Whether you’re tired of frames sliding down your nose or just want a different look, contacts offer a great alternative. However, getting contacts requires an appointment from The Eye Avenue that goes beyond a standard eye exam.
A contact lens exam is designed to take additional measurements of your eyes and properly fit your contact lenses, so that you can wear them safely and comfortably.
A Regular Eye Exam & a Contact Lens Exam
What a Routine Exam Covers
A comprehensive eye exam is the foundation of your eye health. During this appointment, the focus is on your overall vision and the health of your eyes. Your eye care team will check your prescription for glasses and screen you for common eye conditions.
Extra Steps for Contact Lenses
A contact lens exam includes all the elements of a routine exam plus more. Because a contact lens sits directly on your eye, extra steps are needed to ensure that the lenses fit. This means taking additional measurements of the surface of your eyes, evaluating how your lenses fit, and checking that your lenses are made of the right material.
What to Expect During Your Appointment
Talk About Your Lifestyle & Needs
Your daily life plays a big role in determining which contacts will work for you. As part of your contact lens fitting, you’ll discuss your work environment, hobbies, and how often you plan to wear your lenses. This conversation helps your eye doctor recommend options that fit into your routine.
Additional Eye Measurements
To get a precise fit, your eye doctor takes additional measurements designed to help your contact lenses fit. This may include using technology like corneal topography to measure the curve of your cornea—the clear front surface of your eye—and the size of your pupil and iris. These details help determine the correct lens shape and diameter for your eyes.
Assess Your Tear Film
Comfort is key when it comes to contact lenses. A tear film assessment checks if your eyes produce enough moisture to wear contacts comfortably. If your eyes tend to be dry, your team can recommend a dry eye treatment plan and lenses that fit your situation.
Find the Right Fit & Type of Lens
Trial Lenses & Fit Check
You’ll get to try on a pair of diagnostic lenses during your appointment. Your eye doctor will then check the fit of your lenses, looking at how they move and sit on your eye when you blink. This checks that your lenses are positioned correctly for clear vision and comfort.
Learn How to Care for Your Lenses
If you’re new to contacts, you’ll receive guidance on how to handle them. You’ll also have a chance to review the best practices for cleaning and storing your lenses.
The Importance of Follow-Up Care
Check Your Eye Health
After you’ve worn your trial lenses for a short period, it’s common to have a followup visit. This allows your optometrist to see how your eyes are adjusting. They’ll check for any signs of irritation to confirm that your lenses are a good match.
Finalize Your Prescription
Once the trial period is successful and the fit is confirmed, your contact lens prescription is finalized. This last step helps you leave with lenses that provide clear, comfortable vision.
Common Contact Lens Concerns & Solutions
Handle Dry or Irritated Eyes
If your eyes feel dry while wearing contacts, a few simple habits can help:
- Blink more frequently, especially when looking at screens.
- Use rewetting drops recommended by your eye doctor.
- Position yourself away from direct air from fans or vents.
Allergies & Contact Lenses
Airborne allergens like dust and pollen can stick to contact lenses and cause discomfort. If you experience symptoms related to allergies, daily disposable lenses could be a good option, since you start with a fresh, clean pair each day. Discussing your symptoms helps your eye care team find a solution.
Tips from Eye Doctors in Oviedo
Good habits can improve your contact lens experience. Some helpful tips from eye doctors in Oviedo include:
- Always wash and dry your hands before handling your lenses.
- Stick to the replacement schedule your eye doctor provides.
- Give your eyes a break from screens throughout the day.
A proper contact lens exam and fitting is necessary if you want to enjoy clear vision without wearing glasses. To learn more about your options, schedule a consultation with our team at The Eye Avenue today.
