Procedures for Fitting Contact Lenses

Anyone who wants to wear contact lenses will need to be fitted for them. Usually, fitting contact lenses will occur in conjunction with an eye exam. It is of crucial importance that you are fitted properly for lenses, as your eyeglasses prescription cannot be used for contacts. The process is quite similar to an eye exam and is performed by an eye doctor.

The eye doctor will use a keratometer to measure the curvature of the front of your eyes. There may also be other measurements taken which tell the doctor all about the shape and size of your eyes. This helps him or her choose the proper size and type of contact lenses for you. You will also be asked a series of questions, including whether or not you experience dry eyes. If dryness is an issue for you, the doctor will choose contact lenses that are made to remedy that issue.

Some people are harder to fit than others. For example, people with astigmatism will need special lenses. Astigmatism is when the surface of the cornea is oblong, or football-shaped as opposed to the normal spherical shape. Contact lenses for astigmatism are known as toric lenses and come in several different varieties, including disposable. The extent of your astigmatism will factor in when it comes to the type of toric lenses you will need.

Then there are bifocal lenses, for people who have trouble focusing both up close and far away, a condition called presbyopia. Like toric lenses, they can be found in soft disposable form. Sometimes, the doctor will choose an option known as monovision. This means that one lens will help you see close up and the other will help you see far away.

If you do not have any unique vision correction needs like astigmatism or presbyopia, you will likely be able to choose from a wide variety of lenses. The most common type are soft contacts, and within this category are many different choices. For example, there are conventional vial lenses that are replaced yearly, then there are disposable contact lenses. Within the disposable category, you can choose from daily disposable, one and two-week disposable, and monthly disposable. There are also extended wear contacts that you can sleep in, and colored contacts to change or enhance the color of your eyes.

Once the eye doctor has gone through fitting contact lenses and determined your prescription, you can often choose the type of contacts you want. Then, you can purchase them from your eye doctor or even buy them online. At sites like http://www.lensesbymail.com and http://www.lens.com you can select from a wide variety of name brand contacts at attractive prices.

Copyright 2006 Jim Sterling - All Rights Reserved

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