Process of Contact Lens Exam

An eye exam for contact lenses is just like the regular eye exam, only that there are a few extra steps. The contact lens exam is detailed to ensure that you get a proper and comfortable fit.

 

The contact lens exam takes the following steps:

 

The Standard Eye Exam

First, you must undergo a regular eye exam. The exam is so thorough that it takes into account your health history and the results of various eye tests. Some of the tests include a refraction test, retinoscopy, cover test, and others.

 

If you already wear contact lenses, the eye doctor also examines your corneas to see if the lenses have scratched the corneal surface.

 

Choosing the Preferred Contact Lenses

In the second step, the doctor speaks with you about the expectations and preferences you may have with the contacts. For example, he or she may ask you about your preferred color, and whether you want overnight or disposable contacts. If you already wear contacts, the doctor inquiries about your comfort and vision.

 

Let the doctor know if you have any sight problems such as when reading the fine print and looking at near objects.

 

Measuring the Eye Surface

Once the eye doctor establishes the kind of treatment you need, the next task is to get you the right prescription and proper fit for your contacts. Be sure to inform the doctor of any eye problems or other issues you may have. The information you give is what the doctor uses to come up with custom contact lens solutions.

 

For this, the doctor must measure various things about the curvature and surface of the eye. The size of your iris and pupil are also taken into account. The doctor does not stop until your intended contacts are comfortable and your vision improved.

 

Evaluating Your Tear Film

Your eye doctor evaluates your body’s natural ability to produce tears. Contacts require the film of tears to stick to your eyeball throughout the day. If your eyes are found to be dry, you may have to stay off contact lenses. But, if the discomfort is only mild, the doctor may give you some special contact lenses that work well with dry eyes.

 

Fitting Your Contact Lenses

In this final step, the eye doctor places the contacts in your eyes to see if they are a good fit. He checks how the lenses move and how they align to your eyes. The doctor must also make sure that the prescription in the lenses is right for you. He may ask you to focus on a few things in the room. If your vision is better now, you have found your ideal prescription.

 

During your follow-up visit, the doctor may conduct some tests, such as staining your eyes with fluorescein to check for possible defects. He also checks to ensure that the contacts are not hurting your eyes.

 

Typically, it takes a few follow-up visits for the lens fitting process to be over. After this, you only need to see the eye doctor once every year for comprehensive exams to monitor your eye health.

 

Get your contact lenses fitted at Reed Optical in Claremont and Sunapee, New Hampshire. We have a team of expert optometrists to take care of your eye needs.

 

Learn more about the process of getting a contact lens exam, contact Reed Optical in Claremont and Sunapee, NH at (603) 543-3125 to request an appointment with the doctors.