Curious about what happens during a contact lens fitting exam? Our Calgary optometrist breaks down everything that happens during this exam which is used to determine what type and size of contact lenses will best suit your needs.
It can be tempting to shop for contact lenses online with all the great deals out there nowadays. But going that route before having a proper contact lens fitting exam could lead to more wasted money than if you were to head to your favourite Calgary optometrist in the first place. With that being said, here's everything you can expect at your Calgary contact lens fitting exam with My Optometrist Calgary.
Looking for an eye exam Calgary? My Optometrist Calgary is happy to announce that we are once again fully open following our brief closure due to COVID-19. We’ve taken the necessary precautions to ensure our customers and staff remain safe given these still uncertain times, and are looking forward to seeing all our amazing patients again in person. Contact us today to book a comprehensive eye exam in Calgary and let's make sure you're still seeing clearly during this hazy period.
Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all contact lenses as companies have poured millions upon millions into developing ones that have varying curvatures, colours, sizes, and characteristics. This can make shopping for new contact lenses online a perilous experience as the options may soon overwhelm you. That's why having a contact lens fitting exam in Calgary can save you from suffering a major headache, which is something ill-fitting contact lenses can cause.
Here's what you can expect at your next contact lens fitting exam:
Everything begins with a comprehensive eye exam with your optometrist. Your optometrist will ask about your medical history and lifestyle before the exam begins to get a better understanding of what type of contact lens will best suit your needs. Then they'll conduct the comprehensive eye exam which will accurately determine your prescription and any refractive errors you may have. After that, your optometrist will use a slit lamp to check on how the health of the inside of your eye is doing.
Your optometrist may also check for glaucoma by sending a puff of air into your eye, and they could also dilate your pupils to make sure your retinas are functioning as they should.
Once your comprehensive eye exam is complete, it's time to move onto the contact lens fitting portion of the exam. Each measurement listed below will be used to best determine which type of contact lens best suits your individual needs and they can be completed in any order.
Pupil and iris measurements
Your optometrist will measure your pupils and your irides, which is the coloured part of your eye. This is done to ensure that the contact lens you choose not only fits properly but also blends into your eyes, so it is less noticeable that you're wearing them.
Cornea measurement
Your optometrist will use a keratometer to measure the curvature of your cornea, which is the clear part of your eye. This device allows your optometrist to determine how much your cornea reflects light, which provides a clear and accurate measurement of your cornea.
If your optometrist notices an astigmatism during this measurement, which simply means you have an irregular curvature of your cornea or lens, they may conduct another measurement using wavefront mapping. If you have an astigmatism, toric or gas permeable contact lens can effectively treat the condition.
Need contact lenses Calgary? Our optometrists in SE Calgary would be happy to help you pick out the perfect pair!
Tear film evaluation
One of the biggest problems those who wear contact lenses face or deal with is dry eyes. If left untreated, dry eyes can lead to infection and damage to the surface of your eyes. Your Calgary optometrist will check to see how well you produce tears by placing a small strip of paper below your eyes while you keep them closed for roughly five minutes. After the evaluation is complete, your optometrist will know whether you suffer from dry eyes and if you do they may recommend contact lenses which mitigate the issue. Sometimes, your dry eye could be found to be so severe that they will recommend you not wear contact lenses at all.
After all the measurements and exams have been completed, it's time for you to select a pair of contact lenses that work best for you given your results. Your optometrist will help you narrow things down by making some suggestions. Once you've selected a pair, our advanced eye care team will let you test drive them for 24 hours to make sure they fit well and aren't causing you any discomfort or problems. If everything goes well during your test drive, you can then purchase a fresh supply and start enjoying clear vision without having to use glasses.
Once a year has passed since your initial contact lens fitting we recommend you stop by My Optometrist Calgary for another exam to make sure all your measurements are still accurate and everything is working well. You can even pair the contact lens fitting with your annual eye exam and save yourself some time!
Need an eye exam Calgary? My Optometrist Calgary has you covered. Contact one of our My Optometrist Calgary clinics at either 403-256-0606 (Health First Optometry), 403-291-0923 (Sunridge Vision Centre), or 403-443-2040 (Three Hills Optometry).
Connect With Us Today!
Our Eye Care Professionals are thrilled to serve the Calgary and Three Hills, Alberta area for over 35 years! With our main floor access, vast medical eye care services, and enhanced supplier choice and selection for frames, prescription eyeglass lenses and contact lenses, we've got you covered. Book an appointment online, come see us in person, or shop for your eye care products. Reach out today!