If you’ve decided to try contact lenses or are updating your prescription, a contact lens exam is essential. Unlike a standard eye exam, a contact lens fitting involves several additional steps tailored to ensure that your lenses are comfortable, effective, and safe for your eyes. Here’s a look at what to expect during a contact lens exam at The Public Spectacle.
Before focusing on contact lenses, your optometrist will perform a comprehensive eye exam to assess your vision and eye health. This includes measuring your prescription to ensure your vision correction is up-to-date and screening for any underlying conditions that could affect your lens wear, like dry eye or allergies.
After determining your prescription, the optometrist will measure the shape and curvature of your cornea—the transparent, outer layer of your eye. This ensures the lenses will fit snugly on your eye without causing discomfort. They may also examine your tear film to determine if you have adequate moisture for comfortable lens wear.
With various lens types on the market, from daily disposables to extended-wear options, your optometrist will recommend the best option based on your lifestyle, vision needs, and eye health. Specialized lenses, like toric lenses for astigmatism or multifocal lenses for presbyopia, may be recommended depending on your unique requirements.
You’ll receive a pair of trial lenses to try out in the office. The optometrist will place the lenses on your eyes, allowing you to experience how they feel and see if they need any adjustments. During this fitting, they’ll observe how the lenses settle on your eye to ensure they’re positioned correctly and won’t irritate your eye.
For those new to contact lenses, this part of the exam is invaluable. You’ll learn how to insert and remove the lenses safely, as well as receive guidance on cleaning and storing them properly to reduce the risk of infections and other complications.
Your optometrist will likely schedule a follow-up visit a few weeks after your initial fitting. This appointment ensures that your lenses are comfortable, your eyes are adjusting well, and there are no signs of irritation. Adjustments can be made to the lens type or fit if necessary.
A contact lens exam is more than just a prescription update—it's an essential step to ensure your lenses fit comfortably, protect your eye health, and give you the clear vision you need. Whether you’re a first-time wearer or updating your current lenses, regular exams allow you and your optometrist to stay on top of any changes and optimize your comfort.
Take the next step toward clear, convenient vision by scheduling your contact lens exam at The Public Spectacle today. Contact our office in Brunswick, Maryland, by calling (310) 834-6400 to book your appointment and discover how contact lenses can enhance your everyday life.