What to Expect at Your Next Contact Lens Exam
- BY Ivan Yong
- IN Contact Lenses
If you’re gearing up for your next contact lens exam, you might be wondering what to expect. Whether you’re a seasoned contact lens wearer or new to the game, understanding the process can help you feel prepared and make the most of your appointment. Let’s dive into what you can anticipate during your next contact lens exam, so you can walk in with confidence.
Pre-Exam Preparation
Before you even step foot in the optometrist’s office, there are a few things you should do to prepare for your contact lens exam.
- Wear Your Current Contacts: Make sure you wear your current contact lenses to the appointment. This allows your eye doctor to evaluate how well your lenses are working for you and check for any potential issues.
- Bring Your Current Prescription: If you have your current contact lens prescription, bring it along. This can help your eye doctor compare your old prescription to your new one and make any necessary adjustments.
- Note Any Issues: If you’ve been experiencing discomfort, dryness, or blurry vision, make a note of these symptoms. Being specific about any problems will help your optometrist address them more effectively.
Contact Lens Discussion
The exam usually begins with some scans of your eye and a conversation between you and your eye doctor. They will ask about your overall eye health, any problems you’ve been experiencing with your current contact lenses, and any changes in your vision. This is your chance to discuss any issues or questions you may have.
Vision Testing
Next, you’ll undergo a series of vision tests. These tests help the eye doctor evaluate your eyesight and determine if your current prescription needs adjusting. You’ll read from an eye chart and might look through different lenses to see which one provides the clearest vision.
Eye Health Examination
Your eye doctor will examine the health of your eyes using a slit-lamp. This microscope-like instrument provides a magnified view of the structures of your eyes, allowing the doctor to check for any issues on the cornea or the conjunctiva. Your doctor may assess the quality of your tears to ensure you have enough tear production for comfortable contact lens wear.
Contact Lens Fitting
If you’re getting new contact lenses, a fitting will be part of your exam. The doctor will take measurements of your eyes, such as the curvature of your cornea and the size of your iris, to find the best type of lens for you.
- Trial Lenses: You might try on a few different lenses to see which one fits best and provides the most comfortable vision.
- Lens Wear and Care Instructions: The doctor or optical staff will provide guidance on how to properly insert, remove, and care for your contact lenses. If you’re new to contacts, this part of the appointment is especially important.
Discussion of Options
Based on the results of your tests and fittings, your eye doctor will discuss your options. This might include different types of contact lenses (daily, bi-weekly, monthly, or specialty lenses) and brands. They will also discuss the best care regimen and follow-up schedule.
Finalizing Your Prescription
Once you and your eye doctor have settled on the best type of contact lenses for your needs, your new prescription will be finalized. You’ll receive a copy of this prescription, which you can use to order your lenses.
Post-Exam Considerations
After your exam, there are a few things to keep in mind.
- Order Your Lenses: If you haven’t already, you’ll need to order your new contact lenses. This can be done through your eye doctor or an online retailer.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Depending on your eye health and the type of lenses you’re using, you might need to schedule follow-up appointments to ensure everything is going smoothly.
Your contact lens exam is a crucial part of maintaining good eye health and ensuring your contact lenses are working effectively for you. Whether you’re getting your first pair of contacts or just updating your prescription, this exam is an opportunity to ensure that your vision is as clear and comfortable as possible. So relax and look forward to seeing the world in a new way!
