Contact Lens Exams & Fittings in Phoenix, AZ
A contact lens exam goes beyond a standard vision exam. We measure the curvature and size of your eyes, evaluate your tear film, and consider your prescription and lifestyle to determine which lens type and brand will fit and perform best.
A Contact Lens Exam vs. a Regular Eye Exam
A routine eye exam checks the health of your eyes and gives you a glasses prescription. A contact lens exam includes that, plus additional measurements of your eye’s curvature, size, and tear film, since contacts sit directly on the eye and need to fit precisely. If you want contacts, you’ll need both.
Who Needs a Contact Lens Exam
Anyone who wants to wear contacts, whether for the first time or after years of wearing glasses, needs a contact lens exam and fitting. This includes patients switching lens brands, those experiencing discomfort with their current contacts, and patients with harder-to-fit conditions who haven’t had luck with standard lenses elsewhere.
Common Symptoms and Signs You May Need This
- Interest in switching from glasses to contacts
- Current contacts feel uncomfortable, dry, or blurry by the end of the day
- Difficulty finding a comfortable lens due to astigmatism or dry eye
- Previous fittings elsewhere that didn’t work out
- It’s been over a year since your last contact lens exam
What Happens During the Appointment
Your visit starts with a conversation about your lifestyle, how many hours a day you’d wear contacts, and any past experience with lenses. We’ll measure your eyes, check your prescription, and evaluate your tear film and corneal health. From there, we’ll recommend lens options and have you try a pair in the office, adjusting as needed until the fit and comfort are right. If you have a harder-to-fit case, we’ll walk you through the specialized options available.
Why Northern Avenue Eye Care
We specialize in hard-to-fit contact lens cases and won’t hand you a generic lens and send you on your way. Dr. Robert Clanton and our team take the time to find the most comfortable, cost-effective option for your specific eyes, and we stand by our patients through the adjustment period until the fit feels right. We’re currently accepting new patients.
Insurance
We accept most major vision and medical insurance plans. If you don’t see your plan listed or aren’t sure what’s covered, call us at (602) 995-8848 and we’ll check your benefits for you before your visit.
FAQS here
Can I get contacts if I’ve never worn them before?
Yes. We walk first-time wearers through everything, from insertion and removal to care and wear time, until you’re comfortable.
Can you help if my current contacts are uncomfortable?
Yes. Discomfort is often a sign the lens type, fit, or wear schedule isn’t right for your eyes. We’ll re-evaluate and find an option that works better.
Do you have contacts for astigmatism?
Yes, we fit toric lenses for astigmatism and specialize in hard-to-fit cases that haven’t worked out elsewhere.
Do you have multifocal contacts?
Yes, we offer multifocal contact lens fittings for patients who need correction for both near and distance vision.
What happens during a contact lens fitting?
We measure your eyes, evaluate your tear film, and have you try a pair of lenses in the office, adjusting as needed until the fit and comfort are right.
Is a contact lens exam different from a regular eye exam?
Yes. A contact lens exam includes additional measurements of your eye’s shape and tear film that aren’t part of a standard vision exam, since contacts sit directly on the eye.
How long does a fitting take?
Plan for about an hour, which includes measurements, a trial lens fitting, and time to make sure the lenses feel comfortable before you leave.
Do you accept my insurance?
We accept most major vision and medical insurance plans. Call us at (602) 995-8848 and we’ll confirm your coverage before your visit.
Find the Right Contact Lens Fit
Dr. Robert Clanton and our team specialize in hard-to-fit cases and first-time wearers alike. Book your contact lens exam today.