How to Test a Contact Lens

People with a variety of vision prescriptions and strengths wear contact lenses. Due to contact lens specifications, a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist must first test your eyes before giving you a prescription. After you have been tested and fitted for a type of lens that is ideal for your eyes and vision, with the permission of your eye doctor, you may be able to sample or test the lenses before purchasing a large supply.

Instructions

• 1

  Schedule an appointment for an eye exam for a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist. You can find a licensed eye doctor in your area by searching the listings provided by the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

• 2

  Submit to the eye exams and tests that the doctor needs to preform in order to find the best prescription and lens for you. He will likely examine your eyes with a keratometer, which examines your eyes surface and curvature. He may examine your eye's surface further with a corneal topography machine. He will take measurements of your pupils and irises and test your eye's ability to tear, which is especially essential when fitting contact lenses.

• 3

  Answer all questions that your eye doctor asks about your contact lens preference and your lifestyle. You can chose from several lens options, in addition to what your doctor recommends. Lenses are available in several eye colors, and come in daily disposable, overnight wear, weekly and biweekly wear. And while most people wear soft lenses, hard lenses are also an option.

• 4

  Practice putting the contact lenses in your eyes while in the doctor's office. Take note of how they feel in your eyes. This is a good way to test whether the lenses will be comfortable in your eyes and whether they are clear.

• 5

  Ask your eye doctor if you can test out a pair of the lenses for a week before deciding whether you want to order the lenses. Many doctors will allow you to try the lenses to make sure they will work well with your eyes, especially if it is your first pair of lenses. After you have determined that the lenses are comfortable and help you see well, you can order a full order of lenses, which typically come in a six month or one year supply.