Getting a Contact Lens Exam

Do you want to wear contact lenses? Whether it's for vision correction, for sports, or merely to enhance your look, the first step you'll have to take is to undergo a contact lens exam. This procedure is necessary to fit you with those thin pieces of plastic. If your eye doctor has scheduled your contact lens exam, you'll see that the process will take longer than what you're used to. Getting a contact lens exam usually involves going through additional tests that your doctor doesn't normally request in routine eye checks for eyeglasses. 

What to Expect

Contact lens fitting generally starts with a comprehensive eye exam where the doctor uses an eye chart to test your visual acuity. Then a series of tests will follow to determine whether your eyes are healthy enough for contact lens wear. As you know, the contact lenses will touch and cover your eyes. For this reason, your eyes have to be as healthy as possible before you can start wearing them. During this time, your doctor will also find out if prescription eyewear will be necessary to correct any refractive errors you may have. 

Once you have completed these tests, your doctor will collect some information regarding your lifestyle and habits. This way, you can be fitted with contacts that meet your vision health needs and match your personality. Then your doctor will get measurements of your eyes. 

Contact Lens Measurements

Just like any intervention, there's no one-size-fits-all solution for your vision needs. You may damage your eye or experience discomfort if your doctor gives you a pair of contact lenses that are either too flat or too steep for your eye shape. Your doctor will measure your eyes to ensure that the contacts will fit perfectly. Some of the most common contact lens measurements include:

• Cornea Measurements. This involves using a keratometer, which is a device useful in measuring the curvature of your cornea. The data obtained here will help your doctor to choose the right curve and size for your contacts. Your doctor will also likely examine the health of your cornea through a slit lamp test. 

• Pupil and Iris Measurements. Your doctor may use a pupil gauge to identify the approximate size of your pupil. Another option is the use of automated instruments, which are excellent at providing more precise measurements. These help determine the proper contact lens size that will fit well and look best on your eyes. 

• Tear Film Evaluation. This type of measurement aims to assess your body's ability to produce tears or how long it takes for your tears to evaporate. This helps in determining if you have dry eyes. If you suffer from severe dry eye disease, your doctor will likely not recommend contact lens wear. But if you only experience contact lens discomfort because of mild dryness, special contacts are an option. You don't necessarily have to avoid or discontinue contact lens wear as these will help with safety and comfort.

Whether you're experiencing vision changes or not, you must still get your eyes examined at least once a year to ensure optimal vision. Never forget to add regular appointments with your eye doctor to your to-do list. Schedule your appointment now with our eye health experts at Davie Family Eye Care in Davie, Florida by calling us at 754-238-5360.