Contact lenses are an excellent alternative to eyeglasses. They help ensure vision correction while accommodating an active lifestyle. To start wearing contacts, you need a contact lens exam. The exam is crucial to ensure that the lenses fit comfortably and correctly without affecting eye health. A comprehensive eye exam helps check your eye health and determine your prescription. 

Contact Lens Consultation 

As contact lens technology continues to evolve, manufacturers find ways to innovatively design contact lenses. They make contact lens wear more accessible, comfortable, convenient, and effective. During the consultation, the doctor will ask about health considerations, your lifestyle, and other factors. It will help determine the best lenses for you. If you have specific eye conditions, the doctor will recommend lenses that ensure comfort and optimal vision. 
 

Contact Lens Fitting 

Contact lenses are not one-size-fits-all. Wearing lenses that are incorrectly fitted can lead to blurry vision, eye discomfort, and other eye issues. To avoid damaging your eyes, ensure that the lenses fit correctly. It will involve taking accurate measurements of the eyes. Optometrists use special instruments to measure the eyes. They help ensure that you are fitted with the right lenses. 
 

Cornea Measurements 

Doctors use a keratometer to measure the cornea size and curvature. If the curvature is too curved or too flat, it can cause eye discomfort when wearing lenses. It can also result in insufficient vision correction.

People who have astigmatism have corneas that are not round, necessitating special contact lenses. The doctor may use a topographer to get extreme details or characteristics of the cornea and how the eyes reflect light. 
 

Pupil and Iris Size 

Measuring the pupil and iris allows the doctor to determine the best contact lens size. The test can be conducted using a ruler, a pupil gauge, or a slit lamp test. An automated test will help provide the most accurate measurement.

The test will also measure the vertical and horizontal diameter. The doctor will measure and compare the sizes of both pupils and iris. The test is especially crucial if you want to wear rigid gas-permeable lenses. 
 

Tear Film Evaluation

Most people who have difficulty wearing contact lenses have extremely dry eyes. Failure to produce moisture will leave the eyes feeling dry, itchy, and irritated. When assessing your eyes, the doctor will want to ensure that your eyes produce adequate tears. It will make contact lens wear safe and comfortable. To determine if you have dry eyes, the doctor may place a unique strip of paper under the eyelid to collect tears. Another test involves the use of special eye drops.

After the fitting, you will receive trial contact lenses. It will help assess comfort, fit, and function. The doctor will examine your eyes and visual acuity. You may need to wear several lenses to get the perfect fit.

You will receive contact lens education and learn how to wear and care for the lenses. Proper handling is vital for ensuring the lenses are clean and safe. Following instructions will help ensure that you get the best from the lenses.

For more about contact lens exams, visit SeePort Optometry at our North Port, Florida office. Call (941) 876-4400 to schedule an appointment today.