Contact Lens Examinations | Different Than Routine Eye Exams
Contact lenses can be a great alternative to eyeglasses or vision correction. Contact lens examinations and fittings are different than a routine eye exam. Contact lens examinations may require additional time and testing not usually offered during a routine eye exam.
When making an appointment, please specify that you want a contact lens examination.
Contact Lens Examination
During the contact lens examination, we will test your vision and then perform a refraction. A refraction is the measurement of your refractive error, i.e. the degree of nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, etc.
A refraction will help us determine if you require prescription glasses or contact lenses to help you see better. We will also assess your overall eye health with a slit lamp – a device which magnifies your eye for proper examination.
We will also talk about your vision goals and motivation for contact lenses. For instance, many patients prefer contact lenses because they love:
- Outdoor activities
- Play sports
- Want better vision compared to glasses
- Do not wish to have LASIK vision correction
Patients with high degrees of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism can usually achieve better vision with contact lenses compared to eyeglasses.
Corneal Measurements
There is no “one size fits all.”
Prescription contact lenses are designed to match the curvature of your eye. A cornea can be “too flat” or “too steep.” Measurements with a keratometer can measure the curvature of the cornea. This will help determine the right curvature of lens needed to accommodate your specific measurements.
The corneal topographer can be used to map the entire surface of the cornea and can show irregularities including certain corneal diseases such as keratoconus.
Tear Film and Dry Eye
The corneal surface is responsible for most of the focusing power of the eye. Dry eye or an abnormal tear film can affect;
- Visual acuity
- Lens fit
- Corneal mapping
During your exam, we will address any concerns about dry eye and ask questions looking for evidence of dry eye. The diagnosis and management of dry eye is essential to a proper contact lens examination, contact lens fitting and wearing.
Contact Lens Fitting
During the fitting, a “trial lens” will be placed on your eye. We want to make sure that the lens to be prescribed will rest perfectly on your cornea. A lens can be too tight or too loose. An improperly fitting lens can also cause redness, discomfort, blurry vision or infection.
During your visit, we will also review proper contact lens insertion, removal and proper hygienic handling techniques of your new contact lenses.
Follow up visits are essential and will be scheduled to re-check the fit, comfortable and giving you the vision you expected.
We look forward to seeing you. If you would like to make an appointment or if you have questions about diabetes, please call us.
Gregory Scimeca, M.D.
Ophthalmologist and Medical Director
Burlington County Eye Physicians
Eye Professionals, LLC (Millville, NJ)
Eye Physicians and Surgeons of Bucks County (Langhorne, PA)