Trying contact lenses for the first time can feel exciting, but it’s also normal to have questions about the process. Many first-time patients wonder what happens during a contact lens fitting, whether contact lenses hurt, or how long the appointment takes. At Missouri Eye Consultants, our team takes the time to make the process comfortable, educational, and personalized to your vision needs.
Whether you’re interested in daily disposable contacts, monthly contact lenses, or simply want an alternative to glasses, understanding what to expect during a contact lens fitting can help you feel more confident before your appointment.
What Is a Contact Lens Fitting?
A specialized contact lens exam is designed to determine which contact lenses are safest, healthiest, and most comfortable for your eyes. Unlike a standard eye exam, a contact lens exam evaluates more than just your prescription.
During your appointment, your eye doctor will:
- Update your glasses prescription if needed
- Examine your eye health
- Measure how contact lenses fit on your eyes
- Discuss daily vs. monthly contact lenses
- Provide contact lens trials
- Teach you how to insert and remove your lenses
For many patients in Missouri, a contact lens fitting can be completed during a routine eye exam. If you’re between annual exams, Missouri Eye Consultants can also schedule a separate contact lens fitting appointment.
When Should You Schedule a Contact Lens Fitting?
If you’re trying contacts for the first time, the best time to schedule a contact lens exam is during your yearly eye exam. However, you don’t have to wait until your next annual visit if you’re ready to explore contact lenses sooner.
Many patients exploring first time contact lenses schedule a dedicated appointment specifically for contact lens fitting and training. This allows your optometrist to focus on finding the best lens type for your eyes and lifestyle.
How Does a Contact Lens Exam Work?
The contact lens fitting process includes several important steps to make sure your lenses provide clear, comfortable, and healthy vision.
One of the most common questions patients ask is, how long does a contact lens fitting take? While every patient is different, many appointments can be completed during a routine eye exam or a shorter dedicated fitting visit.
Checking Your Prescription
Your eye doctor will first determine your most up-to-date prescription. This may involve using a phoropter, the instrument used during eye exams when patients compare “option one or option two.”
A contact lens prescription may be slightly different from your glasses prescription. This is completely normal because contact lenses sit directly on the surface of the eye instead of in front of it like glasses.
Evaluating Your Eye Health
Next, your optometrist will examine your eyes using a slit lamp exam. This microscope allows your doctor to evaluate the health of your cornea, tear film, and surrounding eye structures.
Healthy eyes are essential for successful contact lens wear. Your doctor will check for signs of dryness, allergies, irritation, or other conditions that may affect lens comfort.
Daily vs. Monthly Contact Lenses: What’s the Difference?
One of the most important parts of the contact lens fitting process is deciding which lens modality is right for you.
Daily Disposable Contacts
Daily disposable contacts are worn once and thrown away at the end of the day. A fresh pair is used every morning.
Many patients find daily lenses more comfortable because they are thinner and cleaner than reusable lenses. Daily disposable contacts are often recommended for:
- Patients with dry eyes
- Eye allergies
- Kids and teens
- Patients who want simpler lens care
Because there is no cleaning solution or storage case involved, daily lenses can also be more convenient and hygienic.
Patients who struggle with irritation or dryness may also benefit from exploring contacts for dry eyes.
Monthly Contact Lenses
Monthly contact lenses are designed to be worn during the day and cleaned nightly for up to one month.
These lenses are removed each night, stored in contact lens solution, and reused the next day. Some prescriptions may only be available in monthly contact lenses depending on the patient’s vision needs.
Can You Sleep in Contact Lenses?
Even if some lenses are marketed for overnight wear, sleeping in contact lenses is generally not recommended.
Wearing contact lenses overnight can reduce oxygen flow to the eye and increase the risk of irritation or infection. For long-term eye health, Missouri Eye Consultants recommends removing your lenses before bed regardless of lens type.
What Happens During the Contact Lens Trial Process?
Once your doctor determines the best lens type for your eyes, you’ll be fitted with contact lens trials.
In many cases, the office will have your trial lenses available the same day. Patients with more unique prescriptions may need to wait about a week while trial lenses are ordered.
What Do Contact Lenses Feel Like the First Time?
Many first-time patients are nervous about how contacts will feel. Initially, contact lenses may feel slightly noticeable, similar to having an eyelash in your eye.
However, contact lenses should not feel painful. Most patients adjust quickly and eventually stop noticing the lenses throughout the day.
How Doctors Check Contact Lens Fit
After your lenses are inserted, your eye doctor will evaluate both your vision and lens fit.
A properly fitted lens should:
- Stay centered on the eye
- Allow enough oxygen to reach the cornea
- Move appropriately during blinking
- Provide stable, comfortable vision
Lenses that are too tight or too loose can lead to discomfort, blurry vision, or eye health complications, which is why professional contact lens fitting is so important.
Learning How to Put In and Remove Contact Lenses
Before leaving your appointment, you’ll receive hands-on contact lens training with a technician.
This training includes:
- How to insert and remove lenses
- How to tell if a lens is inside out
- Proper contact lens hygiene
- Cleaning and storage instructions for monthly lenses
Some patients learn insertion and removal quickly, while others need additional practice. Both experiences are completely normal for first-time contact lenses.
Why Your Contact Lens Follow-Up Appointment Matters
After wearing your trial lenses for about a week, you’ll return for a contact lens follow-up appointment or speak with your doctor by phone.
This follow-up allows your optometrist to evaluate how the lenses perform after several hours of real-world wear. Your doctor may make adjustments to improve comfort, fit, or vision if needed.
One important tip: always wear your trial lenses to your follow-up appointment. This helps your doctor accurately assess how the lenses fit after extended wear.
Should You Order a Year Supply of Contact Lenses?
Once your doctor finalizes your contact lens prescription, you can order your supply of lenses.
Many patients choose to purchase a year supply of contact lenses because it can:
- Reduce overall costs through rebates and discounts
- Improve convenience
- Help prevent over-wearing old lenses
- Ensure you always have lenses available when needed
While ordering annually is optional, many contact lens wearers find it beneficial for both eye health and long-term savings.
Contact Lens Fitting in Central Missouri
At Missouri Eye Consultants, we understand that trying contacts for the first time can feel intimidating. Our team is committed to making the process educational, comfortable, and personalized from start to finish.
Patients looking for contact lens fitting in Columbia, MO and surrounding communities can access convenient care through our network providing eye care in Central Missouri.
Whether you’re considering daily disposable contacts, monthly contact lenses, or simply want to learn more about your options, our team is here to help you find the right fit for your lifestyle and vision needs.
Ready to Try Contact Lenses for the First Time?
If you’re interested in scheduling a contact lens fitting in Missouri, Missouri Eye Consultants is here to guide you through every step of the process. Contact our team today to schedule your contact lens exam and learn whether contact lenses are right for you.
