What To Expect During Your Contact Lens Exam

Contact Lens Consultation

Contact lens technology is constantly evolving and the industry is constantly developing new innovations to make contact lenses more comfortable, accessible, and convenient. It is very important that you discuss your lifestyle and any health considerations you may have with your optometrist in order to determine the best contact lenses suited for you.

If you have any particular eye conditions such as astigmatism, your optometrist will have specific recommendations for the right type of lenses for your optimal vision needs and comfort. Other options to consider is whether or not you prefer daily disposable contacts, monthly disposable contacts, or if you require rigid gas permeable or soft contact lenses.

Contact Lens Fitting And Measurements

Contact lenses are not one size fits all. Incorrect fitting lenses may cause eye discomfort, blurry vision, and can even damage your eye. Your optometrist will take special measurements of your eyes to ensure the proper fit of your contact lenses. Some of the tests they will perform include:

Cornea Measurements

An instrument called a keratometer is used to measure the curvature of your cornea. If the curvature of a contact lens is too flat or too curved, it can cause serious eye discomfort and insufficiently correct your vision. If you have astigmatism, the curvature of your cornea is not perfectly round, therefore you may require a special toric contact lens. In some cases, your eye doctor will use a topographer to see extremely precise details about the surface characteristics of your cornea by measuring how your eyes reflect light. These instruments will ensure you are fitted with the correct contact lens shape as well as determine if you have astigmatism that requires correcting.

Pupil And Iris Measurements

Pupil and iris measurements help your eye doctor determine the size of contact lenses you require. This test can be performed using a slit lamp or by simply using a ruler to compare the size of your pupils to one another. 

Tear Film Evaluation

One of the most common problems that individuals have with contact lens wear is dry eyes. If your contact lenses are not properly cared for and do not have enough moisture, they will be uncomfortable in your eye causing them to feel irritated and itchy. Your eye doctor will ensure you have an adequate amount of tears to make contact lens wear comfortable and safe for your eyes. If you have a weak tear film, your eye doctor may recommend certain contact lens brands that are more successful at retaining moisture.

Calgary NW Contact Lens Exams

Your eye doctor may require follow-up visits once you start wearing your contact lenses to ensure they are fitting correctly and that your eyes are adjusting properly. Also, follow up with your optometrist if you start to feel discomfort or dryness while wearing your lenses. Your eye doctor may prescribe new contacts or talk to you about other alternatives to correct your vision if contact lenses are not working for you.

At our Calgary eye clinic in Market Mall, our team of highly experienced eye doctors can assess your lifestyle, eye health, and other factors to determine which type of contact lens is right for you. To learn more about contacts and if you are a good candidate for them, contact Market Mall Optometry by calling (403) 286-4884 or book an appointment online.

FAQs

Q. Is my contact lens prescription the same as my eyeglass prescription?

No, it is not. Since, unlike glasses, the contact lens sits directly on your eye, you will require a specific contact lens prescription. Your optometrist will take you through a contact lens exam to ensure you receive the correct prescription best suited for you.

Q. Do you still have to wear glasses if you get contact lenses?

It is still recommended that you keep your pair of glasses handy to give your eyes a break from wearing your contact lenses. Your glasses will also come in handy during allergy season if you need to itch your eyes or anytime you are unable to wear contact lenses.

Q. Can a contact lens get stuck behind my eye?

It is not physically possible for a contact lens to get stuck behind your eye. The nature of your eyelids prevents any objects no matter how small from traveling to the back of the eye and getting stuck.