| Lens Width | Bridge Width | Temple Length | |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | < 42 mm | < 16 mm | <=128 mm |
| S | 42 mm - 48 mm | 16 mm - 17 mm | 128 mm - 134 mm |
| M | 49 mm - 52 mm | 18 mm - 19 mm | 135 mm - 141 mm |
| L | >52 mm | >19 mm | >= 141 mm |
An eye doctor can spot the early warning signs of vision problems like glaucoma and macular degeneration, as well as other serious health conditions, such as diabetes and hypertension. Early detection is key.
The first time fit involves:
The doctor will review your history and get a feel for your needs. Your eyes will be measured and suitable candidates will receive a trial pair of lenses.
An experienced contact lens teacher will provide thorough instructions of the proper techniques for the insertion, removal and disinfection of your lenses. Your teacher will also explain the importance of hygiene, your daily regimen and replacing your contact lenses on time.
A slit lamp is used to assess the lens coverage, centration and movement. The slit lamp will also help the doctor see if there are any issues in terms of comfort with the lenses themselves.
Generally within 1 week of the initial visit, you will see the doctor for a follow up to insure the proper fit and level of vision correction. At this point, your prescription will be finalized and valid, and you can begin to order your replacement contact lenses online.
If you want to change your brand of lenses or renew your contact lens prescription, you have to schedule another contact lens fitting or renewal. It may require less steps and cost less than your first time
You should have an eye exam every 2 years or sooner, as your eye doctor may have already advised you. The contact lens portion of your prescription typically needs to be renewed yearly. Even if your prescription numbers have not changed, it is necessary to get an annual contact lens eye exam to evaluate the health of your eyes while wearing lenses. These rules have been put in place to promote good eye health and prevent complications that may arise from contact lens wear.
If you just need to replace your old contact lenses, try to schedule a "contact lens evaluation" and bring one of your remaining fresh pairs of contact lenses to the visit. Explain to your doctor that you're not a first time wearer, and that you need an updated copy of your prescription so you can throw out your old lenses and order new ones. You should not have to redo the contact lens teach or another full exam unless your doctor believes you may have been abusing your lenses or tells you it is necessary.
Do not continue to wear your old lenses. Most doctors will agree that its unhealthy to continue wearing the same pair of old contacts!
The "contact lens evaluation" also known as a "contact lens refit" or "contact lens renewal" or "contact lens exam" could potentially be billed separate from a full eye exam. In most cases, the doctor's office should bill less than half the cost of a full eye exam if you're only doing the contact lens evaluation to obtain new replacement contacts.
If you can't afford a full eye exam or prefer to wait until you are eligible for insurance, tell your doctor you want to be billed for a contact lens follow up only, so you can replace your old contacts. Everyone gets a "full" eye exam by default, so talk to your doctor's office if your budget does not permit.
The money that you save ordering your contact lenses from Kits.com would be well spent on eye check ups.
