There’s something undeniably appealing about ditching your glasses — no more fogging lenses in the winter, no more frames slipping down your nose, and no more distortion at the edges of your vision. But there’s more to contact lenses than meets the eye. A proper fit isn’t just about comfort — it’s about protecting your overall eye health.
At Prate Family Eye Care, we guide patients of all ages through their contact lens fittings in Laurel Springs, , and through the process every day.
What Happens During a Contact Lens Fitting?
The fitting process begins with a comprehensive eye exam to ensure your eyes are healthy enough for contact lenses. Even if you’ve had glasses for years, contact lenses require different measurements and considerations. Here’s what you can expect:
- Visual acuity testing: We’ll check how well you see with and without correction.
- Corneal curvature measurements: A tool called a keratometer will map the shape of your cornea. This helps determine the proper lens size.
- Tear film evaluation: If you have dry eyes, specific lenses might be more comfortable than others.
- Pupil and iris size measurements: These help us match the lens diameter to your unique anatomy.
Once we’ve gathered this data, we’ll select a lens type that suits your vision needs, lifestyle, and any comfort preferences you may have.
Why Getting a Proper Contact Lens Fit Matters
Contact lenses sit directly on your eyes, which means the fit needs to be exact. A lens that’s too tight can limit oxygen flow and cause discomfort, while one that’s too loose may slide around and blur your vision. That’s why a professional contact lens fitting is so important. Here are some benefits of being properly fitted for contact lenses:
1. Long-Term Comfort
Poorly fitted lenses can lead to irritation, redness, and discomfort. A professional fitting ensures the lens shape and material match your eye, making everyday wear feel natural and easy.
2. Better Visual Clarity
Even a slight mismatch in lens curvature can cause your vision to feel off. With a proper fit, you achieve the clearest and most stable vision possible, especially when transitioning from glasses to contacts.
3. Reduced Risk of Eye Problems
Ill-fitting lenses can increase your risk of corneal abrasions, infections, and even more serious eye conditions. A fitting ensures the lenses stay centered and don’t damage the surface of your eyes
4. Support for Unique Vision Needs
We work with patients who need lenses for astigmatism, bifocal options, or even multifocal needs. A good fitting accounts for all of these, so you get lenses that work for your eyes.
5. Improved Contact Lens Hygiene
When your lenses fit properly, they’re easier to insert and remove. This makes it easier to keep your lenses clean and avoid excessive handling, thereby reducing the risk of infection.
6. Confidence to Wear Contact Lenses
There’s a learning curve with contact lenses — but with the right fit, that curve is a lot less steep. Our patients often say the personalized support made all the difference in building confidence.
Get Your First-Time Contacts in NJ with Confidence
At Prate Family Eye Care, we’ve been fitting patients with contact lenses since 1975. Whether you’re getting contacts for the first time or have struggled with comfort in the past, we’ll ensure you leave with lenses that feel great and help you see clearly.
We take our time with every patient that comes to our eye doctor for contacts — no rushing, no skipping steps. Book your eye appointment at one of our locations in Laurel Springs, , and