If you already wear contact lenses, you might be wondering if you really need a contact lens fitting during your next eye exam. The short answer is yes—regular contact lens fittings are essential for ensuring your lenses continue to fit properly and that your eyes remain healthy.
Even if you’ve been wearing contacts for years, your eye shape, prescription, and even your lifestyle can change over time, all of which may require adjustments to your contact lenses.
Why Contact Lens Fittings Are Important, Even for Long-Term Wearers
Wearing contacts for years doesn’t mean your eyes will stay the same. A contact lens fitting ensures that your lenses are still the right size, shape, and material for your eyes. Here are some key reasons why you still need a fitting:
- Changes in Eye Shape: Over time, the shape of your cornea can change, which may make your current contacts uncomfortable or less effective. A fitting checks for any changes and ensures your lenses continue to fit properly.
- Prescription Updates: Your vision may have changed since your last eye exam. Even minor changes in your prescription can affect your comfort and vision clarity.
- Advances in Contact Lens Technology: Contact lens technology is always improving. Newer lenses may provide better comfort, moisture, or vision correction, and a fitting helps determine if you’re a candidate for these upgrades.
Skipping a contact lens fitting can lead to discomfort, blurred vision, and in some cases, even damage to your eyes, which is why regular fittings are crucial.
Why Can't You Wear Contacts Before an Eye Exam?
It’s common for eye care professionals to ask that you avoid wearing your contact lenses before a contact lens exam. This recommendation is to ensure that your eyes are in their natural state when being examined. Here’s why:
- Corneal Changes: Contact lenses sit directly on the cornea, and wearing them can temporarily alter the shape of your cornea. This can lead to inaccurate measurements during your eye exam, which in turn could result in an incorrect prescription or ill-fitting lenses.
- Lens-Related Irritation: If your eyes are irritated or dry from contact lens use, your optometrist may not get a clear assessment of your eye health. Wearing contacts before an exam can mask underlying issues like dry eyes or infections, delaying appropriate treatment.
To get the most accurate results, it's best to leave your contacts out for at least 24 hours before your eye exam, or as directed by your eye care provider.
Schedule a Contact Lens Fitting Now
If you’ve been wearing contacts for a while, it’s important to ensure they still fit properly and meet your current vision needs. Schedule a contact lens fitting with today to keep your eyes healthy and comfortable.
Don’t forget—proper eye care begins with regular exams and fittings. Book your appointment now and experience the benefits of personalized, expert care.