You’ve misplaced your glasses 3 times already today. You’re growing frustrated, as seeing things adequately shouldn’t be this difficult. As such, you’ve decided that you’re going to get contacts.
But you’re wondering: what does the contact lens exam entail? We’re going to get into that below, telling you 6 things you should know about getting a contact lens exam. Let’s go!
1. Your Eyes Will Be Meticulously Measured
If you want to be fitted for contacts, your eyes first have to be meticulously measured. This is done with a variety of tools and instruments, one of the most prominent of which is a keratometer. A keratometer measures the surfaces of the corneas to estimate refractive power.
Tools will also be used to measure the diameter of the eyes and the curve of the eyes. These dimensions can affect which types of contacts fit appropriately.
Throughout the measuring process, you’ll need to sit in close proximity to a number of tools and machines. You’ll be in close quarters with your eye doctor for the duration of this process.
It’s vital that you sit still during the measuring aspect of the exam, as moving around too much can negatively affect accuracy and precision. The prescription you receive as a result of your exam will be good for the next year, at the very least, and so needs to be as accurate as possible.
2. You’ll Undergo a Vision Exam
In addition to having your eyes measured, you’ll also have to undergo a vision exam. This allows your eye doctor to determine what level of vision correction you require. In some cases, it may even rule out the possibility of contact lenses.
Vision exams include a few different components. The most basic aspect of the vision exam is the visual acuity test. This is where you read progressively smaller letters off of an eye chart.
Visual acuity exams test not only your sight with both eyes but your sight with each individual eye as well. Your eye doctor will cover one eye while you look with the other, and then switch eyes so that both get tested independently from one another.
When getting tested for contacts, specifically, you’ll also have to look into a phoropter. This is a machine that contains various lenses. Your eye doctor will have you flip through different lenses until you’ve found the ones that help you see the most clearly.
3. You’ll Try on Contact Lenses During the Exam
Once your eye doctor has determined the state of your vision, they’ll have you try on contact lenses that accommodate you. This is done as a means of finding lenses that feel comfortable to you.
See, not all contact lenses are created equal. Some are stiffer; some are softer; some are moister; some are dry. Each individual person has different characteristics that lead to different comfort preferences.
Only by wearing these lenses can you actually determine which ones are right for you. You’ll wear the lenses for a few minutes while you undergo further vision tests in them. Then, if you deem them to be comfortable, your eye doctor will prescribe them to you.
4. Your Doctor Will Speak With You About Different Contact Lens Options
Contact lenses are not one-size-fits-all. In fact, they’re not even necessarily built with the same structural properties. For instance, whereas some contacts are meant to get worn only a single day, others are meant to get worn a week, or a month.
Your eye doctor will speak to you about your various lens options, helping you choose the ones that best suit your preferences and lifestyle. During this process, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions.
The goal here is to find the right contacts, not just in terms of their vision-correcting capabilities but in terms of their other qualities as well. As such, it’s vital that your eye doctor provides you with a full consultation.
5. You Might Undergo Other Eye Exams
In addition to vision and measuring tests, you might undergo other eye exams while at your contact fitting appointment. Specifically, you might undergo exams to determine whether you’re at risk for glaucoma.
Glaucoma is a debilitating condition that can lead to blindness and/or extreme vision problems. It occurs when the optic nerve becomes damaged.
One of the most common causes of glaucoma is eye pressure. Therefore, it’s customary for eye doctors to monitor the pressure in their patients’ eyes during exams. If the pressure is found to be too high, precautionary measures can be taken to help stave off glaucoma in the future.
Oftentimes, peripheral vision is also measured as a means of detecting glaucoma. In rarer cases, the eyes are dilated as a means of checking for damage to the optic nerve.
6. You’ll Have the Opportunity to Discuss Any Problems You’re Experiencing
Just because you’re going for the purpose of getting contacts doesn’t mean that the entire appointment has to be about contacts. You’ll have an opportunity to speak about any eye problems that might be affecting you currently. In fact, your eye doctor wants you to.
The quicker you detect eye problems, the more successful the treatment of those problems will be. The longer you allow eye problems to linger, the more detrimental they can be to you in the long run.
So, don’t be afraid to voice your concerns. Your eye doctor is listening and will help you establish the proper treatment.
Do You Need a Contact Lens Exam in Houston, TX?
Are you ready for your contact lens exam? Do you need a contact lens exam in Houston, TX, specifically? If so, look no further than EZ Optical.
We perform contact lens exams on a regular basis and have prescribed contact lenses to countless Houston area residents. If you need a contact lens eye exam, we’re the ones to see.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment!