Contact Lens Exams

Thinking about swapping your glasses for the flexibility of contact lenses? Our trusted eye care experts are here to help. With our comprehensive contact lens exams, we'll determine the level of vision correction you need, ensuring an easy transition from glasses to contacts.

Take the first step towards unencumbered, clear vision. Schedule a contact lens exam today.

What Is a Contact Lens Exam?

A contact lens exam is a comprehensive vision assessment specifically designed to measure the dimensions of your eyes and determine the correct prescription for contact lenses.

More than just a vision exam, our contact lens exams assess the overall health of your eyes to provide you with contact lenses that fit comfortably, correct your vision, and maintain eye health for years to come.

What Does a Contact Lens Exam Consist of?

A contact lens exam involves a series of specialized tests that extend beyond the scope of a standard eye exam. These evaluations ensure a proper fit and confirm that contact lenses are a suitable option for your vision correction.

Here's what you can expect:

• Cornea measurements: The optometrist will assess the size and curvature of your cornea, the front surface of your eye. This measurement is critical to find the right fit for your contact lenses.
• Pupil and iris measurements: Both the size of your pupil and the diameter of your iris will be measured.
• Tear film evaluation: The optometrist will perform a tear fil evaluation to ensure your eyes are not too dry for contact lenses. Contacts are made of different plastics, so this assessment helps the eye doctor choose the right material for you. A dye may be used, or a small strip of paper may be inserted under the lower eyelid for this test.
• Prescription determination: Contacts and glasses prescriptions can differ. The eye doctor will conduct a refraction test specifically for contact lenses to determine the prescription you need.
• Review of lifestyle and preferences: The eye doctor will discuss your lifestyle and vision correction needs to help determine the best type of contact lenses for you. For instance, if you lead an active lifestyle or work long hours on a computer, certain types of lenses might be more suitable.

Patients who are trying contact lenses for the first time will have a follow-up appointment to ensure the lenses are working and fitting properly. First-time wearers can also schedule a training session to help them adjust to their new contact lenses.

Contact Lens Exam vs. Regular Eye Exam

While both a contact lens exam and a regular eye exam aim to assess and improve your vision, there are some key differences between the two.

A regular eye exam is primarily concerned with your overall eye health and determining a prescription for glasses. It involves a series of tests to detect any eye diseases, visual acuity, and how well your eyes work together. This examination can identify conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, or cataracts.

On the other hand, a contact lens exam is specifically tailored to those who want to wear or currently wear contact lenses. While this exam does include many elements of a regular eye exam, it also delves into additional assessments necessary for a proper contact lens fit, including a wider range of eye measurements and training for new wearers.

How Often Do I Need to Get a Contact Lens Exam?

Contact lens exams should be scheduled annually, or as recommended by your eye doctor. Regular exams are critical for ensuring your prescription is up-to-date and your eyes remain healthy while wearing contact lenses.

Which Contact Lens Is Best?

Choosing the perfect contact lens is all about addressing your individual needs and personal fit. Here are some key factors that help in determining the best brand for you:

• Base curve: This refers to the curvature of the contact lens. It should match the cornea's shape to ensure clear vision and a snug fit.
• Diameter: The diameter of the contact lens will depend on the shape and size of your eye, eyelids, and eye opening for a centered and comfortable fit.
• Material: Different types of contact lenses are made from a variety of materials, each offering unique benefits.
• Power: Each brand will differ in the amount of power for nearsightedness and farsightedness.
• Astigmatism design: Patients with astigmatism will need a toric contact lens to help reduce lens rotation during blinking and head movement.
• Surface treatments: Some contact lenses have treatments that help the lens stay moist longer, which may be beneficial for patients with dry eyes.

How to Renew a Contact Lens Prescription

Contact lens prescriptions expire in one to two years depending on state law. When the time comes, you can place orders directly with your local Pearle Vision EyeCare Center.

We’ll provide you with shipping, ordering, and reordering options for your contact lenses. Price will vary depending on the brand and quantity you order.

Schedule Your Contact Lens Exam Today

Choosing the right contact lenses isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” situation. At Pearle Vision, we understand that each patient is unique, and we want to help you find the best fit.

To see if contact lenses are a good fit for you, contact a Pearle Vision EyeCare Center today.

Contact Lens Exam FAQs

What does a contact lens exam involve?

A contact lens exam is more than just a regular eye exam. The eye doctor will evaluate your vision, take precise measurements of the size and curvature of your eyes, and ensure your eyes aren’t too dry for contacts. They will then determine the type and size of contact lenses that will provide the best fit and vision correction for your eyes.

How long does a contact lens exam take?

Generally, you can expect contact lens exams to take about an hour. This amount of time allows the eye care specialist to perform all necessary evaluations for a contact lens prescription. It also includes time for the optometrist to discuss the different types of contact lenses, how to care for them, and how to properly insert and remove them.

What's the difference between a contact lens exam and a regular eye exam?

While a regular eye exam focuses on assessing your overall eye health and determining your prescription for eyeglasses, a contact lens exam involves additional steps specific to the prescription and fit of contact lenses. The eye doctor will measure the curvature and diameter of your eye to ensure proper lens fit and evaluate your tear film to confirm that your eyes are lubricated enough for contact lens wear.

How much does a contact lens exam cost?

The cost of a contact lens exam can vary based on several factors, including your insurance plan, the type of contact lenses you require, and whether any follow-up appointments are necessary.

It's important to remember that the exam involves a comprehensive evaluation of your eyes, precise measurements for contact lens fitting, and personalized instructions on proper contact lens use and care. Thus, it typically costs more than a regular eye exam. Always consult with your eye care provider to get an accurate estimate based on your specific needs.

How long does it take to adjust to wearing contacts?

The adjustment period for wearing contact lenses can depend on various factors, including the type of contact lenses and the individual's comfort levels. Typically, most people adjust to soft or disposable contact lenses within a few days. However, Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses, which are more rigid and provide sharper vision, might take around two weeks for the wearer to fully adjust.