Many things change once you start wearing contacts. But while enjoying the benefits, you’ll still need to come back for check-ups. Even if you’ve done it a dozen times before, there’s an added question on contact lens-wearer’s minds—should I wear my contacts to the exam?
Yes! You should wear your contact lenses to a contact lens exam, but you can leave them out if you’re coming in for a regular eye exam. This allows us to assess how well the lenses fit and whether they’re functioning correctly in your eyes. Additionally, it provides an opportunity to discuss any issues you’ve been having with your lenses, such as comfort or clarity.
Contact Lens Exams vs. Regular Eye Exams
A regular eye exam is where we check your overall eye health and update your glasses prescription. Even if you wear contact lenses, you should still keep your glasses prescription up-to-date. This is also where we can look for any signs of an eye disease or general health issue. Contact lenses may get in the way of some of our tests.
In contrast, a contact lens exam is much more streamlined by focusing specifically on how your contacts fit and interact with your eyes. This includes evaluating the curvature of your cornea and the health of your tear film to help keep your contacts fitting comfortably.
So, wearing contacts to the exam is key. It provides us with firsthand insight into how they perform in the real world during daily activities. This practical observation helps us make any necessary adjustments.
Plus, these exams are an opportunity to address any concerns you might have and explore new contact lens options that might better suit your lifestyle, such as lenses for people with dry eye.
What Happens During a Contact Lens Exam?
A contact lens exam is tailored to your needs, whether you’re a seasoned wearer or exploring them for the first time.
If you already wear contacts, we start by discussing your experience with your current lenses. This sets the stage for the rest of the exam, so be honest about your experience! We will inquire about comfort, vision quality, and any issues you’ve encountered. Expect to have your current lenses assessed while on your eyes, as this provides valuable insights into their fit and effectiveness during normal wear.
If you’re new to contacts, the exam will start similarly to a regular eye exam to determine your prescription. However, your glasses prescription differs from the one you need for your contacts. The contact will also need to fit your eye. This is akin to trying on a pair of shoes—the size and shape matter.
We’ll take extensive eye measurements to ensure a comfortable fit. We’ll also measure your cornea’s curvature using a keratometer and evaluate your tear film’s health, which is crucial for comfortable lens wear.
If you’re changing contacts or getting your first pair, we’ll typically offer a trial lens to verify fit and function. If they aren’t perfect, let us know, and we can make adjustments as necessary, whether for sizing, lens material, or prescription tweaks.
Ultimately, the goal of a contact lens fitting is to secure a lens that feels nearly imperceptible on your eye while offering sharp vision—a tailored fit as personal and precise as selecting a bespoke pair of shoes.
Preparing for Your Contact Lens Exam
You’re taking time out of your busy day to care for your vision, so let’s make the most of it. Before you stop by, here are a few important preparation steps to consider:
- Wear your contacts like it’s a typical day: Don’t make any drastic changes to your schedule just because you have an eye exam. We want to see your contacts in real-world conditions. Unless they are actively hurting you, trying to come in wearing your contacts.
- Bring your glasses: It’s always a good idea to bring a backup pair of glasses to the appointment. You might need them if you need to remove your lenses during the exam, and they help give us a baseline for what your corrected vision should look like.
- Prepare questions: Consider any issues you’ve been experiencing with your lenses, such as discomfort, dryness, or blurriness, and bring them up during your appointment.
- Note your lens details: Knowing the brand and type of lenses you currently use can be incredibly helpful. Typically, your optometrist should have this on file, but if you’re visiting a new eye doctor, it is essential. This allows us to tailor our recommendations based on your specific needs and preferences.
Get Ready to See Clearly
Your vision deserves the best care, and at L’occhio Eyecare-Eyestyle, we’re dedicated to providing it. Our approach is personalized and straightforward. After all, you’re not just another patient to us. You’re an individual with unique needs, and that’s how we’ll treat you.
We pride ourselves on creating a warm and welcoming environment where you can feel at ease. Book an appointment with us today and experience the difference! We can’t wait for you to stop by.
