How long should a soft lens settle on the eye before fitting evaluation?

A soft contact lens should ideally be allowed to settle on the eye for at least 20 minutes before conducting a fitting evaluation. This time frame is crucial as it allows the lens to properly adapt to the curvature of the cornea and the surrounding environment of the eye.

During this settling period, the lens can stabilize, ensuring accurate assessment of its fit, movement, and centration. Observing the lens after this duration provides valuable insights into how it interacts with the tear film and the ocular surface, which are important for determining overall comfort and effectiveness.

If evaluated too soon, the fitting assessment may not accurately reflect the lens's performance during normal wear, potentially leading to a misjudgment of its suitability for the patient. Thus, waiting at least 20 minutes before fitting evaluation is considered a best practice in contact lens fitting.