Contact lenses are a great way to correct your vision. There are many different types of contact lenses, depending on the type of prescription you have, presence of ocular surface disease, or the presence of corneal irregularities. To begin your contact lens journey, schedule a contact lens fitting with one of the optometrists at Insight. The fitting appointment will allow the doctor to determine what type of contact lens is necessary to provide you with clear and comfortable vision. Here is what you can expect at your fitting exam!
Your History Will Be Reviewed
The technician will ask you about any previous eye conditions or problems. This will allow the doctor to make the best recommendations possible based on your medical history.
Your Eyes Will Be Examined
In order to be prescribed contact lenses, you will need a comprehensive eye exam in addition to your contact lens fitting. The comprehensive eye exam will allow the optometrist to determine whether or not you are a good candidate for contacts. In some cases, ocular surface diseases, like dry eye syndrome, must be managed before the contact lens fitting can be performed. The comprehensive exam will include a vision test, a topography scan, pressure test, slit lamp examination of the front surface, and a retinal photo to examine the back surface of the eye. Once these testing elements are done, the doctor will be able to determine if contact lenses are a healthy and safe option for your eyes.
Contact Lens Fitting and Assessment
The contact lens fitting will begin with a discussion about your visual goals for the contacts and how frequently you want to wear them. Depending on your responses, your optometrist may recommended a daily disposable, a monthly disposable, distance only vision, toric contacts to correct astigmatism, or multifocal lenses to correct near vision as well. If you require specialty contact lenses due to corneal irregularity or deformity, your doctor will discuss the different types of specialty lenses, including soft specialty lenses, RGP’s, hybrids, and scleral lenses.
Once the appropriate lens type has been determined, the doctor will begin inserting trial lenses to assess the vision, comfort and safety. It may take more than one trial lens to achieve the right fit. If you are fit in a soft contact lens, you will most likely be sent home with a supply of trials to determine if you are satisfied before finalizing your prescription. If you are fit in a specialty lens, it will be to be custom ordered from a lab. All new contact lens wearers will need to go through an instruction session where our contact lens technician will teach you how to insert, remove and care for your lenses.
After you have worn your lenses for 2 weeks, the doctor will usually want to see you back for a contact lens follow-up. If everything looks good, they will finalize your prescription and you will be ready to order your annual supply of contacts from our office. If there are vision or comfort issues with the trials, we will work with you until we find a contact that works for your eyes!
Call Insight Complete Eye Care in Dallas today at (214) 739-8611, to schedule your comprehensive exam and contact lens fitting today!