Contact lenses offer a convenient and effective way to correct vision without the need for glasses. Whether you're a first-time contact lens wearer or looking to update your prescription, a contact lens exam is essential to ensure your lenses fit properly, provide clear vision, and maintain eye health. At Eyedeal Vision, we prioritize your eye health and vision clarity by providing comprehensive contact lens exams tailored to your needs.
A contact lens exam is a specialized evaluation performed by our optometrist to assess your eye health and determine the most suitable type of contact lenses for you. Since contact lenses sit directly on your eyes, a thorough assessment is necessary to ensure they fit correctly, allow for adequate oxygen flow, and do not cause discomfort or complications. By undergoing a contact lens exam, you receive a prescription specific to contact lenses, which is different from a standard eyeglasses prescription. This ensures your lenses provide the best vision correction and fit for your eyes.
Before fitting you with contact lenses, our optometrists conduct a comprehensive eye exam to check for any underlying eye conditions that may affect your ability to wear contacts. This includes:
Visual acuity testing to determine your current prescription strength
Eye pressure measurement to screen for glaucoma
Retinal examination to detect any signs of eye diseases such as macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy
Assessment of corneal health to ensure there are no abnormalities that may interfere with contact lens wear
This step is crucial because conditions such as dry eye syndrome, keratoconus, or corneal irregularities can impact your ability to wear certain types of contact lenses. Identifying these issues beforehand helps us recommend the most suitable lens options for your eyes.
One of the most important aspects of a contact lens exam is measuring the size and curvature of your cornea. Since contact lenses sit directly on the cornea, they must match its shape for a proper fit and comfort.
Using advanced technology, we take precise measurements of your cornea’s diameter and curvature to determine the best lens design. If the lens is too tight, it may restrict oxygen flow, while a loose lens may cause discomfort and irritation. Proper corneal measurements ensure that your lenses fit securely while allowing your eyes to breathe.
A tear film evaluation is performed to assess the moisture levels in your eyes. Since contact lenses can exacerbate dryness, it’s important to determine whether you have sufficient tear production to support comfortable lens wear.
If you suffer from dry eye syndrome, our optometrists may recommend specialized lenses that retain moisture and minimize irritation. In some cases, tear supplements or treatments may be suggested to improve eye hydration before fitting you with lenses.
Once we have determined your eye health, corneal measurements, and tear film quality, we proceed with the contact lens fitting process. This involves:
Selecting the right type of contact lenses – Based on your prescription, lifestyle, and eye health, we recommend the best lens option, whether soft lenses, rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses, toric lenses for astigmatism, or multifocal lenses for presbyopia.
Applying trial lenses – We place a pair of trial lenses on your eyes to assess the fit, movement, and overall comfort.
Testing vision clarity – We evaluate how well you can see with the trial lenses and make necessary adjustments to the prescription.
Assessing comfort and eye response – You may be asked to wear the trial lenses for a short period to ensure they do not cause discomfort, redness, or excessive dryness.
If the trial lenses fit well and provide clear vision, we finalize your prescription. If needed, we may adjust the lens material, shape, or size to improve comfort and effectiveness.
Proper contact lens care and hygiene are essential for preventing infections and maintaining healthy eyes. During your contact lens exam, we provide detailed instructions on:
How to insert and remove contact lenses safely
Proper cleaning and storage techniques to prevent bacterial buildup
How often to replace your lenses (daily, bi-weekly, or monthly depending on the type)
Best practices for avoiding eye infections
When to avoid wearing contact lenses (e.g., while swimming or sleeping, unless using extended-wear lenses)
If you’re considering contact lenses or need to update your current prescription, Eyedeal Vision is here to help. Dr. Derrick Badaracco provides thorough contact lens exams to ensure the best fit and vision correction. Schedule your appointment today and experience the convenience and freedom of contact lenses with confidence