Start with an eye exam
Your eye doctor will begin by assessing your general eye health and vision. This will involve discussing your medical history and conducting a set of standard eye examinations. These tests will assess various aspects such as eye focusing, eye coordination, depth perception, color vision, peripheral vision, and how your pupils react to light. Additionally, the doctor will measure the fluid pressure in your eyes to detect any signs of glaucoma, examine your retina and optic nerve, and evaluate if contact lenses can enhance your vision by testing it with different lenses.
Contact Lens Preferences Discussion
If contact lenses are suitable for you, it is important to discuss your contact lens preferences. This includes considering whether you would like to enhance or alter your eye color, as well as deciding between daily disposable lenses or overnight contacts. It is advisable to inquire about the advantages and disadvantages of each option in order to make an informed decision. Additionally, if you are over 40 years old, your doctor will likely address age-related vision changes and how contact lenses can help with these concerns.
Next, Eye Surface Measurements by the Eye Doctor
To ensure a proper fit, contact lenses necessitate accurate measurements of your eyes. Your doctor will utilize a keratometer, an instrument that measures the curvature of your cornea, the transparent front surface of your eye. Additionally, the size of your pupil will be determined by comparing it to a card or ruler displaying various pupil sizes, held next to your eye to find the most suitable match.
Consider a Tear Film Evaluation as well
If you experience dry eyes, your eye doctor will assess the amount of tear film on your eye's surface through a tear film evaluation. In case your tear film is inadequate or you have persistent dry eyes, contact lenses may not be suitable for you. Nevertheless, there are newer contact lenses available that provide moisture to the eye's surface, making them a more favorable alternative for those with dry eye problems.
Contact Lens Fitting Time
To complete the process, you will be provided with a trial pair of contact lenses. After inserting them, your eye doctor will assess their fit in your eyes. They will examine the alignment and movement of the lenses on your eye's surface. If everything appears satisfactory, the final step involves conducting a few additional tests to confirm the accuracy of your prescription.
Test it out now!
Your contact lens exam has concluded, but you will need to return for a follow-up. Typically, your doctor will have you wear trial lenses for a week. Afterward, a brief follow-up exam will be conducted to ensure the lenses are suitable for you. Once confirmed, you can proceed to order a supply of contact lenses.
If this is your initial contact lens exam, there is no need to worry. Simply select a qualified optometrist who will address all your inquiries throughout the process. Just inform them of your interest in contact lenses so they can allocate additional time for the consultation and any necessary specialized tests.
Here are the providers and their respective contact lens options:
- Alcon: Precision1, Dailies Total1, Total30, Air Optix plus Hydraglyde, Air Optix Night & Day and etc.
- Cooper Vision: Freshday, Clariti, Reveal, MyDay, Biofinity and etc.
- Bausch & Lomb: Biotrue, Infuse, Ultra and etc.
- Johnson & Johnson: Acuvue Oasys, Acuvue Oasys 1-Day with Hydraluxe and etc.