Contact Lens FAQs

What will happen if I wear a contact lens that doesn't fit properly?

Generally the worst that can happen when you wear contact lenses that don't fit properly is that the contacts will either move around too much on your eye (if they are too big) or they won't move much at all on your eye (if they are too small). If you wear contacts that are too big for your eyes, you will be much more aware of their movement on your eye with each blink. Contacts that fit too tightly actually feel quite comfortable because they don't move when you blink. It is very important, however, that soft contact lenses be able to move when you blink, as this is the way that oxygen is able to get to your cornea.

Your optometrist will be able to decide on the proper size contact lenses for your eyes. You can find this information on the box of contact lenses: DIA refers to the diameter of the contact lens and BC refers to the base curve (see contact lens prescription numbers). Both values are just as important in a contact lens prescription as the actual power of the contact lenses.