Contact lenses are the best alternative for individuals who do not want to wear eyeglasses. If you switch to them, you first require a contact lens exam. Your optometrist will determine the specific contact that suits your needs through the contact lens exam. Read on to find out how often you need the contact lens exam.

What Is a Contact Lens Exam?

Contact lens exams are different from routine eye exams. They examine your eyes to know how contact lenses can impact your vision. Each one of your eyes is uniquely different from the other. Each is shaped uniquely, so you cannot take a one-size-fits-all approach when getting contact lenses.

Importance of Contact Lens Exams

If your optometrist gives you unsuitable contacts for your corneal shape, you risk damaging your eyes. You will also experience much discomfort. Thus, the exam is essential so your eye doctor can get precise measurements of your eyes. They can determine the ideal design and fit of contacts. They consider factors such as pupil size, corneal curvature, iris size, and the quality of your tears.

The Frequency of a Contact Lens Exam

If you are a contact lens wearer, you must see your eye doctor annually for an eye examination. The amount of oxygen reaching your cornea reduces because of how contacts cover your eyes. Over time, it may damage your eye health.

Ideally, talk to your doctor about any increased feeling of dryness, grittiness, stinging, or redness. Contact lens exams ensure you have the correct contact prescription to avoid damaging your eyes.

What to Expect in a Contact Lens Exam?

Your eye care professional will measure your eye surface. They will do so to get the correct size and shape of contacts to fit your eye. They will also conduct a tear film evaluation to ensure you will comfortably wear your contacts. 

The evaluation tests if you can wear your contacts without drying them out. It evaluates the volume of tears you can produce. As a result, the tests will ensure you get the appropriate contact lenses for your needs.

You can discuss your color preferences with your optometrist once the exam is over. You can also talk about the frequency of changing the contacts and how soft or hard you want the lenses.

What to Do After a Contact Lens Exam

Your eye specialist will ask whether you want disposable or extended-wear contact lenses after the exam. Ideally, ask your eye doctor for a recommendation. They will explain the pros and cons of each option.

Once you decide what you want, you will receive a pair of contacts for trial. You will wear them for a couple of days to observe how your eyes adjust. Ideally, schedule another appointment with your specialist, preferably after one week. Doing so will ensure you are not at risk of problems due to your prescription. If it endangers you, you may need to get a new set of prescription lenses.

Additionally, the correct contact lens prescription will remain valid for up to one year. After it expires, you need to get your prescription updated. 

For more about contact lens exams, visit Gregg Family Eye Care at our office in Secane or North Wales, Pennsylvania. Call (610) 831-4300 or (215) 699-2020 to book an appointment today.