A contact lens exam is the most accurate way to ensure that a new corrective lens fits properly on the eye’s surface. Contact lenses that fit well can help you see more clearly without causing dry eyes or discomfort. A contact lens exam is a simple process, and it can even be conducted alongside a standard vision test to get everything done in one session.
Completing a contact lens exam only requires answering a few simple questions from the optometrist, who will guide patients through the process from start to finish.
The eye doctor will start with a general family history to explore whether any relatives have experienced problems with their eyes, such as glaucoma. A family history does not necessarily mean a person will automatically develop certain eye diseases, but this information can provide helpful insight into what to monitor over time.
The doctor will also test the patient’s visual acuity, which measures how well they can see clearly. Some people may have no trouble seeing objects nearby but struggle with those far away (or vice versa), while others may have clear vision but fail to accurately perceive an object’s depth or distance. The results of these tests will influence the final prescription for the contact lenses.
Alongside these vision tests, the optometrist will check to see if patients can properly see through their peripheral vision and identify colors correctly. Colorblindness does not typically influence visual acuity, but it can reduce the overall spectrum of hues that a person can perceive.
Finally, the doctor will test the eye’s health overall. They may blow a puff of air onto the eye to check its pressure or flash lights into the eye to examine pupil dilation. The results of such testing can indicate whether the eye is healthy and if not, what to do next.
Once the general exam is complete, the eye doctor can move on to measurements specific to contact lenses. Since a contact fits directly onto the eye’s surface, it is crucial to determine what shape it should be so it sits comfortably.
The first element of a contact lens measurement is the base curve. This number describes the angle of curvature of the individual’s eye. Some people have eyes that curve significantly outward, while others' are flatter. The contact lens will match this curve so the full surface of the lens clings to the eye.
Next, the doctor will measure the diameter of the eye. While most eyes are almost the same size, even a millimeter of difference can interfere with prescription contacts and how they focus. The diameter measures how big the eye is in a straight line.
Finally, the doctor will identify the patient’s pupil size. The contact must focus light into the pupil, so measuring its size allows for a prescription that centers the lens correctly over the middle of the eye.
Now that measurements are complete, the optometrist will usually offer the patient a set of trial contacts. They will examine the eyes once the contacts are in to see whether they move and if they are centered. This provides critical information about fit and enables the doctor to tailor the prescription to the specific patient.
They will also likely test visual acuity again to see if the lenses helped. If not, they can identify whether the problem is with the prescription, the fit, or something else.
Based on the testing results so far, the eye doctor can recommend contact lenses made of a material that suits the patient. Some people with dry eyes need lenses that trap more moisture, while others need breathable contacts if they plan to wear them for more than a few hours at a time. Patients with astigmatism, an unevenness in the curved surface of the eye, may need contacts made of certain materials to adapt to these unique patterns and inconsistencies.
Contact lenses can change how you view the world, enabling you to see clearly without the obstruction of glasses on your face. However, the best results come from having contact lenses properly fitted during a contact lens exam. Contact our team to schedule a contact lens exam and discover how personalized lenses can improve your quality of life and keep you comfortable throughout the day.
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