Final answer:
Fitting soft multifocal contact lenses involves a thorough eye exam, choosing initial lenses, evaluating fit and vision at various distances, making adjustments, conducting a real-world trial, getting patient feedback, educating on lens care, and scheduling follow-ups.
Step-by-step explanation:
Fitting soft multifocal contact lenses is a process that requires careful consideration of the patient's visual needs and ocular physiology. Here is a step-by-step guide to fitting these lenses: Conduct a thorough eye exam and determine the patient's suitability for multifocal lenses, considering factors such as pupil size, eye dominance, and lifestyle needs. Choose the initial lens based on the manufacturer's fitting guide, which typically provides a starting point based on the patient's refractive error and add power. Evaluate the initial lens fit on the eye, looking at lens centration, movement, and coverage to ensure proper alignment and comfort.
Assess visual acuity at various distances (near, intermediate, and far) to judge the effectiveness of the multifocal design. Make adjustments as needed, which can include changing the lens power, design, or diameter, to improve vision or fit. Provide the patient with trial lenses to assess real-world visual performance and comfort over a trial period. Obtain feedback from the patient regarding their visual experiences with the trial lenses and make any necessary final adjustments. Educate the patient on proper lens care, handling, and replacement schedules to maintain eye health. Schedule follow-up appointments to monitor the patient's adaptation to the lenses and make any further modifications if required.