When performing a contact lens exam, the optometrist will evaluate and monitor the patient's cornea. The optometrist will assess the effect of the contact lenses as they sit on top of the cornea. They will note scratches or pressure leading to unusual corneal shapes and investigate what could be causing the contact lenses to be uncomfortable or ineffective.

A contact lens exam leads the optometrist to perform a contact lens consultation and measurement to ensure the lenses fit properly. 

Do You Need a Contact Lens Exam?

In regular eye exams, the optometrist will look for any indications of eye diseases long before they start displaying any symptoms. During this exam, the eye doctors use special eye drops to dilate a patient’s pupils.

These help assess small changes that arise during the primary stages of most eye diseases, thus allowing for starting treatment right away. The exams also include measuring the eye's interior pressure to check for glaucoma and focusing on the cornea.

Contact Lens Exams

Before undergoing a contact lens exam, you should be aware of the following:
 

• Carry the prescription for your contacts, as well as the box and accessories they came with. All these will help your optometrist develop your new prescription. These can help save a significant amount of time and frustration.
   

• It is also helpful to consider other eye problems you might be having. Think about the symptoms, how long you have been experiencing them, the period they commenced, what worsens the symptoms, and what leads to relief. Your optometrist will ask you about these issues during the eye exam.
   

• It is vital to know your family medical history. Some eye conditions or diseases have a genetic component. The information gained will help your eye doctor prescribe an effective treatment plan. 
   

• If you are on any prescribed eye medications or eye drops, bring these with you. They also include prescriptions you may have purchased over the counter (OTC).
   

• Engage your eye doctor in conversations to allow them to know the potential source of your eye problems. 

Factors to Consider

Are you thinking about undergoing a contact lens exam? If so, the first thing you need to do is schedule an exam with your eye doctor. It is vital to understand the difference between a contact lens exam and a routine eye exam. A contact lens exam involves more tests than a regular eye exam. Thus, you need to find out what each type of exam entails. 

Conclusion

A contact lens exam allows your eye doctor to take a closer look at your eye health and quality of vision. If you want to switch to contact lenses, you need to undergo such exams about once a year. The exams will help your eye doctor keep a close eye on your vision and eye health.

For more on contact lens exams, visit Lens Lab Express at our office in the Bronx, New York. You can call (718) 329-2020 to schedule an appointment today.