An annual visit to an optometrist is vital for your vision and the general health of your eyes. Checking visual acuity is an essential part of comprehensive eye exams. If you need vision correction, you will require regular exams to update your prescription. If you want to wear contacts instead of eyeglasses, you will need a different exam that includes lens fitting.

A Comprehensive Eye Exam

During the exam, the doctor will ask about the patient’s eye health history and any vision problems experienced. It also includes testing the patient’s visual acuity, which is usually done using an eye chart. Apart from checking eye health, tests will help determine whether the patient requires vision correction by assessing vision sharpness.

The exam includes visual field testing, color blindness test, checking eye movement, and depth perception. A refraction test helps determine the patient’s eyeglass prescription. A dilated eye exam checks the inner eye.

Lenses for Vision Correction

You can receive a prescription immediately after the comprehensive eye exam if you need eyeglasses. If you require contact lenses, you need a separate exam to enable you to wear the medical devices. The exam can be conducted immediately after the comprehensive eye exam or during the same appointment. It will prevent the need for a subsequent appointment.

You can inform your eye doctor during the exam that you want to wear contacts. A contact lens exam includes specific tests that help determine whether you are a good candidate for contact.

During a Contact Lens Exam

During contact lens fitting, the optometrist will evaluate the shape and size of the eye. It helps ensure that lenses fit the eyes properly. The doctor will also look for issues that can affect eye comfort. The exam includes:
 

• Taking cornea measurements.
   

• Measuring the pupil and iris.
   

• Conducting a tear film evaluation.   

After the tests, the doctor will discuss the different contact lens options. You can try out several options to determine those that feel comfortable and provide the best vision correction. After finding the perfect fit, the doctor will give you a contact lens prescription.

Difference Between Contact Lens and Eyeglass Exams

An eye exam for eyeglasses involves evaluating your vision and discussing vision correction. There is a difference between eyeglasses and contact lens prescriptions. You cannot use your eyeglass prescription to get contact lenses. Apart from the lens power, a contact lens prescription includes diameter and base curve, or the shape of the eye curvature. The best design will ensure the lenses fit comfortably over the eye surface. A contact lens exam is more detailed and includes specialized tests. These make it more costly than a regular eye exam.

Contact Lens Types

The doctor will discuss your lifestyle and preferences during the contact lens exam to determine the best lenses for you. Options include soft lenses, rigid gas-permeable lenses, dailies, weeklies, monthlies, and extended-wear lenses. The wrong lenses can cause corneal abrasions, infections, blurry vision, and other eye issues. It is vital to keep all your follow-up appointments.

You will require eye exams annually or every two years to update your lens prescription. Regular eye exams are essential for maintaining good eye health.

For more about eyeglass exams vs. contact lens exams, visit Albright Eyecare at our New Braunfels, Texas office. Call (830) 271-4900 to schedule an appointment today.