When you walk into your eye doctor’s office ready for contacts, you may not always be sure what to expect. A contact lens exam involves several specialized steps that go far beyond a regular eye checkup.
A contact lens exam includes a thorough health assessment, precise eye measurements, lens fitting trials, and comprehensive care training to help you safely wear contacts.
What to Expect at Your Contact Lens Appointment
A contact lens exam takes about an hour and includes several steps that don’t happen during regular eye exams. We need to evaluate not just your vision but also how well your eyes can handle contact lenses.
This process focuses on your eye surface health, tear production, and the exact shape of your corneas. These factors help us determine which type of contact lens is best suited to your unique eyes.
You’ll also learn hands-on skills for inserting, removing, and caring for your new lenses. This training helps you avoid common problems that new contact wearers face.
Pre-Exam Health and Vision Assessment
Before we examine your eyes, we discuss your medical history and daily activities that can affect your success with contact lenses. This discussion includes:
- Previous eye conditions or injuries
- Current medications
- Allergies that might affect your eyes
- Work environment and daily activities
We also talk about why you want contacts and what you hope to achieve. Your lifestyle helps us recommend the correct type of lenses for your needs.
Comprehensive Eye Health Evaluation
Next, we examine your eyes to make sure they’re healthy enough for contact lens wear. Not everyone can safely wear contacts, so this step protects your vision.
Eye Surface Assessment
- Tear film quality and quantity
- Cornea shape and health
- Eyelid condition
- Overall eye surface evaluation
We check your eyelids, tear film, and corneal surface using specialized equipment. Because these areas of the eye come into direct contact with contact lenses, they need to be in good condition. Issues such as dry eye can significantly affect contact lens comfort and safety.
Precise Vision Testing and Measurements
Contact lenses sit directly on your eyes, so they require different measurements than eyeglasses. We use special instruments to map your corneal shape and measure your pupil size through corneal topography.
Key Measurements Your Doctor Takes
- Corneal curvature mapping
- Pupil size in different lighting
- Eye length and width dimensions
- Exact prescription requirements
The distance between the lens and your eye affects how light enters, which in turn affects your vision correction needs. Because of this change, your contact lens prescription may differ slightly from your glasses prescription.
Contact Lens Fitting and Trial Process
Now comes the exciting part: trying on your first contact lenses. We select trial lenses based on all your measurements and help you place them on your eyes.
With trial lenses, you can experience what it feels like to see through contacts for the first time. We check how the lenses move on your eyes and whether they provide clear, comfortable vision. Our selection includes options from our most popular contact lens brands to help you find your perfect match.
Learning Proper Contact Care and Safety
Before you leave with your new contacts, we teach you how to handle them safely. Contact lens care basics include:
- Proper insertion and removal techniques
- Daily cleaning and storage routine
- When to replace your lenses
- Warning signs to watch for
Proper insertion and removal techniques prevent eye injuries and infections, so you’ll practice putting lenses in and taking them out until you feel comfortable. We also explain your daily cleaning routine and replacement schedule to help maintain healthy eyes.
Book Your Contact Lens Exam
Your contact lens journey doesn’t end when you leave our office. At Dr. Jennifer L. Shane & Associates, we schedule follow-up appointments to check how you’re adjusting to your new lenses.
Experience the freedom of contact lenses. Our experienced optometrist team in Reno can help you determine if contacts are right for your lifestyle. Schedule your contact lens exam today and take the first step toward clearer vision without glasses.
