Contact Lens Fittings
What Is a Contact Lens Fitting?
A contact lens fitting is a special eye exam that goes beyond checking your vision. It makes sure contact lenses fit your eyes perfectly for comfort and clear sight while protecting your eye health.
Contact lens fittings include detailed measurements of your eye shape and size. Our eye doctors test different lens types to find the best match for your lifestyle. This process takes more time than a regular eye exam because each person's eyes are unique. We use advanced technology to measure your corneas and check your tear film quality.
We start with a complete eye exam to check your overall eye health. This includes testing your vision, measuring eye pressure, and looking at all parts of your eyes. We also check for conditions that might affect contact lens wear like dry eyes or allergies. Our team looks at your medical history and current medications to make sure contacts are safe for you.
Our eye doctors use special tools to measure the curve of your cornea and the size of your pupils. These measurements help us choose lenses that fit properly and move correctly with your eyes. We also check your tear film to make sure you have enough moisture for comfortable lens wear. Technology like corneal topography helps us create a detailed map of your eye surface.
You will try on different contact lenses during your visit to test the fit and comfort. Our team will watch how the lenses move on your eyes and check your vision with them in place. We make sure you can see clearly at all distances you need. This hands-on approach helps us find the perfect lens design and material for your specific needs.
Who Can Wear Contact Lenses?
Most people with vision needs can safely wear contacts with the right lens design and care plan. A brief health history and eye exam confirm if contacts are right for you.
Single-vision and toric soft lenses work well for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Multifocal lenses help with near and distance vision after age 40. Rigid gas permeable and specialty designs work for higher prescriptions and demanding visual tasks. Our eye doctors will match the right lens type to your specific prescription needs.
Children, teens, adults, and seniors can wear contacts when motivated and able to follow hygiene rules. Design and schedules are tailored to age and eye surface health. Parents and caregivers play a role in supervision for younger wearers to ensure safe habits. We provide age-appropriate training and support for all contact lens wearers.
Certain conditions call for caution or waiting until they are treated to avoid problems.
- Active eye infection, significant swelling, or corneal ulcers should fully heal before lens wear
- Severe, untreated dry eye or surface disease may require medical therapy or specialty lenses first
- Allergy flares, poor hygiene habits, or inability to follow care instructions increase risk
- Certain medications or health conditions that affect tear production or immune system
We discuss your medications, allergies, eye surgery history, and prior lens experience during your visit. We also review your work environment and sports activities to align lens selection with daily demands. This step ensures our plan supports your vision needs and long-term eye health. Open communication helps us create the safest and most effective contact lens experience for you.
Types of Contact Lenses Available
We offer many different contact lens options to meet your specific vision needs and lifestyle preferences. Modern lens materials and designs offer different comfort levels, oxygen flow, and care requirements.
Single-use lenses offer top convenience and hygiene by removing the need for cleaning. Daily disposable lenses are perfect for busy lifestyles and people with allergies. You wear a fresh pair each day and throw them away at night. This option provides excellent safety and reduces the risk of eye infections.
Reusable soft lenses provide flexibility and value with scheduled replacement and proper cleaning. These lenses come in weekly, biweekly, and monthly replacement schedules to fit your routine. Modern lenses are made from silicone hydrogel materials that allow lots of oxygen to reach your eyes. Following the rub-and-rinse cleaning steps and timely replacement keeps lenses comfortable and safe.
Toric lenses are specially designed to correct astigmatism by having different powers in different areas. They have a weighted bottom or other features to keep them in the right position on your eye. Our eye doctors will take extra time to fit these lenses properly for clear, stable vision. Careful fitting helps with rotation, centering, and comfort throughout the day.
Multifocal lenses help people over 40 who need help seeing both near and far distances. These lenses have different zones for distance and reading vision. Some patients may also be good candidates for monovision, where one eye is fitted for distance and the other for near vision. Trying different designs helps fine-tune the balance between clarity and contrast for your daily tasks.
Rigid gas permeable lenses provide sharp vision, durability, and excellent oxygen flow to your eyes. They are especially useful for higher prescriptions and irregular corneas. These lenses require an adjustment period, with comfort improving over several days of wear. Many people find the superior vision quality worth the initial adaptation time.
We fit specialty lenses for people with complex eye conditions or unusual prescriptions. These advanced options can address challenging vision needs when standard lenses are not enough.
- Scleral lenses vault the cornea and rest on the white part of your eye for comfort
- Orthokeratology lenses gently reshape your cornea overnight for daytime vision without lenses
- Custom soft lenses for very high prescriptions or unique eye shapes
- Hybrid lenses combining the comfort of soft with the clarity of rigid materials
- Cosmetic and therapeutic lenses for appearance enhancement or eye protection
Your Contact Lens Fitting Experience
We make sure your contact lens fitting is comfortable and thorough from start to finish. A structured process ensures the lens fits your eye shape, tear film, and visual tasks.
Your visit begins with discussing your vision needs and daily activities. We ask about your work, hobbies, and when you plan to wear contacts most often. This helps us recommend the best lens type for your lifestyle and comfort preferences. The evaluation includes checking your overall eye health and ruling out conditions that need treatment first.
Our team uses advanced technology to map the curve of your corneas and measure your pupils. We also check how much your eyes blink and produce tears. These measurements ensure your contact lenses will fit securely and feel comfortable all day long. Keratometry and corneal topography guide the selection of base curve, diameter, and lens design.
Based on your exam results, we select trial lenses for you to try during your visit. We check the fit and your vision quality while you wear them. Our clinicians assess how the lenses center and move with each blink to ensure optimal performance. We make adjustments until the fit is just right for your eyes.
Before you leave, our staff will teach you proper contact lens care and hygiene. We show you how to safely insert, remove, clean, and store your lenses. Step-by-step coaching builds your confidence in safe handling practices. You will also learn important safety tips and when to contact our office with questions or concerns.
We schedule follow-up visits to make sure your contacts continue fitting well and your eyes stay healthy. During these visits, we check your vision and eye health with your new lenses. Our team is always available to answer questions or make adjustments as needed. The frequency of follow-up visits depends on your individual needs and lens type.
Wear Schedules and Getting Used to Contacts
Starting gradually helps your eyes adapt to new materials and designs without irritation. Wear time builds as comfort and eye surface stability improve.
Begin with a few hours on day one and increase daily wear time as advised by our eye doctors. Stop wearing them if you experience redness, pain, or blurred vision during the adjustment period. Early check-ins confirm your schedule is on track for comfort and safety. This gradual approach helps prevent problems and ensures long-term success.
Daily wear lenses are removed every night for the safest experience. Some lenses are approved for extended wear, but this carries higher infection risk with sleep. With proper monitoring, some patients can safely wear extended wear lenses overnight when specifically prescribed. Removing lenses nightly is the safest routine for most wearers.
Blinking less at computer screens can dry lenses, so take regular breaks during screen time. Use lubricating drops that work with contact lenses and stay properly hydrated throughout the day. Consider daily disposables or higher-oxygen materials if dryness continues to be a problem. Our team can recommend specific products to help maintain comfort.
Contacts provide wide, fog-free vision for sports and active lifestyles. Remove them for swimming and hot tubs to avoid waterborne germs that can cause serious eye infections. Protective eyewear is still recommended for impact sports to prevent eye injury. We can discuss the best contact lens options for your specific activities and sports.
Care and Hygiene
Clean, dry hands and the right solutions keep lenses safe and comfortable. Never use water or saliva on lenses or storage cases.
Wash with soap and water and dry with a lint-free towel before handling lenses. This simple step reduces germ transfer to your eye and lowers infection risk significantly. Always handle your lenses over a clean surface in case you drop them. Make hand washing the first step of your contact lens routine every time.
Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly before touching your contact lenses. Clean each reusable lens by rubbing it gently with contact solution for about 20 seconds on each side. Rinse the lens with fresh solution before putting it in your storage case filled with new solution. This mechanical cleaning removes deposits and bacteria that build up during wear.
Keep lenses away from tap water, showers, pools, and hot tubs at all times. Never lick lenses or use saliva, as water and saliva can carry harmful germs. Remove lenses before any water exposure to protect your eye health. This rule is critical for preventing serious eye infections that can threaten your vision.
Use only fresh disinfecting solution each time you store your lenses. Never top off old solution or reuse solution from previous days. Follow rub-and-rinse steps if recommended by the product or our eye doctors. Saline and rewetting drops do not disinfect lenses and must not replace disinfecting solutions.
Empty your contact case each morning and rinse it with contact solution, never water. Let your case air dry upside down on a clean tissue or towel with caps off. Replace your storage case every three months or when you get a new bottle of solution. Store the case open and dry between uses to minimize harmful bacteria growth.
Follow the replacement schedule exactly as recommended for your specific lens type. Daily lenses should be thrown away each night and never reused under any circumstances. Weekly or monthly lenses need regular cleaning and must be replaced on time even if they look clean. Throw away any lenses used during eye infections after recovery to avoid getting sick again.
Specialty Fittings
Some eyes need advanced designs for stability, clear vision, or surface protection. Our eye doctors match the design to corneal shape, tear film, and visual goals.
Toric soft or rigid gas permeable lenses stay in place to align with your astigmatism axis. This alignment improves clarity and reduces ghosting or double vision. Fine-tuning rotation and stability features gives consistent vision across blinks and eye movements. Our detailed fitting process ensures these specialty lenses work effectively for your specific astigmatism.
Multifocal soft, rigid gas permeable, or scleral lens designs balance distance and near tasks effectively. Design choice is guided by your lifestyle needs and pupil size characteristics. Trials and fine-tuning help us perfect the final prescription for best performance. Many patients find multifocal contacts provide excellent vision freedom for work and daily activities.
Scleral and rigid gas permeable lenses can mask irregular eye surface problems to restore functional vision. These specialty lenses are helpful for keratoconus, post-surgical eyes, and other corneal irregularities. Proper vaulting and edge alignment are checked to avoid corneal touch and improve comfort. Our expertise in specialty fitting helps patients with complex conditions achieve better vision.
Scleral lenses may help severe dry eye by bathing the cornea in protective fluid throughout the day. This treatment is often used alongside medical therapies under specialist guidance for best results. For mild to moderate dry eye, conventional treatment approaches are typically tried first. We work with other specialists when needed for complex surface diseases.
Therapeutic and specialty lenses can protect healing tissue and improve vision after certain surgeries or injuries. These applications require close monitoring and individualized treatment plans for safety. We provide shared care with surgeons and other specialists when needed. Custom lens designs can address unique challenges from previous eye procedures or trauma.
Myopia Control and Specialized Treatments
Certain specialized contact lens treatments may help slow the progression of nearsightedness in children and young adults. These treatments require careful monitoring and individualized care plans.
Orthokeratology lenses are worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea while you sleep. You remove them in the morning and can see clearly during the day without glasses or contacts. Research suggests this treatment may help slow myopia progression in children. These lenses require specialized fitting and regular monitoring for safety and effectiveness.
Certain multifocal contact lenses designed for children may help slow the progression of nearsightedness. These lenses work differently than adult multifocal lenses and require specialized fitting and monitoring. The treatment is part of a comprehensive myopia management program. We can discuss if your child is a candidate for this specialized treatment.
Myopia control treatments require more frequent follow-up visits than regular contact lens wear. We monitor eye health, vision changes, and treatment effectiveness regularly. These treatments work best when started early and combined with other myopia management strategies. Our eye doctors will work with you to create a comprehensive plan for your child's vision needs.
Risks, Warning Signs, and Emergencies
Most problems are preventable with proper wear and care, but knowing red flags protects long-term vision. Quick action reduces the risk of scarring and vision loss from infections or swelling.
Temporary dryness, lens awareness, or mild redness can occur during adjustment periods. These issues may also happen with longer computer screen time or environmental factors. Adjusting lens materials, using lubrication, or changing wear time usually resolves these minor issues. Most side effects improve as your eyes adjust to contact lens wear.
Eye infections and corneal swelling are serious conditions linked to sleeping in lenses, water exposure, and poor hygiene. These infections can cause permanent vision damage if not treated quickly. Any sudden pain, light sensitivity, or reduced vision needs same-day evaluation. Early treatment is essential for protecting your vision and preventing complications.
Remove lenses immediately and contact our office for severe pain, worsening redness, or unusual discharge. Light sensitivity, sudden vision changes, or lasting irritation also require prompt attention. Do not put lenses back in until our eye doctors have examined your eyes and cleared you for wear. These symptoms may indicate serious conditions that need immediate medical care.
Follow your exact wearing schedule and never sleep in lenses unless specifically prescribed by our eye doctors. Keep lenses away from all water sources including showers, pools, and hot tubs. Maintain proper hand hygiene, case care, and on-time replacement to lower your risk significantly. These prevention steps are your best defense against contact lens complications.
What to Expect at ReFocus Eye Health Camden?
From your first visit to follow-up care, our service is thorough, local, and personalized for patients across Camden County. Expect clear instructions, easy access to our eye doctors, and same-day help for urgent concerns.
Convenient access for Camden, Philadelphia, Cherry Hill, and Pennsauken Township supports ongoing success with contact lenses. Nearby follow-ups make fine-tuning and problem-solving easier and faster for busy patients. Our local presence means you can get help when you need it without long travel times. We understand the needs of our community and provide accessible eye care close to home.
Our ophthalmologists and optometrists bring medical depth to contact lens fittings, especially for patients with dry eye, diabetes, or previous eye surgeries. This breadth of services allows seamless care if medical needs arise during your contact lens journey. We can handle both routine fittings and complex medical conditions in one convenient location. Our medical training helps us identify and treat problems that other providers might miss.
Clear guidance, written care plans, and easy scheduling help you maintain safe habits over time. Patients receive practical tips and quick access for questions between scheduled visits. We provide ongoing support to ensure your long-term success with contact lens wear. Our goal is to make your contact lens experience as smooth and worry-free as possible.
Serious symptoms like pain, discharge, or sudden vision changes are handled promptly to protect your eye health. Early evaluation helps prevent complications and speeds relief from uncomfortable symptoms. We focus on urgent eye problems and work to see you the same day when possible. Quick action on problems helps preserve your vision and get you back to comfortable lens wear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan for 60 to 90 minutes to complete measurements, try lenses, and learn insertion, removal, and cleaning steps. We take the time needed to ensure you get the best possible fit and comfort. A follow-up visit confirms your final prescription and continued comfort. This thorough approach helps ensure your long-term success with contact lens wear.
Yes, when properly fitted and cared for, contacts are safe and effective for vision correction. Hygiene and follow-up care are essential for maintaining safety throughout your lens-wearing experience. Most complications are preventable by avoiding sleep in lenses and keeping them away from water. Modern lens materials are designed for safety and comfort with proper use.
Most people can wear contact lenses successfully with the right type and proper fitting. Our eye doctors will evaluate your eye health and lifestyle to determine if contacts are right for you. Even people with astigmatism or presbyopia have excellent contact lens options available today. Age alone is rarely a barrier to successful contact lens wear.
Teens can be excellent contact lens wearers when motivated and supervised to follow hygiene rules. Readiness is based on responsibility and maturity rather than age alone. Parents and caregivers play an important role in ensuring safe habits during the learning process. Many teenagers successfully wear contacts for sports, school, and social activities.
It is normal to feel aware of your lenses for the first few days while your eyes adjust. Properly fitted contacts should never cause pain or significant discomfort at any time. If you experience ongoing irritation, contact our office right away for an adjustment or different lens type. Most people get used to contact lenses within a few days to a week.
Sleeping in lenses increases the risk of infection and is not advised unless specifically prescribed and monitored. Removing lenses nightly is the safest routine for most wearers and helps prevent serious complications. Even lenses approved for extended wear carry higher risks when worn overnight. We recommend daily removal unless there are specific medical reasons for extended wear.
Certain specialized designs, including orthokeratology and some multifocal lenses, are used in myopia management programs. These treatments require careful monitoring to ensure safety and effectiveness in slowing nearsightedness progression. An exam determines if you or your child are a candidate for these specialized treatments. We can discuss myopia control options during your visit.
We recommend a follow-up visit within the first week or two of getting new contacts. After that, annual contact lens exams help ensure your prescription is current and your eyes stay healthy. Some patients with specialty lenses may need more frequent check-ups for optimal safety. Your individual needs determine the exact schedule for follow-up care.
If your vision changes, we can update your contact lens prescription during your regular exam. Many contact lens types are available in a wide range of prescriptions to meet changing needs. Our eye doctors will make sure your new prescription provides clear, comfortable vision. Prescription changes are common and easily addressed with updated lenses.
Some wearers notice dryness, especially with computer screen time or environmental factors. Material choice, daily disposables, and lubricating drops can help manage dryness effectively. Severe dry eye may benefit from specialty scleral lenses under medical guidance. We can recommend specific strategies and products to keep your eyes comfortable while wearing contacts.
Replace your contact lens case at least every three months and clean it after each use. Use only disinfecting solution, never water, to clean your case properly. Store the case open and dry between uses to reduce contamination and bacteria growth. A fresh case helps prevent eye infections and keeps your lenses clean.
Do not pull at the lens if it feels stuck on your eye. Instead, add sterile rewetting drops, blink gently, and wait before trying removal again. Seek help from our office if discomfort, redness, or poor vision continues. Most stuck lenses are simply dry and will move normally after lubrication.
It is best to stop contact lens wear during eye infections or significant illness. Throw away lenses worn during an infection once your eye has healed completely. Resume lens wear only after clearance from our eye doctors to reduce reinfection risk. Your immune system needs to focus on healing without the added stress of contact lens wear.
Severe pain, light sensitivity, discharge, or sudden vision changes require immediate lens removal and same-day eye care. Lasting redness, irritation, or any symptoms that worsen over time also need prompt attention. Early treatment protects your cornea and preserves vision for the future. Never ignore warning signs or try to treat serious symptoms on your own.
A lens that is inside out will have flared edges and may feel uncomfortable or move around on your eye. The correct lens will have a smooth, bowl shape with edges that curve inward. If you are unsure, remove the lens and inspect it on your fingertip. Most lenses also have small markings or numbers that appear backward when inside out.
No, you should never swim, shower, or use hot tubs while wearing contact lenses. Water can contain harmful bacteria and parasites that can cause serious eye infections. If you must wear vision correction while swimming, consider prescription swim goggles. Always remove lenses before any water activities to protect your eye health.
If a lens falls out of your eye, do not put it back in without proper cleaning and disinfection. If you cannot find the lens or it is damaged, throw it away and use a fresh replacement. Never wear a lens that has been on the floor or other surfaces. Keep spare lenses available for situations like this.
Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling lenses. To insert, place the lens on your fingertip, hold your eyelids open, and gently place it on your eye. To remove, look up and gently pinch the lens between your thumb and index finger. Our staff will teach you proper technique during your fitting appointment.
Yes, you can wear makeup with contact lenses, but follow these guidelines for safety. Put your lenses in before applying makeup and take them out before removing makeup. Use oil-free, hypoallergenic products when possible. Replace mascara and eyeliner every three months to prevent bacterial contamination. Avoid getting makeup directly on your lenses.
Schedule Your Contact Lens Fitting
Ready to experience the freedom and convenience of contact lenses? Contact ReFocus Eye Health Camden today to schedule your comprehensive contact lens fitting with our experienced eye care team.
Dr.Desimone is an excellent eye doctor extremely professional, funny attitude, cool, thorough exam. His entire staff are awesome and great.
Santoni Fred-Rodriguez
I felt very comfortable they're friendly and quickly get the job done, I was pleased.
Sheila Rucker
Nice friendly staff, arrived 15 before appointment and was registered and seen right away.
pat adams
Dr. Desimone was very patient and kind to my brother who has special needs. All of the staff were very pleasant.
Lucille Wilkins
The physician was great. Exam was thorough and everyone was very nice.
Maria Suarez
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