Contact lens examination
Walk into an optical shop. Gather information on the prices of contact lenses. Decide on the power of the contact lenses to order and made the purchase.  Unfortunately this is the way in which many people buy their contact lenses in Malaysia.
Contrary to the misguided practice of buying contact lens over the counter without an eye examination, contact les fitting should involved a series of tests  and measurement s to ensure the most suitable type and fit of lens is prescribed.

Just like one shoe size doesn’t fit all, one contact lens size doesn’t fit all.

If the curvature of the lens is too flat or too steep for your eye’s shape, you could experience discomfort and more seriously, some damage to the eye.

The various steps involved are as follow:

Visual Acuity and Power
Tests are performed to determine if the contact lenses provide an optical correction consistent with the best quality vision. The lens power which gives the best corrected vision is determined and the level of acuity recorded.

Measurements of cornea curvature
This is where the curvature of the front of your eye is measured. This measurement helps evaluate the corneal surface for irregularities. Poor fitting lenses or lack of oxygen can cause changes in the shape of the cornea, resulting in a change in the fit of the lens.

Evaluation of the ocular surface
Health of the cornea is evaluated using a biomicroscope. This is important to decide if someone is suitable for contact lens wear and serve as a baseline to monitor changes that might be caused my contact lens wear.

Assessment of the tear film
Tear film quality and quantity play a major role in the length of time that contact lenses can be worn comfortably and the rate at which deposits build up on the contact lens surfaces. Patients with dry eyes can also be picked up, and certain type of lenses may be contraindicated.

Evaluation of the contact lens fit
The assessment of soft contact lens fit by observation of the lens behavior on the eye is one of the most common procedures undertaken in contact lens practice. This is to ensure that the lens fit properly. Lens fitted incorrectly may cause discomfort, poor vision, reduction in wearing time, damage to the cornea etc

Once you are successfully fitted with contact lens, your eyes will still need to be monitored for any ocular changes bought by the contact lens wear. An annual eye examination will be advisable for those who are contact lens wearers.