Getting a Contact Lens Exam

If you’ve not had contact lenses before, you probably won’t know what to expect and this can be a little disconcerting. Fortunately, we’ve got the scoop on what you need to know, which will help you to feel relaxed and calm during your appointment. Here’s what to expect when getting a contact lens exam.

You’ll Have a Comprehensive Eye Exam First

A comprehensive eye exam is a crucial part of your preventative eye care. It comprises a series of tests that are used to evaluate the health and overall condition of your eyes, checking that you don’t have any abnormalities or the start of any eye diseases that could affect your vision. These include eye infections, corneal abnormalities, cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and more. Comprehensive eye exams are recommended for all patients, regardless of their age, and your eye doctor will tell you how often you need to attend these appointments.

You’ll Need a Test to Determine Your Prescription

The prescription that is needed for contact lenses is different from that for glasses. The reason for this is that contact lenses are worn on the surface of the eyes, rather than in front of them. Your eye doctor will perform a refraction to determine the prescription that you will need for your contact lenses. If you are also planning on wearing glasses, you’ll have a separate prescription for this. The refraction is the process of choosing the best lenses to correct your visual acuity.

Assessing the Surface of Your Cornea

Contact lenses sit on the surface of the eyes, covering an area at the front called the cornea. To ensure that your contact lenses will fit properly, be comfortable and remain stable on your eye, your eye doctor will need to assess the surface of the cornea and measure the curvature. Every patient is different, and this means that the curve of each individual varies. Measuring the surface of the cornea can be done either using an instrument called a keratometer or by scanning it with a special laser and creating a map of the surface of the eye called corneal topography. The curve of your cornea will help to determine which type of contact lenses may be right for you.

Evaluation of Your Tear Film

Contact lenses rely on a coating of the tear film, which they float on and use to move around when you look in different directions. If you don’t have enough natural tear film, it could be tricky for you to wear conventional contact lenses and you may need a specialty variety that is suitable for patients with dry eyes. It may be necessary to do a dry eye exam and treat it accordingly if necessary.

Contact Lens Fitting

Once your contact lens provider has the results of each of your assessments, they will be able to recommend the most appropriate contact lenses. The lenses will be evaluated on the eye to make sure they fit comfortably and keep the eye healthy while providing the best vision. A follow up visit may be necessary to ensure everything is okay over time. 

If you would like more information about what to expect at a contact lens exam, or to schedule one of your own, please get in touch with our friendly eye care team in Anderson SC today at (864) 224-2088.