Hard To Fit Contacts FAQs

It's easy to be excited about contact lenses. After an optometrist treats you for any eye-related issues, it can be determined whether or not you meet the criteria for contacts and, if so, begin the fitting procedure. But contacts fittings don't work the same for everyone. Before visiting us at Butler Eyecare in Lebanon, MO, there are a few things you should know regarding hard-to-fit contact lenses.

How Do Contact Lenses Fit?

For a standard corneal curvature, contact lenses fit right on the eyeball. If you meet these criteria, you can get fitted for contacts and wear your new contacts within weeks. But if you have an atypical or unusually sized eyeball or age-related farsightedness (presbyopia), you might need to get hard-to-fit contact lenses. "Hard-to-fit" is a term used for the intention of determining which contacts are right for you.

Comprehensive Eye Exams and Corneal Curvatures

A comprehensive eye exam is an important part of getting contact lenses fitted. Patients with astigmatism will have eyeballs with atypical curvature that traditional contact lenses won't rest on comfortably. With modern contact lens options, having an unusually shaped eyeball no longer precludes you from contact lens use. Our eye doctor in Lebanon, MO, will perform an eye exam and use a keratometer to measure the size and shape of your eyeball. Our optometrist will also ask questions related to your health and lifestyle.

Dry Eyes

Part of good eye health is making sure you drink plenty of water. One reason is that water helps keep your brain clear of fog, which prevents you from having to rub your eyes, which over time can dry your eyes out. Additionally, your body needs to stay hydrated so that your eyes will stay moist to help you prevent Dry Eye Syndrome. If you have dry eyes, there may also be an issue with your eyes' tear film, the thin fluid layer covering the mucous surfaces of the eye. While most contact lenses exacerbate dry eye symptoms, some hard-to-fit contact options are still compatible with people who have dry eye issues.

Contact Us for a Trial, Prescription, and Follow-Up

Our eye doctor will determine the next appointment date for you after you've had your initial comprehensive eye exam and gone through the process of fitting. Before you leave, you may be asked to try on a pair of trial contacts to ensure prescription accuracy. Sometimes, your eye doctor will need to check for problems that may arise with improper fitting. Finally, your eye doctor will discuss how to wear your contacts and how to store them. In the future, if you need help with your contact lenses, contact Butler Eye Care for an appointment at (417) 991-3200.