Contact Lens Exam & Fitting in Santa Ana
A contact lens exam is a specialized evaluation that goes beyond a standard eye exam. We measure your corneal shape, evaluate your tear film, determine the right lens type for your eyes, and fit trial lenses — because contacts sit on your cornea, the prescription and fit must be customized to you. Same-week appointments available.
Reviewed by Dr. Alexander Bonakdar, OD — Updated July 2026
What Happens During a Contact Lens Exam
Comprehensive Eye Exam
Every contact lens visit starts with a full eye health evaluation — checking for glaucoma, cataracts, retinal conditions, and determining your prescription. This is the foundation.
Corneal Measurements & Topography
We map your corneal curvature and diameter using digital topography. This determines which lens base curve and diameter will sit properly on your eye — a critical step, especially for astigmatism or irregular corneas.
Tear Film Evaluation
Dry eyes and contacts don't mix well. We evaluate your tear quality, quantity, and meibomian gland function to recommend the right lens material and wearing schedule for your tear film.
Trial Lens Fitting & Assessment
We place trial lenses on your eyes and evaluate the fit under the slit lamp — checking centration, movement, and coverage. You wear them for 15–20 minutes so we can assess real-world comfort and vision.
First-time contact lens wearers: We include insertion and removal training at your fitting appointment. Our technicians walk you through the process until you are comfortable handling your lenses on your own — there is no extra charge for this training.
Who Needs a Contact Lens Fitting?
First-Time Wearers
Never worn contacts before? We start from scratch — finding the right lens type, teaching you how to insert and remove them, and scheduling a follow-up to make sure everything is comfortable.
Existing Wearers Due for an Update
Your contact lens prescription expires annually. Even if your vision feels the same, lens technology improves every year — newer materials breathe better, stay wetter, and last longer.
Astigmatism & Toric Lenses
Astigmatism requires toric lenses that are weighted to maintain the correct orientation on your eye. The fitting is more precise than standard lenses — measurements must match your specific corneal shape.
Multifocal & Progressive Wearers
Over 40 and need reading help? Multifocal contact lenses combine distance and near vision in one lens. Finding the right design and add power takes trial fitting — not every multifocal works the same.
Dry Eye Sufferers
If contacts have always been uncomfortable, the problem may be your tear film — not the lens itself. We evaluate your tears first and recommend lenses with materials designed for dry eye, like daily disposables or scleral lenses that vault over the cornea.
Hard-to-Fit & Specialty Cases
Keratoconus, post-LASIK complications, corneal scars, pellucid marginal degeneration — standard lenses won't work. Dr. Bonakdar has fitted over 2,000 patients with specialty scleral and RGP lenses for complex corneas.
Specialty Contact Lens Fitting for Complex Corneas
Not every eye fits a standard contact lens. Conditions like keratoconus, post-LASIK ectasia, corneal transplants, and severe dry eye require custom-designed lenses that vault over the irregular corneal surface rather than sitting on it. This is where specialty fitting expertise matters most.
Scleral Lenses
Large-diameter lenses that rest on the sclera (white of the eye) and vault over the cornea. They provide stable, comfortable vision for keratoconus, post-surgical irregularity, and severe dry eye — conditions where soft lenses and glasses cannot deliver clear vision.
Learn about scleral lensesOrtho-K (Corneal Reshaping)
Custom rigid lenses worn only at night that gently reshape your cornea while you sleep. Remove them in the morning and see clearly all day — no contacts or glasses needed. FDA-approved corneal reshaping lenses, available for both children and adults.
Learn about Ortho-KDr. Bonakdar has fitted over 2,000 patients with specialty contact lenses for keratoconus and other corneal conditions. If you have been told you cannot wear contacts, a specialty fitting evaluation may find a solution.
Contact Lens Types We Fit
Daily Disposables
Fresh lens every day — best for comfort and hygiene. Ideal for allergy sufferers and occasional wearers.
Monthly/Biweekly
Reusable soft lenses changed on schedule. Lower annual cost than dailies for full-time wearers.
Toric (Astigmatism)
Weighted design that stays aligned on your eye. Available in daily, monthly, and custom designs.
Multifocal
Distance and near in one lens. Multiple designs available — we trial-fit to find the best option for your visual demands.
RGP (Rigid Gas Permeable)
Small rigid lenses that provide sharper optics than soft lenses. Used for high astigmatism and corneal irregularity.
Scleral Lenses
Large-diameter vaulting lenses for keratoconus, post-LASIK, and severe dry eye.
Hybrid Lenses
Rigid center for clear optics + soft skirt for comfort. A bridge option for patients who need RGP quality with soft-lens comfort.
Ortho-K
Night-wear reshaping lenses for clear daytime vision without contacts. FDA-approved corneal reshaping lenses.
Contact Lens Exam FAQs
Is a contact lens exam different from a regular eye exam?
Yes. A regular eye exam determines your glasses prescription and checks your eye health. A contact lens exam adds corneal measurements, tear film evaluation, and a trial lens fitting — because contacts sit directly on your eye, the prescription and fit are different from glasses. You need both: the comprehensive exam plus the contact lens evaluation.
How long does a contact lens fitting take?
A standard soft lens fitting takes about 30 minutes on top of your comprehensive eye exam. Specialty fittings for toric (astigmatism), multifocal, or scleral lenses may take 45–60 minutes because the fitting process is more involved. First-time wearers also get insertion and removal training at the same visit.
Can I get trial lenses the same day?
For standard soft lenses, yes — we stock common prescriptions and you can walk out wearing trial lenses the same day. Specialty lenses like scleral or custom toric lenses are made to order and typically arrive in 1–2 weeks. We schedule a follow-up fitting once they arrive.
Does my vision insurance cover a contact lens fitting?
Most vision plans (VSP, EyeMed) cover a contact lens fitting evaluation as part of your annual benefit, though copays and allowances vary by plan. The fitting fee is separate from the contact lens materials allowance. We verify your specific benefits before your appointment — call us with your plan details.
What if I have astigmatism — can I still wear contacts?
Absolutely. Toric contact lenses are designed specifically for astigmatism and are available in soft, RGP, and scleral lens designs. Dr. Bonakdar fits all levels of astigmatism, including irregular astigmatism from keratoconus or post-surgical corneas where standard toric lenses may not work.
Can I sleep in my contact lenses?
Some FDA-approved lenses are designed for overnight wear, but sleeping in contacts increases infection risk. If you want the freedom of waking up with clear vision, Ortho-K (corneal reshaping) lenses are worn only at night and removed in the morning — you see clearly all day without contacts or glasses. Dr. Bonakdar specializes in Ortho-K fittings for both adults and children.
Ready for Your Contact Lens Fitting?
Same-week appointments available. Call to schedule or book online.