Contact lenses are a popular alternative to glasses for correcting vision problems. However, before you start wearing contact lenses, it's essential to undergo a contact lens exam. This exam is designed to determine your suitability for contact lens wear, assess your eye health, and find the best lenses for your needs. In this blog, we'll discuss what you can expect during a contact lens exam and provide a comprehensive overview of the process.

A Comprehensive Look into a Contact Lens Exam: The Importance of Proper Fitting and Care

The first step in a contact lens exam is a comprehensive eye exam. During the comprehensive eye exam, your eye doctor may also perform tests to assess your visual acuity, visual field, and eye muscle function. They will also check the health of your cornea, retina, and other parts of your eye. This comprehensive exam is essential in order to get an accurate prescription for both glasses and contact lenses. They will also take into account any previous vision problems, medical conditions, and any medications you are taking that may impact your eye health.

Determining the Right Contact Lenses for You

Once the exam is complete, they will discuss your intended use for contact lenses and determine what type of lenses would best suit your needs. There are different types of contact lenses available, including daily, weekly, monthly, and overnight lenses, soft and rigid lenses, etc. They will discuss the options and price points to help you make an informed decision. In addition to discussing your intended use for contact lenses, they will consider your lifestyle, activities, and any specific needs or preferences you may have. They will also evaluate the shape and size of your eyes and the curvature of your cornea to determine what type of lenses would fit best. Depending on your eye's anatomy, you may also be prescribed toric lenses or colored contacts. They will discuss all options and help you choose the best type of contact lenses for you.

Trying Out the Contact Lenses

Once the lens prescription has been determined, your eye doctor will put the lenses in your eyes, check your vision, and assess the fit of the lenses. It's essential to ensure that the lenses are comfortable and healthy for your eyes, allowing enough oxygen and tear exchange to maintain good eye health. They will provide instructions on how to properly insert and remove the lenses, and you will have the opportunity to try them out and see how they feel. They will use a slit-lamp exam to examine the fit and movement of the lenses on your eyes. They will also check for any signs of discomfort or irritation and make any necessary adjustments to ensure a proper fit. They will also assess your tear film, which helps ensure that your eyes are producing enough tears to keep the lenses hydrated. If you have any issues with the lenses, your eye doctor may recommend trying a different type of lens or making adjustments to your prescription.

Training and Finalizing Your Contact Lens Order

If the lenses fit well and there are no issues, your eye doctor will provide training on how to properly insert and remove the lenses. They will also provide tips on how to care for your lenses to ensure that they last as long as possible. After you have tried out the lenses and are comfortable with them, you can place your contact lens order. They will show you how to insert and remove the lenses, as well as how to clean and store them properly. They will also discuss the recommended replacement schedule for your type of lenses and the importance of regular cleaning and disinfecting. You will also be advised on how to handle and care for the lenses to ensure that they last as long as possible and maintain good eye health.

Important Safety Considerations

Wearing contact lenses involves some risk to your eye health, and it's essential to take good care of your eyes to maintain good eye health and wear contact lenses safely. If you experience red, irritated, or painful eyes while wearing contact lenses, immediately remove the lenses and seek the advice of an eye care provider. Your eye doctor will provide additional information on how to care for your eyes and lenses to ensure safe and comfortable contact lens wear, always follow the instructions given by our optometrist to ensure the best fit, comfort, and health of your eyes.