What to Expect at Your First Contact Lens Fitting

Thinking about trying contact lenses for the first time? Exciting! Millions of people worldwide love wearing contact lenses, especially for their convenience compared to glasses.

If you've never worn contacts before, you probably have a few questions about what the actual fitting appointment looks like.

Will they put the contacts in for you? Does it hurt? What happens if you can't get them out?

The good news is that your first contact lens fitting is usually pretty straightforward. Your eye doctor will check your eyes, help you find lenses that fit comfortably, and teach you how to put them in and take them out.

You don't need to know anything about wearing contact lenses beforehand. That's what the appointment is for!

Here's what you can expect, how to prepare, and a few things worth knowing before you go.

What Should You Bring to Your First Contact Lens Fitting?

You really don't need to bring much to your appointment, but a little preparation can make things easier.

If you already wear glasses, bring them along with your most recent eyeglass prescription, if you have it. Your eye doctor will still need to evaluate your eyes and determine a separate contact lens prescription, but knowing your current vision correction can be helpful.

You should also bring your insurance information, if applicable, and be ready to mention any allergies, medications, or eye conditions you have.

It's worth thinking about your everyday routine, too.

For example, do you spend eight hours a day staring at a computer? Are you hoping to wear contacts while exercising? Do your eyes tend to feel dry in the afternoon?

These are all things your optometrist will want to know because they can influence which contacts might work best for you.

One more tip: Try to skip heavy eye makeup that day. You'll probably be touching the area around your eyes quite a bit while learning to insert and remove your lenses.

What Happens During a Contact Lens Fitting?

A contact lens fitting is a little different from a regular eye exam. While a standard eye exam checks your vision and overall eye health, a contact lens fitting focuses on finding lenses that sit properly on your eyes and give you clear, comfortable vision.

Your optometrist will evaluate your prescription, examine the front surface of your eyes, and take measurements to help determine which lenses are appropriate.

Depending on your eyes and the type of contacts you're considering, they may also check your tear film or use additional measurements, such as corneal topography.

If you have astigmatism, for example, you may need toric contact lenses that are designed to correct the way your eyes focus light.

If you have keratoconus, you'll need a more specialized fitting, and will most likely be fit for scleral lenses.

Your doctor will also talk with you about different types of contacts, including daily disposable, biweekly, and monthly lenses.

There's no single contact lens that's perfect for everyone. The goal is to find something that works best for your eyes, prescription, and lifestyle.

Will You Get to Try on Contact Lenses at Your Appointment?

Usually, yes! Your eye doctor will want to make sure you can properly insert and remove your contact lenses before sending you home with them.

If you've never had anything touch your eye before, the first few attempts might feel a little strange.

That's completely normal.

Some people get their contacts in almost immediately, while others need a little more time to figure out how to keep their eyes open without blinking.

Your eye doctor or a trained staff member will help you through the process.

Once the lenses are in, they'll check how they sit and move on your eyes, assess your vision, and ask how they feel.

You might notice the lenses slightly at first, but properly fitted soft contact lenses generally shouldn't be painful.

If something feels scratchy, uncomfortable, or irritating, say something. Your doctor may need to adjust the fit or try another lens.

Learning How to Put Contacts In and Take Them Out

For a lot of first-time contact lens wearers, putting the lenses in isn't actually the hardest part, it's taking them out that feels the trickiest!

If you're worried about touching your eye, you're definitely not alone. It can feel unnatural at first, especially when your instinct is to blink every time your finger gets close.

During your fitting, you'll learn how to insert and remove your contacts safely.

Your eye care professional will typically have you practice until you're able to do both on your own.

Don't feel embarrassed if it takes you several attempts.

Some people figure it out in five minutes. Others need considerably longer, and that's okay.

The important thing is learning the proper technique rather than rushing through it.

Once you've done it a few times, the process usually starts feeling much more natural.

How to Take Care of Your New Contact Lenses

Before you leave, your eye care professional should explain how to keep your contacts clean and how often to replace them.

The instructions will depend on which type of lenses you're prescribed.

For example, daily disposable contacts are designed to be worn once and thrown away after removal. You don't need to clean or store them for another day.

Biweekly and monthly contacts, on the other hand, need to be cleaned, disinfected, and stored properly between uses.

If you're prescribed reusable lenses, your optometrist will recommend an appropriate contact lens solution and explain how to use it.

One important rule: Never use tap water to clean or store your contacts. Water can contain microorganisms that cause serious eye infections.

You'll also learn how long you can safely wear your lenses each day and when they need to be replaced.

Even if your contacts still feel comfortable, that doesn't mean you should wear them longer than recommended. Following your prescribed wearing and replacement schedule is one of the best ways to protect your eyes.

How Long Does It Take to Get Used to Contact Lenses?

This is different for everyone. Some people put their first pair of soft contacts in and barely notice them. Others need a few days to get comfortable with the sensation and the new routine.

Your optometrist may recommend gradually increasing your wearing time, depending on the lenses and how your eyes respond. For example, the first week you get them, your eye doctor might recommend you only wear the contacts for 4 hours at a time, and then switch back to your glasses for the rest of the day. Then, as your eyes get more and more used to them, you can gradually increase the wear time until you're regularly wearing your contact lenses all day long.

It's also normal for inserting and removing your contacts to take a little longer in the beginning. What might initially take you 15 minutes could eventually become something you do in less than a minute.

However, there's a difference between getting used to the sensation of contacts and experiencing actual discomfort. Persistent redness, pain, light sensitivity, or blurry vision aren't things you should simply push through. If you experience these symptoms, remove your contacts and contact your eye care professional promptly.

You can also read our guide on how long you can wear contact lenses to better understand daily wear recommendations.

What Happens After Your First Contact Lens Fitting?

Depending on how your fitting goes, you may leave your appointment with a trial pair of contacts. Your eye doctor might ask you to wear them for a short trial period before returning for a follow-up appointment. This gives you a chance to see how the lenses feel during your normal activities, rather than just while sitting in the exam chair.

If everything looks good and your vision is clear, your optometrist can finalize your contact lens prescription. If the lenses aren't quite right, they may recommend a different brand, material, or fit.

Once your prescription is finalized, you can order your contact lenses online through Blue Planet Optics. We offer free shipping, straightforward pricing, and a selection of contact lenses from major manufacturers.

Just remember that contact lens prescriptions are brand and product-specific, so you'll want to order the exact lenses your eye doctor prescribed.

FAQ

How long does a contact lens fitting take?

A first-time contact lens fitting often takes around 45 minutes to an hour, although it can take longer if you need additional testing or extra time practicing insertion and removal. It's worth asking your eye doctor's office how much time to set aside.

Does getting fitted for contact lenses hurt?

No, a contact lens fitting shouldn't be painful. You might feel a little uncomfortable or nervous the first time a lens touches your eye, but the process is generally painless. Tell your optometrist if you experience pain or significant irritation.

Will I get contact lenses the same day as my fitting?

Possibly! Many optometrists have trial lenses available for common prescriptions. If your doctor has suitable lenses in stock, you may be able to take a trial pair home that day. More specialized prescriptions may need to be ordered out.

What happens if I can't put my contacts in?

Don't worry. Your eye care professional can demonstrate the technique and give you more time to practice. Some people need a second training appointment before they're comfortable handling their lenses independently.

Can I wear contact lenses if I have astigmatism?

Yes! Many people with astigmatism wear contact lenses. Toric contacts are specifically designed to correct astigmatism, although your eye doctor will need to determine which lenses are suitable for your prescription.

Can I wear contacts if I have dry eyes?

Sometimes. Having dry eyes doesn't automatically mean you can't wear contacts, but it can make finding comfortable lenses more challenging. Your optometrist may recommend certain lens materials, replacement schedules, or treatments to help manage dryness.

Do I need a separate prescription for contacts?

Yes. Your eyeglass prescription and contact lens prescription aren't interchangeable. A contact lens prescription includes additional information about the lenses you're fitted for, such as the brand, base curve, and diameter, as applicable.

How often do I need a contact lens exam?

Many contact lens wearers have an exam annually, although your eye doctor may recommend a different schedule depending on your eye health and prescription. Contact lens prescription expiration rules also vary by state.

Can I switch between wearing glasses and contacts?

Absolutely! Plenty of people wear contacts during the day and switch to glasses in the evening. In fact, keeping an updated pair of glasses available is a good idea in case your eyes need a break from contacts.

Ready to Try Contact Lenses?

Your first contact lens fitting might feel a little intimidating, especially if you've never touched your eyes before.  Your eye care professional will walk you through the process, answer your questions, and help you find lenses that work for you.

Give yourself time to practice, don't be afraid to ask questions, and remember that it's completely normal to need a little help in the beginning.

Once you've found the right lenses and received your finalized prescription, you can explore contact lenses at Blue Planet Optics and have your prescribed lenses delivered right to your door.

Last updated: October 29, 2026