Do You Need a Contact Lens Exam?

If you need lenses to correct your vision, you can choose between glasses and contacts. Many people choose contacts due to the convenience that they offer as they provide effective vision correction. Before you get contact lenses, you need to go through an eye examination. 

There is a difference between a contact lens exam and a routine eye exam. People who wear contact lenses require a contact lens exam. The exam helps ensure that the eyes are healthy and that the lenses fit properly. The following information can help you find out if you need a contact lens exam. 

A Comprehensive Eye Exam

Comprehensive eye exams at HineSight Vision Care are vital for taking care of overall eye health. The exams are necessary to see if an individual has vision problems. By examining the eyes, the doctor can look for signs of eye diseases and other health complications. 

During the exam, the eye doctor will also test vision sharpness. They will also examine how the eyes work together and check eye fluid pressure. 

A Contact Lens Exam

A contact lens exam is for patients who want to wear contact lenses. After the comprehensive eye exam, the doctor will conduct special tests to evaluate the eyes' performance with contacts. 

Testing will include measuring the eye surface to determine the ideal size and type of contact lenses. The doctor may also perform a tear film evaluation to determine if you have adequate tears to wear contacts comfortably. 

Contact Lens Prescription

The doctor will use the results of the contact lens exam to come up with a contact lens prescription. If you have been wearing glasses and you want to switch to contacts, you need a new prescription. Prescriptions for contacts are different from those for eyeglasses. 

Eyeglass prescriptions provide measurements for lenses about 12 millimeters from the eyes. Contact lens prescriptions provide measurements for lenses that patients place directly on the eyes. 

Correct Contact Lens Fit

It is necessary to ensure that your contact lenses fit correctly. The lenses need to be comfortable and functional. An improper contact lens prescription or fitting can harm the eyes. Contact lens fitting will involve measuring the eye's surface and checking the cornea's condition. 

A patient will receive trial contact lenses for a few days to determine if they work properly. The doctor will conduct a follow-up exam to check if the patient has adjusted to the contacts. 

Ensuring Comfort

Contact lens fitting is necessary as the lenses must be comfortable to be effective. Apart from measuring power, the doctor will measure the diameter and curvature of the cornea. The measurements will help create the ideal lenses for the individual. 

The correct size lens will help ensure effective vision correction. Thus, trial lenses are vital in determining proper fitting and comfort. There are different contact lenses, and you can choose the type that works for you. 

It is vital to wear contact lenses properly and take care of them as instructed. This will help protect your sight and avoid damage to the eyes. 

To find out if you need a contact lens exam, visit HineSight Vision Care at our office in Flowood, Mississippi. You can call (601) 519-4466 today to schedule an appointment.