Because contact lenses rest directly on your eyes, your doctor needs to confirm that they fit properly, provide clear vision, and can be worn comfortably and safely. Here is what typically happens when you come in for a contact lens exam.
Step 1: Discuss your current lenses and daily routine
If you currently wear contacts, be ready to share the brand, how often you wear and replace them, and whether you experience dryness, redness, blurry vision, or discomfort.
You will also discuss how you use your vision throughout the day. For example, long hours on a computer, frequent driving, sports, travel, and occasional versus full-time wear can all influence the type of lens that may work best.
If you are new to contacts, this is the time to talk through what you hope contacts will make easier in your day.
Step 2: Check your prescription and eye health
Your doctor will evaluate your vision and examine your eye health. This includes checking for concerns that could affect comfortable contact lens wear, such as eye-surface irritation, allergies, or dryness.
A contact lens prescription is different from a glasses prescription. In addition to lens power, it includes measurements such as the lens base curve and diameter. Those details help determine how a lens sits on your eye.
If you have astigmatism, need help seeing up close as well as far away, or have different prescriptions in each eye, your doctor will factor that into the fitting.
Step 3: Measure your eyes for lens fit
Next, your doctor takes measurements to assess the shape and curvature of your cornea — the clear front surface of the eye. These measurements help identify contact lenses that are likely to center well and move correctly when you blink.
A properly fitted lens should stay stable on the eye, allow enough movement for healthy tear exchange, and feel comfortable during normal wear.
If your eyes are dry or your current lenses are uncomfortable, a dry eye evaluation may be recommended before finalizing your lens choice.
Step 4: Try on trial lenses
Based on your exam and measurements, you may receive trial lenses to try in the office. After they settle on your eyes, your doctor checks:
- How clearly you see
- How the lenses center and move
- How your eyes respond to the lenses
- How the lenses feel
You may be asked to read an eye chart and share whether your vision is clear at distance, up close, or on a screen. If the fit or vision is not quite right, your doctor may adjust the lens design, power, or brand.
Step 5: Learn how to handle and care for lenses
First-time wearers receive practical instruction on inserting and removing lenses. You will also review the recommended replacement schedule and cleaning routine.
Do not rush this part of the visit. Being able to handle your lenses confidently is an important part of safe, comfortable wear.
Step 6: Wear lenses at home and return if needed
Some patients leave with trial lenses to test during their normal routine. This helps answer practical questions that cannot always be settled in the exam room: Do the lenses stay comfortable during a workday? Are they clear while driving? Do they feel dry by evening?
A follow-up visit may be scheduled to confirm the final fit or make adjustments. Once your fitting is finalized, you will receive your contact lens prescription and care instructions.
Contact lenses can be part of a flexible eyewear routine, alongside eyeglasses for backup vision correction and prescription sunglasses for outdoor vision.
Schedule a contact lens exam to find lenses that fit your eyes and your day.