
Contact Lens Fittings in Manchester, CT
What Is a Contact Lens Fitting?
A contact lens fitting is a detailed eye exam that goes beyond a regular vision check to find the perfect lenses for your eyes and daily life.
Contact lenses are medical devices that sit directly on your eyes. A proper fitting helps your eyes get enough oxygen, reduces infection risk, and prevents serious problems like corneal damage. Following your eye doctor's instructions for wear and care keeps your eyes healthy for years to come.
Most people with vision problems can successfully wear contact lenses with the right fitting and lens choice. Our eye doctors work with each patient to find solutions even for challenging conditions like astigmatism, dry eye, or irregular corneas. We fit lenses for responsible children as young as 8 and adults well into their senior years, though individual factors determine the best candidates.
Your fitting appointment takes about 45-60 minutes and includes a complete eye health check, precise measurements, and trying sample lenses. We also teach you how to safely insert, remove, and care for your lenses before you leave our office.
We teach important safety rules during your fitting to prevent serious eye problems. The most critical habits include:
- Washing your hands before touching lenses
- Keeping lenses away from all water
- Never sleeping in lenses unless specifically prescribed
- Following replacement schedules exactly
The Complete Fitting Process
Our thorough fitting process includes several important steps to ensure you get lenses that fit perfectly and provide clear, comfortable vision.
We start by discussing your lifestyle, daily activities, and any previous contact lens experience to understand your specific needs. This helps our eye doctors choose the best lens type for your routine and visual requirements. We also review your medical history and current medications that might affect lens wear.
Our eye doctors examine your entire eye health using special instruments to look for conditions that could affect contact lens wear. We check for dry eye, infections, corneal problems, or other issues that need treatment first. This step prevents future complications and ensures your eyes are healthy enough for contacts.
We measure your exact vision prescription specifically for contact lenses, which can be different from glasses prescriptions. Using advanced instruments, we also measure how curved your cornea is and map its entire surface if needed. These measurements help us choose lenses with the perfect fit for your unique eye shape.
You'll try on sample lenses in our office to test comfort, vision quality, and proper movement on your eyes. Our staff carefully checks how the lenses fit and move when you blink to ensure they're neither too tight nor too loose. We make adjustments if needed before ordering your final prescription.
Our experienced team teaches you step-by-step how to safely handle your contact lenses. We practice insertion and removal techniques until you feel completely comfortable and confident. You'll also learn proper cleaning, storage, and hygiene practices essential for preventing infections.
We schedule check-ups to monitor your eye health and lens performance during your first few weeks of wear. These visits allow us to make adjustments if needed and ensure your continued success with contact lenses. Most patients need a follow-up within one to two weeks after starting their lenses.
Types of Contact Lenses We Offer
Our practice offers a complete range of contact lenses to meet every vision need and lifestyle preference.
These single-use lenses provide maximum convenience and hygiene since you throw them away each day. Daily disposables eliminate the need for cleaning solutions and reduce infection risk, making them ideal for busy lifestyles, sports, or occasional wear. They're also perfect for people with allergies or sensitive eyes.
These reusable lenses offer excellent vision and comfort while being more economical for daily wear. They require proper cleaning and storage each night but provide consistent performance throughout their replacement cycle. These lenses work well for people who wear contacts most days of the week.
Specially designed for patients with astigmatism, these lenses correct the irregular shape of your cornea to provide clear, stable vision. Toric lenses have special features that keep them properly positioned on your eye throughout the day. They're available in daily, weekly, and monthly replacement schedules.
These advanced lenses correct both near and distance vision in one lens, reducing or eliminating the need for reading glasses. Multifocal contacts use different zones or gradual power changes to provide clear vision at all distances. They're perfect for people over 40 who are developing presbyopia.
These firm lenses maintain their shape on the eye, providing exceptionally sharp vision and excellent oxygen flow to keep eyes healthy. RGP lenses are especially beneficial for patients with keratoconus, high astigmatism, or other corneal irregularities. While they take longer to adjust to, they often provide the clearest possible vision.
These large, custom lenses vault completely over the cornea and rest gently on the white part of your eye. Scleral lenses are ideal for patients with keratoconus, severe dry eye, or irregular corneas who cannot wear other types of contacts. They create a protective fluid layer over the cornea for exceptional comfort.
Available with or without vision correction, these lenses can enhance or completely change your eye color safely and naturally. All cosmetic lenses require a proper fitting and prescription from our eye doctors, even if you don't need vision correction. We offer both subtle enhancement and dramatic color change options.
Safety and Proper Care
Following proper safety and care practices is essential for maintaining eye health and getting the best performance from your contact lenses.
Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly with soap before handling your contact lenses. Use soap without fragrances, oils, or lotions that could transfer to your lenses and cause irritation. This simple step is the most important thing you can do to prevent eye infections.
Never let your contact lenses or lens case touch any type of water, including tap water, swimming pools, hot tubs, or shower water. Water contains harmful germs that can cause serious eye infections, including a dangerous condition called Acanthamoeba keratitis. Remove lenses before swimming, showering, or using hot tubs.
For reusable lenses, clean and rinse them every time you remove them, even if the package says 'no-rub.' Always use fresh solution - never reuse old solution or mix old with new. Replace your lens case every three months and clean it daily by rubbing with solution and air-drying upside down.
Replace your lenses exactly when prescribed, whether daily, weekly, or monthly, even if they still feel comfortable. Overwearing lenses allows protein buildup and reduces oxygen flow to your eyes. Mark replacement dates on your calendar to help remember when to change lenses.
Remove your lenses immediately and call our office if you experience any of these symptoms:
- Redness or irritation
- Eye pain or discomfort
- Discharge from the eye
- Light sensitivity
- Vision changes
- Feeling like something is in your eye
Do not sleep in contact lenses unless specifically prescribed for overnight wear by our eye doctors. Sleeping in regular lenses dramatically increases infection risk and can cause serious complications. Even approved extended wear lenses carry higher risk than daily removal, so follow instructions exactly and attend all scheduled follow-up appointments.
Special Situations
Some patients have unique needs that require specialized fitting approaches or lens types.
We provide extra support and patience for new contact lens wearers to ensure you feel confident before leaving our office. Our staff will coach you through insertion and removal techniques multiple times until you master them. We also provide detailed written instructions and encourage you to call with any questions during your adjustment period.
Astigmatism no longer limits your contact lens options thanks to modern toric lens designs. These lenses provide excellent vision correction for most degrees of astigmatism and are available in daily and monthly options. Our advanced fitting techniques ensure your toric lenses stay properly positioned for stable, clear vision.
Patients over 40 who need reading glasses can often wear multifocal contact lenses or try monovision instead. These options provide clear vision at multiple distances, reducing dependence on reading glasses for most activities. We offer trial periods to help you find the best presbyopia correction method for your needs.
Many patients with mild to moderate dry eye can successfully wear contact lenses with careful material selection and care routines. We may recommend special lens materials, preservative-free lubricating drops, or dry eye treatments to improve comfort. Some newer lens materials actually help maintain eye moisture throughout the day. Patients with severe dry eye may need treatment before considering contact lenses.
Patients with keratoconus or other corneal irregularities often achieve much better vision with specialty contact lenses than with glasses alone. Scleral lenses and custom RGP lenses can provide excellent vision correction while protecting the corneal surface. These specialized fittings require extra time and expertise but often produce remarkable results.
Contact lenses can be safely fit for responsible children and teens who demonstrate good hygiene habits. We work closely with parents to ensure proper care routines and provide age-appropriate education. Many children adapt to contact lenses faster than adults and love the freedom they provide. Some special lenses may help slow myopia progression in growing eyes, though this is an additional benefit rather than a guarantee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan for 45-60 minutes for your complete fitting appointment. This includes the eye examination, measurements, trial lens fitting, and detailed education on proper insertion, removal, and care techniques. We never rush this important process because proper fitting is essential for your safety and success.
Vision insurance coverage varies significantly by plan. Many plans provide separate or limited coverage for contact lens fittings and may not cover the cost of lenses themselves. Our staff will verify your specific benefits before your appointment and explain any costs upfront so there are no surprises. We also offer flexible payment options to help make contact lenses affordable.
Many patients with mild to moderate dry eye can successfully wear contact lenses with proper lens selection, care routines, and sometimes additional dry eye treatments. We evaluate your tear quality and recommend specific lens materials and lubricating drops to optimize comfort. Some newer contact lens materials actually help stabilize the tear film, while severe dry eye may require treatment before considering contacts.
Bring your current glasses and prescription, any previous contact lenses or boxes, a complete list of medications and eye drops you use, and information about your daily activities and visual needs. This information helps us recommend the best lens options for your specific situation and lifestyle requirements.
Yes, lens types can be changed as your needs evolve or if you want to try different options for comfort or convenience. However, any lens change requires a follow-up appointment so our eye doctors can ensure new lenses fit properly and meet your vision needs safely.
It's safe to buy contacts online only from reputable sellers who require a valid, current prescription and sell FDA-approved lenses that match your prescription exactly. Avoid sellers who don't verify prescriptions or offer lenses without proper fitting, as these can be dangerous to your eye health.
We recommend annual contact lens exams for most patients, or more frequently if you wear lenses daily, have dry eye, or use specialty lenses. Patients with certain conditions like keratoconus or severe dry eye may need more frequent monitoring. Regular exams help monitor your eye health, ensure your lenses continue to fit properly, and catch potential problems before they become serious.
Our experienced staff will work with you until you feel completely comfortable with lens handling during your fitting appointment. We provide step-by-step instruction and plenty of practice time, and you can always return for additional training if needed. Most patients master these techniques within a few practice sessions with proper guidance.
No, contact lenses cannot get permanently lost behind your eye due to the anatomy of your eyelids and eye socket. While a lens may occasionally move out of position or become lodged under the upper eyelid, it can always be safely removed with proper technique or may work its way out naturally. If you can't locate a displaced lens, call our office for guidance.
Colored and decorative contact lenses are safe when properly fitted by an eye care professional and purchased with a valid prescription. However, buying colored lenses without a prescription is dangerous and illegal in the United States, as poor-fitting lenses can cause corneal scratches, infections, and even permanent vision loss.
Contact lens costs vary depending on the type of lens, replacement schedule, and your prescription. Daily lenses typically cost more per lens but eliminate cleaning solution expenses. Monthly lenses cost less per lens but require cleaning supplies. We'll discuss all costs during your fitting and help you find options that fit your budget.
Keep spare lenses on hand for emergencies. If you lose or damage a lens, don't wear the remaining lens for extended periods as this can cause eye strain and headaches. Call our office if you need replacement lenses or have concerns about lens damage.
Most women can safely continue wearing contact lenses during pregnancy, though hormonal changes may affect comfort and fit. Some pregnant women experience dry eye or changes in vision that may require lens adjustments. We can help modify your lens routine if needed during this time.
Well-fitting contact lenses should feel comfortable throughout the day with clear, stable vision. Signs of proper fit include minimal lens movement when you blink, no persistent redness or irritation, and comfortable all-day wear. If you experience discomfort, vision changes, or excessive lens movement, schedule a follow-up appointment.
Avoid any activities involving water contact including swimming, hot tubs, and showering while wearing lenses. Remove lenses before sleeping unless prescribed for overnight wear. Be extra careful during dusty or windy activities, and consider protective eyewear during sports to prevent lens displacement or injury.
Schedule Your Contact Lens Fitting
Ready to experience the freedom and convenience of contact lenses? Call our Manchester office today to schedule your comprehensive contact lens fitting with our experienced eye doctors and start your journey to clear, comfortable vision.
Contact Us
Tuesday: 8AM-5PM
Wednesday: 8AM-5PM
Thursday: 8AM-5PM
Friday: 8AM-5PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
