Your eyes work tirelessly to support your daily adventures. That’s why it’s worth putting in the extra care to make sure that your contact lenses support your visual needs and the health of your eyes.
Annual contact lens exams and fittings are a must. Regular exams ensure that your lenses fit, that they’re safe for your eyes, and that your prescription remains up to date. Sharp and comfortable vision requires a little extra attention!
What is a Contact Lens Exam?
Contact lenses are popular for a reason. They offer a natural field of vision (which eyeglass frames can sometimes disrupt), and with proper care and wear, contacts fit so comfortably that you may even forget you’re wearing them!
Contact lenses are tiny, dome-shaped devices that rest directly on the eye’s corneal surface. This close proximity to the eye makes wearers of contact lenses more vulnerable to infections or dryness. That’s why proper wear and care habits are essential.
Contact Lens Exam vs Routine Eye Exam
A contact lens exam is much like a standard routine eye exam, but with a few extra screenings. These include measuring the shape of your eye, checking for a proper lens fit, and assessing how your eyes respond to wearing contact lenses.
This annual exam helps your eye doctor find the brand and lens type that aligns with your visual needs, lifestyle, and preferences.
For instance, if you’ve developed presbyopia in the past year, you may switch to multifocal contact lenses. Or, perhaps your eye doctor identifies severe dry eye symptoms and suggests that you switch to hard contact lenses.
With so many lens types and materials, contact lenses can accommodate a range of complex vision concerns. A contact lens exam and fitting are all it takes.
Annual Contact Lens Exams: Why?
As a general rule, contact lens wearers should have an eye exam every 12 months. However, this can vary depending on your lens type, prescription, and overall eye health.
Annual Eye Exam Requirements
Many contact lens wearers can get by with annual contact lens exams. These visits make sure your prescription stays accurate and your lenses are safe to use.
Even minor changes in your vision or the shape of your eye can affect the comfort and clarity of your lenses, which is why it’s important to identify issues and make adjustments early.
More Frequent Exams for High-Risk Wearers
Some contact lens wearers might need more frequent checkups, such as every 6 to 9 months. You might need more frequent checkups if you:
- Use specialty lenses, like toric or multifocal lenses
- Experience dryness or other discomfort
- Have an eye-related medical condition, like keratoconus or blepharitis
Can Overdue Exams Affect Your Eye Health?
Although skipping an eye exam may not seem like a big deal, you risk more than just blurry vision by putting it off.
Improper contact lenses (poor fit, wear, or care) can harm the eye’s surface. Even minor issues like dryness or irritation can snowball into bigger concerns if you leave them unaddressed.
Besides, contact lenses are medical devices. They do expire. Wearing outdated lenses or prescriptions can compromise your eye safety, vision, and comfort.
Your Guide to Contact Lens Exams: What to Expect
A contact lens exam is a standard and routine visit. It’s truly nothing to worry about. We’re here to make you comfortable.
Whether you’re a pro with lenses or a new contact lens wearer, here’s what you can expect during your appointment:
- Routine vision check: Your optometrist evaluates your vision for an accurate prescription. Your vision can change over time, even if you don’t notice right away.
- Contact lens fitting: Contact lenses should fit snugly. Lenses that are too loose might slip, while lenses that are too tight can lead to irritation. For a perfect fit, we measure the curvature of your eye and evaluate its surface to determine the right lens size and fit.
- Tear film evaluation: On top of examining your retinal health, we assess the health of your tear film. If dryness is a concern, we might recommend specific lenses designed for hydration.
- Lens assessment and trial: You’ll receive a pair of trial lenses to see how they feel. We’ll assess the sharpness of your vision and your lens alignment.
- Education and care tips: If it’s your first time wearing contacts, we will walk you through how to insert and remove them safely, and how to clean and store them.
- Follow-up: We’ll discuss your experience with the trial lenses and whether they need adjusting. At the end of the visit, you’ll receive a prescription for contact lenses and glasses.
See Clearly, Stay Comfortable
Routine eye exams are your first line of defense. It’s a preventative measure that safeguards your sight and overall eye health. When you factor contact lenses into this equation, your eyes require a little more care and attention.
Give your eyes the attention they deserve. If it’s been a while since your last eye exam or you’re interested in exploring the beauty of contact lenses, connect with us at The Eye Avenue to book an eye exam.
Take the first step toward clearer, healthier vision!
