What to Expect During a Contact Lens Exam

If you’re new to contact lenses, the idea of putting something in your eye might feel daunting. But don’t worry—your contact lens exam is designed to make the process smooth and comfortable. Here’s what you can expect at each step.

Step 1: Start with a Comprehensive Eye Exam

Your journey begins with a thorough eye exam. The eye doctor will evaluate your overall eye health and vision, taking into account your medical history. Standard tests will assess how your eyes focus, work together, perceive depth and color, and respond to light. Additionally, your doctor will measure the pressure inside your eyes to screen for glaucoma, examine your retina and optic nerve, and test your vision with various lenses to see if contacts are a suitable option for you.

Step 2: Discuss Your Contact Lens Preferences

If contacts are recommended, you’ll then discuss your preferences. Do you want lenses that enhance or change your eye color? Are daily disposables or extended-wear lenses more your style? It’s also a good time to ask about the pros and cons of each type. For those over 40, the conversation may include options for managing age-related vision changes with contacts.

Step 3: Eye Surface Measurements

Accurate measurements are crucial for ensuring your contacts fit perfectly. Using a keratometer, your eye doctor will measure the curvature of your cornea, the clear front surface of your eye. They’ll also measure your pupil size to match you with the correct lens size.

Step 4: Tear Film Evaluation

If you suffer from dry eyes, your doctor will perform a tear film evaluation. This test determines the amount of moisture on your eye’s surface. If your tear film is lacking, certain contact lenses that provide extra moisture may be recommended, or alternative options might be considered.

Step 5: Contact Lens Fitting

Next, you’ll be fitted with a trial pair of contact lenses. The doctor will check how the lenses align and move on your eyes to ensure a proper fit. If everything looks good, a final vision test will confirm that the prescription is accurate.

Step 6: Trial Period and Follow-Up

After your exam, you’ll wear the trial lenses for about a week. A follow-up appointment will then confirm that the lenses are comfortable and effective. Once everything is in order, you can place an order for your contact lenses.

If this is your first time getting contacts, don’t stress. A qualified optometrist will guide you through each step and answer any questions you may have. Just be sure to mention your interest in contacts when booking your appointment so they can allocate enough time for a thorough consultation and any necessary tests.