What Happens During a Contact Lens Exam?
For many, contact lenses can drastically improve their quality of life and offer a convenient and comfortable alternative to glasses. But, before you can enjoy the benefits of wearing contact lenses, there's an essential step that you need to take first: a contact lens exam. It’s essential to understand what this exam involves, as it can ease any concerns or anxiety you may have about the process.
What Are Contact Lenses?
Contact lenses are thin, curved lenses that are placed directly on the surface of your eyes. They are typically used to correct refractive errors, such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia. Contact lenses work by bending light entering the eye, which helps to focus it directly onto the retina for clear vision.
Contact lenses are often preferred over glasses for aesthetic reasons or for activities where glasses can be inconvenient, such as sports or in extreme weather conditions. There are different types of contact lenses available, including soft lenses, rigid gas permeable lenses, extended-wear lenses, and disposable lenses, all of which serve different purposes and have different care routines.
Preparing for a Contact Lens Exam
When preparing for a contact lens exam, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Firstly, if you currently wear glasses, be sure to bring them along to your appointment. This will give your optometrist a reference point for your current prescription. It’s also advisable to bring a list of any medications you’re currently taking, as some can affect your eyes or the fit of your contact lenses.
On the day of your exam, avoid using makeup or skincare products around your eyes, as these can interfere with the testing. Lastly, if this is your first contact lens exam, try to come with an open mind and be prepared to ask any questions you may have. The more informed you are, the better you can take care of your contact lenses and your eye health.
What to Expect During a Contact Lens Exam
The exam typically begins with a thorough review of your medical history and a detailed discussion about your lifestyle and vision needs. Your optometrist will then perform a comprehensive eye exam to check your overall eye health and determine your prescription.
Measurements will then be taken of your eyes to determine the size and shape of contact lenses you need. This involves using specialized instruments to measure the curvature of your cornea, the size of your pupil, and the diameter of your iris. These measurements are crucial to ensure that your contact lenses fit correctly and comfortably.
Next, your optometrist will choose and examine the lenses on your eyes to ensure they fit correctly and are not causing any damage. They will also check your vision with the lenses in and may make adjustments to the prescription if necessary. This trial and adjustment process may be repeated until the perfect fit and prescription are found.
Regular Contact Lens Exams in Maintaining Eye Health
Contact lens exams are an essential part of maintaining good eye health when you wear contact lenses. These exams allow your optometrist to monitor your eye health, ensure your lenses are still fitting correctly, and update your prescription if needed.
Regular contact lens exams also provide an opportunity to address any issues or concerns you may have about your lenses. So, if you're a contact lens wearer, make sure you maintain regular appointments with your optometrist.
If you are interested in getting contact lenses, schedule a contact lens exam with Highlands Optometry in our Bristol or Wise, Virginia office. We provide quality eye care services and products for the entire family. Call (276) 466-4227 or (276) 679-5612, respectively, to book an appointment today.
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