What Happens During a Contact Lens Exam?

Contact lenses are a great option for people who want vision correction without wearing eyeglasses. Some people wear contacts as their primary vision correction source while others use them as alternatives. 
 

Contact lenses are popular due to their flexibility and how they suit any lifestyle. However, if you choose to wear the contacts, you need to get a contact lens exam to determine the right fit. If you are planning to get contacts, it helps to find out what happens during the exam. 
 

Comprehensive Eye Exam

If you choose to get contact lenses, you need to get a comprehensive eye exam. Whether or not you experience vision problems, a regular eye examination is important. The exam will help ensure that your eyes are healthy and you do not have signs of developing eye problems. 

The exam will check your vision prescription and overall eye health. The eye doctor will also look for eye issues that may interfere with the success or comfort of wearing contacts.
 

Contact Lens Consultation

Consultation is an important step in the process of getting contact lenses. During the consultation, you will find out about the different types of contacts available. New innovations have led to the development of contacts that are more convenient and comfortable. 

You can discuss your lifestyle and any health considerations that could affect contacts use. During the consultation, you can find out the different options such as disposable contacts. You can also find out the right lens brand or type for you. 
 

Fitting Contact Lenses

Contact lens exam will include lens fitting. It is important to realize that when it comes to contact lenses, there is no one size fits all. Every person has differences when it comes to the size, shape, and structure of the eye. The eye doctor will take measurements that will ensure you get the right fit. Wearing contacts that do not fit properly can lead to blurry vision, discomfort, and even damage to the eye surface. 
 

Measurements for Lens Fitting

The eye doctor takes several measurements as he carries out contact lens fitting. Taking measurements of the corneal curvature ensures the lens fits over the curve of the eye. The curvature of the front surface or cornea is measured using a keratometer. 

Other measurements include the size of the pupil or iris. This part of the eye is measured using a slit lamp or biomicroscope. It can also be measured manually using a card or ruler. A tear film evaluation will also be taken to find out if you have dry eyes. 
 

Lens Prescription and Trial 

After determining the lenses that will work best, the doctor will give you trial lenses to confirm comfort and fit. The trial lenses are inserted and you keep them on for a while. This is done before ordering your customized lenses. While wearing the trial lenses, the doctor will check eye movement, fit, and eye tearing. If the fit is right, the doctor will go ahead and order your contact lenses. 

During the lens fitting process, the doctor will provide hygiene and care instructions. You will also get information about storage and the proper way to insert and remove the contacts. If you experience any discomfort from wearing contacts, you need to visit the eye doctor.

To know what happens during a contact lens exam, visit Ocean Park Optometry at our office in Santa Monica, California. You can also call (310) 452-1039 to schedule an appointment.