Contact Lenses
Contact lens fittings
In short
A contact lens fitting is a separate evaluation from a glasses exam. Your NVOA optometrist measures the surface of your eye, checks your tear film, and selects lenses that fit safely and comfortably. We fit everyday soft lenses as well as specialty lenses for astigmatism, presbyopia, keratoconus, and eyes that have had surgery.
- Lens types
- Soft daily and monthly, toric, multifocal, rigid gas permeable, scleral, post-surgical and keratoconus lenses
- Follow-up
- A trial-lens check is usually scheduled to confirm fit and comfort
- Offered at
- Falls Church · Fairfax · Alexandria
Why is a contact lens fitting different from a glasses exam?
Glasses sit away from your eyes; contact lenses rest directly on the cornea. A fitting measures your corneal curvature and size, evaluates eye health and tear quality, and confirms that the lens fits, moves, and delivers clear vision. A contact lens prescription includes details a glasses prescription does not.
What types of contact lenses do we fit?
- Soft daily disposable and extended-wear lenses
- Toric lenses for astigmatism
- Multifocal lenses for presbyopia
- Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses for sharp optics
- Scleral lenses that vault over irregular or dry corneas
- Therapeutic and specialty lenses for keratoconus, after corneal transplant or surgery, and after eye injury
How do I keep my eyes healthy in contacts?
- Wash and dry hands before handling lenses
- Never sleep in lenses unless prescribed for overnight wear
- Never rinse or store lenses in tap water
- Replace lenses and cases on schedule
- Remove lenses and call us for redness, pain, or light sensitivity
Frequently asked questions
Is a contact lens fitting covered by insurance?
Many vision plans cover part of a contact lens fitting, but it is often billed separately from the eye exam. Check your vision plan's contact lens benefit.
Can I wear contacts if I have astigmatism or need reading glasses?
Usually, yes. Toric lenses correct astigmatism and multifocal lenses help with presbyopia.
I have keratoconus. Can I still wear contacts?
Yes. Rigid gas permeable and scleral lenses often give people with keratoconus much clearer vision than glasses. Our optometrists work closely with our cornea specialists.
Doctors who provide this care
Catherine S. Vu-Gia, O.D.
Comprehensive eye exams and specialty contact lenses
- Contact Lenses
- Comprehensive
Ha-Phuong Tran, O.D.
Comprehensive exams and medical/therapeutic contact lenses
- Contact Lenses
- Comprehensive
Related care
Optical Services
Frames, prescription lenses, and adjustments at all three offices.
Cornea & Corneal Transplant
Expert care for Fuchs dystrophy, keratoconus, and corneal transplants.
Dry Eye
Find the cause of burning, gritty eyes and get lasting relief.
This page is for general education and is not a substitute for an exam. Call 911 for a medical emergency.
Ready to schedule?
Request an appointment online or call the office closest to you.
- Falls Church(703) 534-3900
- Fairfax(703) 620-2701
- Alexandria(703) 922-0906