For the most part, going to your local optometrist to have yourself fitted for new contact lenses is a pretty straightforward procedure. However, there are some instances where getting corrective lenses might be more difficult. In our practice, we call these “hard to fit” cases. But you shouldn’t worry. Even if you’ve been told that you’re not a good candidate for contact lenses, there are eye care practitioners out there that specialize in contact lens fitting.
Astigmatism, Dry Eyes, Keratoconus and Other Hard to Fit Conditions
Remember, difficult doesn’t mean impossible. What “hard to fit” really means is that you don’t have a typical eyeball, and this isn’t uncommon at all. If you have an eye condition, such as presbyopia, astigmatism, keratoconus or even dry eyes, you may be considered hard to fit. You will also be considered a hard to fit case if you’ve previously had eye surgery or conjunctivitis.
Specialty Contacts
While having some of these conditions meant that you couldn’t wear contact lenses in the past, these days it is relatively easy to get specialty ones if you go to the right eye doctor. Talk to your trusted optometrists so they can perform the necessary eye exams, and afterwards, they will discuss any special optical or medical complications you might have and will guide you towards a specialty lens to fit your condition.
It is worth noting that getting fitted for specialty contacts will cost more than regular contacts. Just remember you are paying for the extra time required to fit the specialty lenses and the more advanced type of lenses that you will receive.
Thinking about coming in for an eye exam so you can get fitted for new contacts? Give Northern Virginia Doctors of Optometry a call at (703) 660-9494, or fill out our contact form to get in touch with one of our trusted eye doctors today. We serve patients in Arlington, VA, and its surrounding communities.
