Do I Need a Contact Lens Exam When Switching from Glasses to Contacts?

Whether you are getting prescription eyewear for the very first time and have opted to go straight to wearing contact lenses, or you usually wear glasses and have decided to make the switch to contacts, you’ll need to have a contact lens exam

How is a Contact Lens Exam Different from a Glasses Exam?

A contact lens exam is essential for several different reasons. The first is simply that the prescription for contact lenses is completely different than that for glasses. This is because of where they sit in relation to the eyes. While glasses lenses are worn just a short distance from the eyes, contact lenses are worn directly on the surface. This means that the way that light needs to be refracted varies between those distances. You can only ensure that your contact lenses will be effective if you have a prescription specifically for contact lenses.

Secondly, your eye doctor will need to make sure that you choose the right type of contact lens for your eyes. Many people are surprised to learn that there are many different types of contact lenses and that not all varieties will suit all patients – particularly if you have certain eye conditions such as dry eye, corneal abrasions, or keratoconus.

Part of your contact lens exam will involve examining the cornea to check for any abnormalities or signs of any conditions and determining which contact lenses will best suit your needs. This may involve a physical assessment of the surface of your eyes using a slit lamp, as well as measuring the size and distance of your pupils from the edge of your iris. A tear film evaluation may also be performed. This is where tiny strips of paper are placed into the lower eyelids to determine how much moisture your eyes makes. People who have dry eye can find wearing conventional contact lenses difficult and uncomfortable.

Trying Out Your Contact Lenses

There are different shapes, sizes, and materials available, as well as contact lenses that can be worn daily and disposed of, or longer wear that need to be placed into a cleaning solution overnight. Your eye doctor will be able to look at the results of your contact lens exam and recommend the type of contact lens that they believe will suit your needs.

You may be given more than one generic pair to try to see how they sit on the surface of your eyes and if they feel comfortable. Once your eye doctor is satisfied that you are wearing the best contact lenses to suit you, they will be ordered in your personal prescription, ready for you to collect in a few days or more.
 

If you would like more information on what’s involved in a contact lens exam, or to obtain more advice about switching from glasses to contact lenses, please contact Alta Loma Optometric in Rancho Cucamonga, California at (909) 787-1760.