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When was the last time you visited the eye doctor? Even if you are not currently experiencing vision problems, regular visits to the eye doctor are vital to your overall health! Unfortunately, many serious eye conditions develop without noticeable symptoms, progressing until the problem is serious. Routine exams can ensure problems are identified before they can cause lasting damage to your vision. Routine exams can be broken down into three different types: contact lens exams, glasses exams, and standard comprehensive eye exams. In this article, we will review each type, highlight what individuals looking for corrective lenses need to know about scheduling an exam, and outline why you should always invest in your long-term eye health.
What is a regular exam?
If you do not have corrective lenses and do not need them, you will most likely undergo a routine exam when you visit any OCLI Vision office. A routine eye exam is either performed by an optometrist or an ophthalmologist and they will start by taking a medical history to get a clear picture of your risk factors and vision history. Then, the doctor will perform testing for visual acuity and changes in vision, as well as screen you for eye diseases such as cataracts, and glaucoma. There will be plenty of time for you to ask questions if you are experiencing any eye problems such as dry eyes or eye strain. If you are given a clean bill of health, your provider will let you know when to schedule your next eye exam.
What is a Contact Lens Exam?
For those seeking corrective lenses to see clearly, contact lens exams are usually part of a comprehensive exam, yet feature more measurements and tests to ensure your candidacy for and fit with contact lenses. The purpose of the eye exam is to check your overall eye health to ensure your eyes are free from any eye conditions and to gauge your vision acuity and clarity. Beyond that, your eye care doctor will also be taking specific measurements to fit you for your contact lenses, this could include measuring the size of your pupil and iris and performing a tear film evaluation to ensure your eye produces enough tears.
When you visit the OCLI Vision team for a contact lens exam and eye testing, you can rest assured that the team is knowledgeable in many facets of contact lenses, including specialty lenses for conditions such as keratoconus. When you arrive, the team will complete measurements, help you select your lens based on your prescription and lifestyle, provide you with trial lenses to test their comfort and suitability, and give detailed instructions for inserting, removing, and caring for your new contact lenses.
Contact Lens Fitting: Why It Matters
Getting contact lenses can be a big decision for people! Ultimately, deciding to improve an astigmatism or refractive error can have numerous advantages for a patient’s everyday life. In order to ensure that your contact lenses fit correctly, it is important to measure the shape of your eye, since the lens will sit on top of the eye and an ill-fitting lens can cause irritation and damage to the surface of the eye, impacting your vision. Your eye care provider will use a special tool to measure the diameter, curvature, and surface of your cornea. Then, using this information they will suggest the right lens.
Contact lenses come in a variety of different options, including the material and wear schedule:
- Soft contact lenses – Made of flexible plastic, they are the most common and are very comfortable. These lenses can be thin and tend to absorb pollutants, which can be a downside.
- Gas permeable lenses – While somewhat more difficult to get used to, these hard lenses can offer vision corrections for certain conditions not possible with soft lenses.
- Daily wear – Like the name implies, daily contact lenses are removed each night and replaced with a new pair or cleaned and reused.
- Extended wear lenses – These lenses can be kept in for up to 30 days, or as long as your provider recommends, but then must be replaced.
- Toric lenses – A special feature lens, these contacts provide vision corrections for those with an astigmatism.
- Multifocal lenses – Created for people that suffer from nearsightedness and farsightedness, these lenses correct vision far away and close up at the same time.
The Difference Between a Glasses Prescription and a Contacts Prescription
While both offer vision correction, a glasses prescription and a contact lens prescription are different and will require a different exam. Glasses sit on the bridge of your nose whereas contact lenses rest on the surface of the eye, taking into account the curvature of your cornea and the size of your eye. For this reason, the base curve and lens diameter will be taken with a contact lens prescription to account for the unique placement.
If you would like to switch from glasses to contact lenses or have a prescription for both, you will need to visit with your eye care doctor. They will need to take unique measurements for each prescription. It’s important that you visit an experienced eye care doctor to complete your contact lens prescription as trying to get contacts without a prescription can lead to vision problems, eye infections, and many more serious conditions.
To schedule an annual eye checkup appointment today, visit the OCLI Vision website or call the office nearest you. For more information about an eye exam cost without insurance, reach out to the nearest office.
FAQ(Frequently Asked Questions)
Are contact lenses the same prescription as glasses?
No, contact lenses require a different prescription. Because of the difference in placement between glasses and contact lenses, the lens curvature and other measurements may vary between the two prescriptions. You will need to visit an optometrist or ophthalmologist to get a new contact lens prescription if you have only had glasses in the past.
Is a prescription for glasses the same as for contacts?
Not exactly. While the two prescriptions are related, a contact lens prescription includes additional specifications like the base curve, diameter, and brand of lens that are not part of a glasses prescription. You will need a separate fitting and prescription for contact lenses to ensure proper vision correction and eye health.
Do different brands of contact lenses make your vision different?
Yes, different brands can affect how well you see and how comfortable you feel. Each brand may have slight variations in lens materials, shapes, and hydration levels. Your optometrist will be able to recommend a brand for you based on your lifestyle and prescription.
Do I need a contact lens eye exam every year?
Ideally, yes! It is recommended that you visit the eye doctor for a contact lens exam every year as your eyes are changing. An annual exam ensures that your prescription remains accurate and that your lenses fit properly. Regular exams are also important because they help catch any potential issues early.
