Why do I have to be fitted for my contacts?

Question

I've always had glasses, but I have decided that I want to get contacts. When I went to my eye doctor today, he told me I had to get fitted for my contacts before he can write me a prescription. What does all this mean??? Also, where can I get fitted?

Answer 1

glasses dont physically sit ON YOUR EYE.  contacts do.  consequently, you need the right size, shape, material, orientation, etc etc in order to center correctly and give you the best vision possible

Answer 2

Everybody's eyes are different shapes.  They have to get the axis numbers to know what shape of contacts to give you.  I'm surprised your doctor didn't fit you for contacts himself though or that he didn't refer you to someone in the same office (sometimes they have contact specialists...I've worked with them before and lets just say I prefer a doctor).  I'd call the eye place you went to and ask them about fittings though.  

The fitting is nothing.  It's almost like an eye exam.  They just put a machine up to you and measure your eye shapes using some special equipment.   Nothing to stress about, especially if you're use to going to the eye doctor.