What Should I Expect During a Contact Lens Exam?

If you're considering switching to contact lenses or renewing your prescription, a contact lens exam is a vital step. Unlike a standard eye exam, a contact lens exam includes additional tests and measurements to ensure your lenses fit properly and comfortably while providing clear vision.

Why Do You Need a Contact Lens Exam?

While both glasses and contact lenses correct refractive errors, contact lenses sit directly on the eye's surface. Because of this, they require more precise measurements and evaluation of your eye health. A contact lens exam ensures that your lenses will not only provide sharp vision but also fit your eye shape correctly and safely.
 

Without a proper fitting, contact lenses can lead to discomfort, blurry vision, and even eye health issues such as infections or corneal abrasions. Here’s what you should know about the process and what to expect during your visit.

Comprehensive Eye Health Evaluation

Your visit will begin similarly to a routine eye exam. The optometrist will check your overall eye health, evaluate your vision, and update your glasses prescription if needed. This includes tests for visual acuity, eye pressure, and the health of the retina and cornea.

Contact Lens Prescription

Contact lens prescriptions differ from glasses prescriptions. Your doctor will measure the curvature of your cornea (keratometry) and may perform corneal topography to map its surface. The size, shape, and health of your eyes determine which type of contact lens will suit you best.

Tear Film Assessment

Since contact lenses sit on the tear film of your eyes, the doctor may assess tear production to ensure your eyes can comfortably support contact lens wear, especially if you have dry eye symptoms. An inadequate tear film can cause irritation, blurred vision, and discomfort with contact lenses. Your optometrist might perform tests such as a tear breakup time or use special dyes to evaluate how well your eyes stay lubricated. If dry eye is detected, treatment options may be recommended before proceeding with contact lens wear to improve your comfort and long-term success with lenses.

Trial Lens Fitting

You’ll be given a pair of trial contact lenses to evaluate their fit and feel on your eyes. The optometrist will check how the lenses move with each blink, whether they remain centered, and how well you can see with them. Adjustments may be made to the type or brand of lenses depending on your comfort and vision.

Instruction and Training

If you’re new to contact lenses, your optometrist or technician will teach you how to insert and remove the lenses safely, as well as proper hygiene and lens care. You’ll also learn how long you can wear them each day and when to replace them.

Follow-Up Appointment

After wearing the trial lenses for a few days, you’ll return for a follow-up. This visit helps confirm that the lenses are comfortable, fit correctly, and provide clear vision. Your final prescription will be given at this time if everything looks good.

Get Started at Texas State Optical Today

A contact lens exam is an essential part of ensuring your lenses are safe, effective, and tailored to your specific needs. We take extra care to provide personalized contact lens fittings for optimal vision and comfort. Whether you’re new to contact lenses or looking to update your current prescription, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Schedule your contact lens exam at Texas State Optical and see the difference in clarity and comfort. Contact our office in Kingwood, Texas, by calling (346) 466-4600 to book an appointment today.