, which is especially important for multifocal and toric lenses.

Your tear film provides oxygen and nutrients to your cornea while keeping your eyes comfortable. We evaluate both the quantity and quality of your tears to determine if they can support contact lens wear. For patients with borderline or insufficient tear production, we may recommend specific lens materials, daily disposable lenses, or treatment for dry eye before proceeding with contacts.

We perform precise vision testing to determine your exact prescription for contact lenses. This refraction may differ slightly from your eyeglass prescription due to the lens position directly on your eye. We test your vision at various distances and under different lighting conditions to ensure your contacts will meet all your visual needs throughout the day.

Based on all your measurements and eye health findings, we select trial lenses for you to wear during the appointment. You will wear these lenses for 15 to 20 minutes while we evaluate how they move with each blink, how they center on your eye, and whether they provide clear, stable vision. We also check for proper edge alignment and assess your comfort level to determine if adjustments are needed.

Learning to handle your contact lenses safely is a critical part of your fitting. Our team provides hands-on instruction for inserting and removing lenses, and we watch you practice until you feel confident and comfortable. We also explain proper cleaning techniques, storage requirements, and replacement schedules specific to your lens type. This education helps prevent the most common causes of contact lens complications.

We schedule a follow-up visit approximately one week after you begin wearing your trial lenses. This appointment allows us to check how your eyes are responding to the lenses, assess comfort after extended wear, and make any necessary adjustments. Some patients need to try different lens types or parameters before we finalize their prescription, and this follow-up ensures we achieve the best possible outcome.

Contact lens prescriptions include specific information that eyeglass prescriptions do not have, such as base curve, diameter, lens brand, and material. These parameters are determined during your fitting based on your corneal measurements and how your eyes respond to different lenses. Using an eyeglass prescription to order contacts could result in lenses that do not fit properly, causing discomfort, poor vision, or even corneal damage. Legally, contact lenses and eyeglasses require separate prescriptions because they are different medical devices.

First-time contact lens wearers should expect their fitting appointment to take 60 to 90 minutes. This time includes the comprehensive eye exam, all measurements, trial lens fitting, and instruction on insertion, removal, and care. Experienced contact lens wearers who are updating their prescription or trying a new lens type may have shorter appointments, typically 30 to 45 minutes, since they already know how to handle lenses.

Yes, most people with astigmatism can successfully wear contact lenses. Toric lenses are specifically designed to correct astigmatism and are available in both soft and rigid gas permeable materials. For mild astigmatism, some patients achieve acceptable vision with regular spherical lenses. Our ophthalmologists will evaluate your specific degree and axis of astigmatism to determine the best lens option for your needs.

Many patients with dry eyes can comfortably wear contact lenses with the right approach. Options include daily disposable lenses that minimize deposit buildup, lenses made from materials with high water content or silicone hydrogel that retains moisture better, and scleral lenses that vault over the cornea and maintain a fluid reservoir. We may also recommend treating your dry eye condition with artificial tears, prescription medications, or other therapies before or alongside contact lens wear.

Children and teenagers can safely wear contact lenses when they are mature enough to follow proper care instructions consistently. Success depends more on responsibility level than age, though most eye doctors consider age 12 to 14 appropriate for most young people. Contact lenses can be especially beneficial for active children involved in sports or other activities where eyeglasses are impractical. Daily disposable lenses often work well for younger wearers because they require minimal care and reduce infection risks.

Contact your eye doctor right away if your trial lenses cause persistent discomfort, burning, excessive tearing, or vision problems. Often, switching to a different lens material, adjusting the base curve or diameter, or trying a different replacement schedule can resolve the issue. Do not continue wearing uncomfortable lenses, as this can lead to corneal irritation or more serious complications. Your comfort is a critical indicator of proper fit, and we have many lens options available to find what works best for you.

No, you should never wear contact lenses that were prescribed for someone else, even if you think your prescriptions are similar. Contact lenses are medical devices fitted specifically to each person's unique eye measurements, and wearing incorrectly fitted lenses can cause corneal abrasions, infections, and vision problems. Sharing contact lenses also transfers bacteria and other microorganisms between people, significantly increasing infection risk.

Place the lens on the tip of your finger and hold it up to the light. Look at the lens from the side. If the edges form a smooth bowl shape curving upward like a cup, the lens is correctly oriented. If the edges flare outward like a saucer or have a more pronounced rim, the lens is inside out. Some lenses also have a small laser marking that reads correctly when the lens is right-side out.

If you accidentally fall asleep wearing your daily wear contact lenses, do not panic. When you wake up, your eyes may feel dry and your lenses may feel stuck. Apply lubricating eye drops and wait a few minutes for your lenses to rehydrate before attempting removal. If you cannot remove them easily, do not force them. Contact your eye doctor for guidance. While an occasional accidental nap typically causes no permanent harm, make every effort to avoid sleeping in your lenses regularly, as this significantly increases your risk of serious complications.

After your initial fitting and follow-up visit, most contact lens wearers need annual comprehensive eye exams to monitor their eye health, update their prescription if needed, and ensure their lenses continue to fit properly. Some patients with certain eye conditions or those wearing specialty lenses may require more frequent monitoring. Regular checkups allow us to catch potential problems early and keep your eyes healthy for long-term contact lens wear.