The Importance of a Proper Contact Lens Fit: Comfort, Clarity, and Eye Health

Why Proper Fit Matters

A properly fitted lens conforms to the unique shape of your eye, minimizing irritation or discomfort throughout the day. Poorly fitting lenses may feel scratchy, shift out of place, or dry out quickly.

Your vision depends on the lens sitting in the correct position on your eye. Even a slight misalignment can lead to blurry or inconsistent vision. A precise fit ensures consistent and clear vision whether you're reading, driving, or working on a screen.

Additionally, improperly fitted lenses can restrict oxygen flow to the cornea, leading to complications such as corneal hypoxia or infection. Your optometrist ensures that the lenses support healthy oxygen transmission and tear exchange to keep your eyes in top shape.

What to Expect During a Contact Lens Exam and Fitting

A contact lens exam goes beyond a standard eye exam. First, your optometrist will evaluate your overall eye health and determine your updated prescription. This includes checking for any conditions that might impact your ability to wear contact lenses comfortably, such as dry eye syndrome or allergies.

Using specialized instruments, we measure the curvature and diameter of your cornea to determine the ideal contact lens size and shape. This step is crucial to ensuring the lenses fit snugly without being too tight or too loose.

Tear production and quality are assessed to ensure your eyes can stay properly hydrated while wearing lenses. If you have dry eyes, we may recommend specific lens materials or additional treatments.

Based on your prescription and eye measurements, we provide trial lenses to test the fit and vision. You’ll wear the lenses in-office for a short time so we can observe how they sit on your eyes and make any necessary adjustments.

We’ll also walk you through how to properly insert, remove, and care for your lenses. Whether you're a first-time wearer or switching lens types, we make sure you feel confident and informed. After you’ve worn your lenses for a few days, we schedule a follow-up to ensure they’re performing well and your eyes remain healthy. Adjustments can be made as needed.

Different Types of Contacts

There are several types of contact lenses designed to fit different needs. Soft contact lenses are the most common, offering comfort and flexibility for daily, bi-weekly, or monthly wear. They correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses provide sharper vision and are ideal for those with more complex prescriptions or irregular corneas. They’re durable but require an adjustment period. Toric lenses are designed to correct astigmatism with precise alignment, while multifocal lenses help people with presbyopia see clearly at all distances.

For more advanced conditions like keratoconus or chronic dry eye, scleral lenses offer a custom, stable fit and exceptional comfort. Your eye doctor will help determine the best lens type based on your vision needs, eye shape, and lifestyle.

Finding the Perfect Fit at The Eye Guys

A proper contact lens fitting is not just about getting the right prescription - it’s about ensuring your lenses support clear vision, lasting comfort, and long-term eye health. We take a personalized approach to each contact lens fitting to help you see your best and feel your best, every day.

Schedule your contact lens exam with The Eye Guys and take the first step toward clearer vision. Visit our offices on Texas Blvd. (903) 792-3705 or Moores Ln. (903) 329-5051 in Texarkana, Texas, or Idabel (580) 245-0700, Oklahoma to book an appointment today.