Should Be “See Clearly – Get Your Contact Lens Exam Every Year!”
How ToIt is recommended that contact lens wearers visit their eye doctor for an eye exam every year. This annual exam is necessary in order to ensure the health of your eyes and to make sure that the contact lenses being worn are the correct prescription. During the exam, your eye doctor will check the fit and health of your contact lenses, assess your vision, and test the overall health of your eyes. It is important to keep up with regular contact lens exams in order to maintain good vision and eye health.
Why You Should Have Regular Contact Lens Exams
Having regular contact lens exams is an essential part of proper eye health. Seeing an eye doctor who specializes in contact lenses annually can help to ensure that the contact lenses you are wearing are the best fit for your eyes. Not only do these exams help to identify any potential problems you may be experiencing, but they can also be used to update your prescription and keep your vision as clear as possible.
During a contact lens exam, the eye doctor will evaluate the fit and comfort of your contact lenses, as well as perform a comprehensive eye exam. During the exam, the doctor will check for any signs of irritation or infection, and examine the cornea to make sure the contact lenses are not causing any damage. The doctor may also test your vision to make sure your prescription is accurate.
In addition to a comprehensive eye exam, a contact lens exam can also be used to discuss any potential problems you may be having with your contact lenses. This can include: redness, dryness, itching, or any other discomfort. A contact lens exam is also a great opportunity to learn about new types of contact lenses that may be better suited for your lifestyle.
Finally, a contact lens exam is a great way to make sure that your contact lenses do not contain any particles or debris that can cause eye infections. Regular cleaning and care of your contact lenses is important, but a contact lens exam can help to ensure that your contacts are free of any potentially harmful substances.
Overall, having regular contact lens exams is one of the best ways to keep your eyes healthy. Seeing an eye doctor annually can help to identify any potential problems and ensure your contacts are the best fit for your eyes. Regular contact lens exams can also help to protect your eyes from infection and ensure your vision stays as clear as possible.
How Often Should You Have Your Contact Lens Exam?
It is recommended that you have your contact lens exam at least once a year in order to maintain good eye health. During this exam, your eye care professional will assess your vision and the fit of your contact lenses. They may also check for any signs of infection, irritation, or corneal edema. If any changes are observed, your contact lens prescription may need to be adjusted. It is important to note that if you experience any discomfort or changes in vision while wearing contact lenses, you should have your contact lens exam as soon as possible. Wearing contact lenses that don’t fit properly or are not suited for your particular vision problem can cause serious damage to your eyes.
What Eye Tests Are Done During a Contact Lens Exam?
A comprehensive contact lens exam includes a variety of tests to ensure the health of the eyes and proper fit of the lenses. The eye care professional will perform both subjective and objective tests to diagnose any existing eye conditions and determine the most suitable lens for the patient.
Subjective testing includes a visual acuity test, which assesses the patient’s ability to read from a chart at various distances, and a refraction test, which determines the patient’s eyeglass prescription. The doctor may also check for any signs of eye disease by examining the front surface of the eye with an ophthalmoscope.
Objective testing is conducted to measure the curvature of the cornea, which is the outermost layer of the eye. This is done with a keratometer and a corneal topographer, which maps the curvature of the cornea. The doctor will also measure the size and shape of the eye with a caliper and measure the patient’s tear production with a tear film break-up time (TBUT) test.
The eye care professional will then discuss the patient’s lifestyle and vision needs in order to fit the best contact lens for their particular situation. After the lens is fitted, a series of vision tests will be conducted to make sure the lens is providing adequate vision. If necessary, the doctor may also recommend specific cleaning and care instructions for the lenses.
Tips for Preparing for Your Contact Lens Exam
- Make sure to bring your current prescription and a list of any medications you are taking, as well as any previous contact lens prescriptions.
- Create a list of any questions or concerns you have about contact lenses, so you can discuss them with your doctor.
- Have a thorough understanding of how to properly care for and insert contact lenses, as well as the signs of infection or irritation.
- Bring a family member or friend along with you to the exam, if possible, so that they can help you remember the details of the conversation.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing that will allow easy access to your eyes for the exam.
- Be honest with your doctor about any issues you have experienced with contact lenses in the past.
- Be aware that the exam may include a refraction test to check the power of your eyes, as well as tests to measure the curvature of your eyes and the size of your pupils.
- Know that the doctor may also want to do a tear film analysis to check the quality of your tears and to determine if you have any allergies or dry eyes.
- Be prepared to discuss your lifestyle and work environment, as these factors can affect which type of contact lenses are right for you.
- Finally, don’t forget to ask any questions you may have about contact lenses and make sure you leave the exam feeling confident and informed.
What to Expect During Your Contact Lens Exam
At your contact lens exam, your eye doctor will perform a number of tests to determine your vision and the best type of contact lenses for you. Before the exam begins, you should have a general understanding of the process and what to expect.
When you arrive for your appointment, you will be asked to fill out an eye health and vision history questionnaire. This helps your eye doctor understand your visual needs and any medical conditions that may affect your vision.
Next, your eye doctor will perform a series of tests to determine your vision. These tests include an eye refraction, which measures your level of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The doctor will also measure your pupil size, check your eye pressure, and evaluate your eye health.
During the exam, your eye doctor may also ask you to try on different contact lenses to determine which type is most comfortable and effective for your vision. You may be asked to try on different lenses with different powers, sizes, and materials.
Finally, your eye doctor will discuss the types of contact lenses that are best suited to your vision needs and lifestyle. They will also provide instructions on how to properly care for your lenses and how often you should replace them.
At the end of the exam, you will be provided with a prescription for your contact lenses. You should make sure to follow your doctor’s instructions and contact them if you have any questions or concerns.
Q&A
How often should I get a contact lens exam?
It is recommended that you get your contact lens exam every 1 to 2 years, or as recommended by your eye care professional.
What is included in a contact lens exam?
A contact lens exam typically includes a comprehensive eye exam, refraction for contact lens prescritpion, evaluation of the health of your eyes, and a fitting for contact lenses.
Do I need an exam even if I already have a contact lens prescription?
Yes. Even if you already have a contact lens prescription, it is important to have an exam at least every 1 to 2 years to ensure that the prescription is still accurate and that your eyes are healthy.
Can I get a contact lens exam without seeing an eye doctor?
No. Contact lens exams must be performed by an eye care professional.
Will insurance cover the cost of a contact lens exam?
Yes, many insurance plans will cover the cost of a contact lens exam. It is important to check with your insurance provider to see if it is covered.
Conclusion
Contact lens exams should be done every one to two years depending on the contact lens user’s lifestyle, age, and type of lenses. Contact lens exams are essential for maintaining the health of your eyes and ensuring that your eyes remain comfortable and healthy while wearing contact lenses. Regular contact lens exams are an important part of the overall eye health care process.