The Science Behind the Fit: Why One Size Doesn't Fit All
Your optometrist doesn't just measure your prescription for contact lenses; they also meticulously measure the curvature of your eye. The cornea, the clear front surface of your eye, has a unique shape, much like a fingerprint. Contact lenses come in various base curves and diameters to match these individual corneal shapes.
Too Flat: If a lens is too flat, it might move excessively on your eye, leading to blurred vision, discomfort, and increased risk of debris getting trapped underneath.
Too Steep: If a lens is too steep, it can restrict oxygen flow to the cornea, potentially causing irritation, redness, and even serious complications like corneal ulcers over time. It can also feel uncomfortably tight and sticky.
The goal is a lens that moves just enough with each blink to allow for proper tear exchange and oxygen flow, without sliding around too much.
The Critical Importance of a Professional Fitting
You wouldn't buy shoes without trying them on, and the same principle applies, even more critically, to contact lenses. A professional contact lens fitting by an optometrist is a non-negotiable step because:
Ensures Optimal Vision: A well-fitted lens centers correctly on your eye, providing stable and consistently clear vision.
Maximizes Comfort: A lens that precisely matches your eye’s contours will feel barely there, allowing for extended comfortable wear throughout the day.
Prioritizes Eye Health: This is perhaps the most important reason. According to the Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO), poorly fitting lenses can lead to serious eye health issues, including corneal abrasions, infections, and reduced oxygen to the eye, which can have long-term consequences. Your optometrist will ensure the lens allows adequate oxygen to reach your cornea and doesn't impede tear flow.
Minimizes Complications: A proper fitting significantly reduces the risk of complications such as giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC), corneal ulcers, and other uncomfortable or sight-threatening conditions.
Tailored to Your Lifestyle: Your optometrist considers not just your eye measurements but also your lifestyle, environment, and visual needs to recommend the best type of lens (daily disposables, extended wear, toric for astigmatism, multifocal, etc.) and fit for you.
Don't Compromise on Your Eye Health
Attempting to wear contacts without a proper fitting, or purchasing lenses from unauthorized sources, is a gamble with your precious eyesight. Your eyes are unique, and so should be the fit of your contact lenses.
If you’re considering contact lenses, or if your current lenses aren’t feeling as comfortable as they used to, it’s time to see an expert. Our team is dedicated to ensuring your contact lenses provide both exceptional vision and uncompromised eye health.
Ready to experience the clarity and comfort of perfectly fitted contact lenses? Book your contact lens exam and fitting with us today. Your eyes deserve the best.
