What to Expect During Your Contact Lens Exam

If you decide to get contact lenses, you need to get a contact lens exam. The exam is different from a regular eyeglass exam. Contact lenses can help correct sight-related issues. They conform to the shape of the eyes, making them unique for everyone. 

A comprehensive exam will determine the best lenses for you. It is helpful to find out what to expect during your contact lens exam.

Contact Lens Exam

A contact lens exam at Eye Care Center involves different tests and scans. Eye doctors use several medical devices during the lens fitting. If you have been wearing eyeglasses, you need to know that you cannot use your eyeglass prescription to get contacts. 

A contact lens exam will cost more than an eyeglass exam because of the additional scans and tests. You can expect to pay two or three times more for the exam depending on your location. It would help if you had an updated prescription and a contact lens fitting before getting contacts. 

Visual Part of the Exam

If you have been wearing corrective lenses, you have gone through a vision exam. Contact lenses help correct the same vision-related issues as eyeglasses. You can expect to go through the same tests and charts during the visual part of the contact lens exam. 

The tests help determine the kind of correction you require and the power needed. You will read numbers and letters on the chart during the exam. 

Contact Lens Fitting

The lens fitting portion of the examination differs from regular eyeglass exams. After determining the vision correction you require, the eye doctor at Eye Care Center will need to ensure that the contact lenses fit correctly. 

Various tests and scans will help determine the curvature and size of the eyes. Measurements of different parts of your eyes will ensure that the lenses fit correctly. Some patients can wear one-size-fits-all lenses, but most people require customization. 

The Surface of the Cornea

The eye specialist will use a keratometer to measure the corneal surface. The device will measure the way light reflects on the eye surface. Computerized scans can help get more detailed and accurate measurements. The doctor will measure the size of your pupil in relation to the whole eye. They will use a comparative chart or a digital scan. 

A tear film evaluation will determine whether you are a good candidate for contact lenses. If you have an irregular cornea, the doctor can recommend specialized lenses to deal with the condition. 

Contact Lens Choices

The eye specialist will discuss lens choices if the exam determines that you are a good candidate for contact lenses. There are different lens brands available, and you can find out the best option for your eyes. Innovations in lens technology have resulted in a wide range of contacts made from different materials. 
 

You can find comfortable contacts regardless of your eye condition. You can also consider:

 

• Your ideal wearing times
   

• Your best fit
   

• Your favorite color
   

• Daily disposable lenses
   

• Reusable lenses

The eye doctor will perform a regular eye exam before the contact lens fitting. It will help ensure that your eyes are healthy. During the first appointment, the optometrist will ask about your medical history. You will also discuss your lifestyle and your vision correction needs. 

For more on contact lens exams, visit Eye Care Center at our offices in Fridley, Maplewood, or Maple Grove, Minnesota. You can call (763) 308-8440, (651) 777-3555, or (763) 420-6981 today to schedule an appointment.