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Tired of wearing glasses? The frame constantly slipping down, the lenses getting foggy, and the pressure marks on your nose and ears – you can get rid of everything. Contact lenses are an excellent alternative to glasses. 

The first step is to undergo an initial contact lens exam. Here’s a short guide explaining what you should expect throughout this process:

How is a Contact Lens Exam Different? 

A lot of people wonder, how is a contact lens exam different from a regular eye exam? While both aim to assess your vision and eye health, there are some differences. 

A regular eye exam involves a series of tests to determine whether you need glasses. Or, if you already wear glasses, an eye exam ensures that your prescription is accurate. Experts recommend getting your eyes checked annually to detect any underlying conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, or cataracts.

On the flip side, a contact lens exam is only useful for those who want to wear contact lenses or already do so. It is designed to measure the dimensions of your eyes and determine the prescription for contact lenses. 

What Does a Contact Lens Exam Consist Of?

A detailed contact lens exam at an eye care center like Pearle Vision consists of the following steps:

Eye health check

First off, your optometrist will perform a standard eye exam to check your vision and eye pressure. They will also examine your eyes for underlying conditions, such as dry eye, corneal irregularities, or infections. 

Eye measurements

Next, your optometrist will take measurements of your eye, including the cornea, pupil, and iris. They will measure the corneal curvature using a keratometer or corneal topography. Measuring the pupil and the iris will help determine the correct lens design. Accurate eye measurements are important for ensuring a clear vision and a snug fit.

Tear film evaluation

This is a series of tests used to assess the quality and quantity of the tear film. The main question is: Do your eyes produce enough tears to keep contact lenses hydrated and moist? For instance, your doctor might add a fluorescein dye to your eye and then use a slit lamp to observe how long it takes for the tear film to break up after the blink. A longer time indicates stability.

Lifestyle discussion

Lastly, your doctor will ask certain lifestyle questions to recommend the most suitable type of lenses. You might be asked about daily activities, such as sports and screen time. 

The Contact Lens Fitting

Once the exam is complete and your lenses are ready, you’ll be asked to come in for a fitting. 

During this session, you can try on the contact lenses and determine how they fit and feel on your eyes. Your optometrist will also check your vision with the contact lenses.

Instructions and Aftercare

This is super important. Your optometrist will teach you how to insert, remove, and clean your contact lenses. They will also give you tips to maintain proper hygiene to prevent infections. 

You can ask questions and get your doubts cleared. 

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