Eye Exams for Contact Lenses
Contact lenses are an alternative to eyeglasses. Not all patients use contact lenses as their primary form of vision correction. Some patients wear contact lenses only on weekends, special occasions, or for sports. Contact lenses offer flexibility for different lifestyles.
If you choose contact lenses, they must fit properly, and you need to understand safe use and hygiene. A contact lens exam includes a comprehensive eye exam, a vision prescription check, and measurements to ensure proper lens fit.
The Importance of a Comprehensive Eye Exam
Regular eye exams are important for monitoring eye health and detecting early signs of disease. A comprehensive eye exam will check the general health of your eyes as well as the quality of your vision. During this exam, the eye doctor will determine your eyeglass prescription. This alone is not sufficient for contact lenses. The doctor may also check for any eye health issues that could interfere with the comfort and success of contact lens wear.
The Contact Lens Consultation
The contact lens industry continues to improve comfort and convenience. An initial step in a contact lens consultation is discussing lifestyle and health factors that affect lens choice.
Options include daily or monthly disposables, as well as soft or rigid gas permeable (GP) lenses. If you have conditions such as astigmatism or dry eye, your eye doctor may recommend specific lens types or brands.
Tell your eye doctor if you are interested in colored contact lenses. If you are over 40 and have difficulty seeing small print, your eye doctor may recommend multifocal or monovision lenses.
Contact Lens Fitting
Contact lenses require an individualized fit. Your eye doctor will need to take some measurements to properly fit your contact lenses. Contact lenses that do not fit properly can cause discomfort, blurry vision, or damage to the eye. Here are some measurements taken during a contact lens fitting:
Corneal Curvature
To ensure a proper fit, your doctor will measure the curvature of your cornea. A keratometer measures this curvature to determine the correct lens fit. If you have astigmatism, a toric lens is used to provide proper fit and clear vision. In some cases, your doctor may use corneal topography to map the surface in greater detail.
Pupil or Iris Size
Your eye doctor may measure your pupil or iris size using a slit lamp or manual tools. This measurement is especially important if you are considering gas permeable (GP) lenses.
Tear Film Evaluation
One of the most common problems affecting contact lens wear is dry eyes. If lenses are not kept hydrated, they can become uncomfortable and cause dry, irritated, and itchy eyes. If you have dry eye syndrome, your doctor will assess your tear film. Contact lenses may not be suitable if moisture is insufficient.
A tear film evaluation may use dye and a slit lamp or a test strip to measure moisture levels. If your tear film is weak, your eye doctor may recommend lenses designed to retain moisture.
Contact Lens Trial and Prescription
After selecting a lens type, your eye doctor may have you try a pair to confirm fit and comfort before ordering. The doctor or assistant will insert the lenses and keep them in for 15–20 minutes before evaluating fit, movement, and tearing. If the lenses fit well, your eye doctor will order them for you. Your eye doctor will provide care and hygiene instructions, including how to insert and remove lenses, how long to wear them, and how to store them.
Contact Lens Follow-Up Care
Your eye doctor may request a follow-up appointment to check lens fit and eye adaptation. If you are experiencing discomfort or dryness in your eyes, you should visit your eye doctor as soon as possible. Your eye doctor may recommend a different lens, disinfecting solution, or wearing schedule.