Contact Lens Fittings Differ from Exams for Eyeglasses
Eye exams for contact lenses include special tests that are not typically performed in routine eye exams. During a contact lens fitting, specialized tests are added in order to get the information and measurements needed to properly fit contact lenses. Our staff is highly trained in fitting a variety of contact lenses such as soft, scleral, and gas-permeable.
Specialized Eye Tests and Measurements
To insure optimal comfort and vision improvement for contact lens wearers several additional steps and measurements are added to the standard eye exam. These special evaluations and tests include:
- Contact lens evaluation (for new users): this evaluation is designed for those who are switching to contacts. This exam focuses mainly on eye-health issues related to contacts. The doctor may also ask about your lifestyle and preferences. Some contact lenses may be better for athletes with active lifestyles, while others may be better for frequent travelers who might need to occasionally sleep in their contacts. The doctor will also ask whether colored contact lenses or disposable contacts are preferred.
- Cornea measurements: special optical instruments will be used to measure the curvature of your eye’s clear front surface (cornea). These instruments will analyze light reflections from your cornea and determine the curvature of your eye’s surface. These measurements help the doctor choose the proper curve and size for your contact lenses.
- Pupil and iris measurements: the size of your eye’s pupil and iris are measured for optimal lens fit.
- Tear film evaluation: the doctor may also evaluate your eye’s ability to produce tears. Patients with “dry eye” syndrome may not be suited for contact lenses.
- Evaluation of the eye’s surface and contact lens fit: the health of your cornea will be evaluated using a biomicroscope (also called a slit lamp). This lighted instrument provides a highly magnified view of the cornea and other tissues to enable the doctor to evaluate the health of the front of your eyes and detect any changes caused by contact lens wear.
Follow-Up Visit
A follow-up visit may be planned one or two weeks after the original fitting to give the doctor a chance to evaluate how your eyes are responding to the contacts. During this appointment, the doctor will determine how well the lens fits the surface of the eye and whether or not it’s causing any irritation. If you are being fitted for a scleral or gas permeable lens, you should expect to be seen more frequently.
Find Out if Contact Lenses are Right for You
If you would like to determine whether contact lenses would be beneficial for you or your family members give us a call to set up an appointment for consultation and evaluation today!
