What to Expect on a Contact Lens Fitting Exam

When you have an eye exam for contact lenses, your doctor performs several specialized tests above and beyond those administered during a routine eyeglass exam. Because of the additional tests, eye exams for contacts are usually more costly.

Standard Eye Exam

• The standard eye exam for eyeglasses is also performed when you want to wear contact lenses. The eye doctor tests visual clarity using an eye chart. The doctor also determines if you have refractive errors or optical imperfections that prevent your eyes from properly focusing light.

Lens Measurements

• Once the doctor has finished the standard exam, he measures your eyes to make certain lenses sit properly over your corneas. You may also be asked to wear trial lenses during the visit to see how your eyes handle lenses.

Contact Lens Choices

• Your eye doctor is able to provide you with numerous contact lens choices. You can choose between multifocal or bifocal lenses and rigid or soft lenses. You may even choose to change the color of your eyes with colored lenses.

Follow-up Visits

• Follow-up visits are required to make sure your lenses fit correctly. During your first follow-up visit, your doctor tests to see if your lenses are causing any damage to your eye surface. If your lenses fit properly, you then require only yearly visits to continue assessing the health of your eyes.