Key Takeaways
- An eye exam checks your vision and the overall health of your eyes.
- A contact lens fitting measures your eye so lenses sit comfortably and clearly.
- A fitting is an add-on for anyone who wants, or currently wears, contacts.
- Contact and glasses prescriptions are written differently.
- You can book both visits together to save a trip.
At See & Be Seen Eyecare, you might assume an eye exam and a contact lens fitting are the same thing. They often work together, yet each one has a different job.
An eye exam checks your vision and eye health, while a contact lens fitting measures your eye so your lenses fit properly. The fitting comes as an add-on for anyone who wants, or currently wears, contacts.
Think of the eye exam as the foundation. The fitting builds on top of it once you decide contacts are part of your routine.
What Happens During an Eye Exam?
During an eye exam, your optometrist looks at how well you see up close and far away. Reading a menu, spotting a street sign, and switching focus between them all get checked.
The exam also screens for eye disease and other health concerns. Many issues stay quiet in the early stages, so this step catches things before they affect your day.
If your eyes need a little help, your eye doctor can write a glasses prescription that matches how you see.
Signs Worth a Visit
Some days your eyes tell you something’s off. Watch for these signs:
- Blurry vision or trouble focusing on words and objects
- Digital eye strain or headaches after screen time
- Dry, irritated eyes that feel gritty or tired
What to Expect at a Contact Lens Fitting
A fitting starts with a short chat about your lifestyle and what you want from your lenses. Whether you’re chasing a toddler, working long hours at a screen, or heading out for weekend runs, that shapes the type of lens your eye doctor suggests.
Next come the measurements. Our team checks the curve of your cornea and the size of your pupil so the lens matches the shape of your eye. A tear film check follows to see how much moisture your eyes make, since dryness can affect comfort.
The Trial Lens Step
Once the measurements are done, you get to test drive a pair.
- Try the recommended trial pair in the office.
- Wear them for one to two weeks during your normal routine.
- Return for a follow-up review to talk about how they felt.
How Your Eye Doctor Checks the Fit
At the review, your eye doctor watches how the lens moves and whether it stays centred on your eye. A lens that sits well moves just enough with each blink.
Your eye doctor also tests how clearly you see while the lenses are in, so you leave with a fit that feels right and looks sharp.
Why Contact and Glasses Prescriptions Differ
Your glasses prescription and your contact prescription won’t match, and that’s normal. Contacts rest directly on the surface of your eye. Glasses sit about 12 millimetres away from your face.
That small gap changes the numbers. A contact prescription also adds details a glasses prescription doesn’t, like the lens brand and the measurements taken during your fitting.
How Often to Schedule Each Visit
For healthy eyes, a yearly eye exam keeps your vision and eye health on track. Small changes can happen quietly, so an annual check helps you stay ahead of them.
At See & Be Seen Eyecare, your eyes get care that blends comfort, style, and a warm, personal touch. Book your eye exam or contact lens fitting today and see the difference thoughtful care can make.
