Glasses are not the right fit for everyone, and for many patients, contact lenses offer a comfortable, practical alternative that fits naturally into an active life. Getting the right lenses, however, starts with more than picking a brand off a shelf; it requires a proper fitting and an ongoing relationship with an eye care provider who understands your eyes. Worn correctly, contact lenses are a safe and effective way to correct refractive errors like nearsightedness and farsightedness, but the fitting process is where long-term comfort and eye health are actually established.
At Vision Source Mandan, we fit patients from Bismarck, Mandan, and the surrounding region with contact lenses suited to their prescription, lifestyle, and corneal health. Dr. Brittany Schauer, Dr. Wayne Aberle, and Dr. Danielle Dyke each bring a thorough, patient-centered approach to contact lens care, ensuring every patient leaves with lenses that fit well, provide clear vision, and keep their eyes healthy over time.
Why a Professional Contact Lens Fitting Matters
Ordering contacts online without a current, verified prescription carries real risks. Some retailers dispense based on expired prescriptions, and some patients enter incorrect information when placing orders. Wearing lenses that are the wrong power, wrong size, or past their recommended replacement schedule can lead to blurry vision, corneal irritation, and in more serious cases, infections. A professional contact lens fitting closes that gap by confirming not only your prescription but also the specific lens parameters your eyes need.
At each fitting, we examine how the lens sits on your cornea, confirm your vision is clear, and assess overall corneal health. For first-time wearers, we take it a step further. We train patients on how to properly insert and remove their lenses, how to clean and store them correctly, and what warning signs to watch for. New wearers are typically sent home with trial lenses for about a week before placing their first order, giving them a real-world trial run to confirm comfort and fit before committing.
Types of Contact Lenses We Offer
Not all contact lenses are the same, and the right lens depends on your prescription, the shape of your eye, and how you plan to use them. During your appointment, we walk through your options and help you identify the best match for your needs. The National Eye Institute notes that there are several key factors to consider when choosing contacts, including lens material, wear schedule, and replacement frequency.
The most common contact lens types we work with include:
- Daily disposables: Fresh lenses each day with no cleaning required, ideal for patients with allergies or those who prefer a low-maintenance option.
- Biweekly and monthly lenses: Reusable lenses that require regular cleaning and proper storage, a good option for patients who wear contacts consistently.
- Toric lenses: Designed to correct astigmatism, these lenses have a specific orientation and require a more detailed fitting process.
- Multifocal lenses: An option for patients who need correction at both near and far distances, often used by those experiencing age-related changes in vision.
The right lens type makes a meaningful difference in comfort and visual clarity, so we never take a one-size-fits-all approach.
Contact Lenses and Myopia Management
Contact lenses also play a role beyond standard vision correction. For younger patients showing signs of progressing nearsightedness, specialized contact lens designs can help slow the rate at which myopia worsens over time. Our myopia management services incorporate these lens options as part of a broader strategy to protect children’s long-term vision. This is an area where early intervention matters, and having a provider who monitors lens fit alongside overall eye health gives families a clearer picture of where their child’s vision is heading.
We also work with patients who need vision correction for more complex prescriptions, helping them find lens options that provide stable, comfortable vision throughout the day.
What to Expect at Your Contact Lens Appointment
A contact lens appointment at Vision Source Mandan includes a comprehensive eye exam to update your prescription and assess overall eye health. We then take measurements specific to contact lens fitting, including corneal curvature, which affects how a lens sits and moves on your eye. Trial lenses are selected, we evaluate the fit, and follow-up visits are built into the process for new wearers. Existing patients receive the same thorough lens evaluation at each annual exam, because we never make assumptions about fit or prescription from one year to the next.
We primarily work with Alcon and CooperVision, two manufacturers known for producing breathable, comfortable lenses that patients wear well throughout the day. Patients can also reorder contacts directly through our website, making it easy to stay current on replacements without needing to call in.
Contact Lens Care for Bismarck and Beyond at Vision Source Mandan
Vision Source Mandan has been serving the Bismarck-Mandan area and surrounding communities for over 70 years, and contact lens care has always been a core part of what we offer. Dr. Aberle, who brings a special focus to contact lens fittings, works closely with patients to find the right lens for their eyes and takes the time to make sure every patient feels confident wearing and caring for them. Learn more about Dr. Aberle and the rest of our team. We accept a wide range of insurance plans, and our staff can help you understand your benefits before your visit.
If you are ready to explore contact lenses or update an existing prescription, contact our office to schedule your fitting and comprehensive eye exam today.
