When it comes to maintaining healthy vision, regular eye exams are essential. But if you're a contact lens wearer—or thinking about becoming one—you might wonder why a contact lens exam is necessary and how it differs from a routine eye exam.

What Is a Routine Eye Exam?

A routine eye exam is a general checkup to assess your overall eye health and vision. It typically includes:
 

• Visual Acuity Testing: Measuring how well you can see at various distances.
   

• Refraction Assessment: Determining your prescription for glasses, if needed.
   

• Eye Health Evaluation: Checking for signs of eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, or macular degeneration.
   

• Eye Coordination Tests: Assessing how well your eyes work together.

Routine eye exams are crucial for identifying potential eye problems early and ensuring your vision is optimized for everyday activities.

How a Contact Lens Exam Is Different

A contact lens exam goes beyond what a routine eye exam covers. It’s specifically tailored to evaluate your eyes for contact lens wear. Here’s what makes it unique:

1. Measurements for Contact Lenses

Contact lenses sit directly on the surface of your eyes, so precise measurements are critical to ensure a proper fit. During a contact lens exam, your optometrist will measure:
 

• Corneal Curvature: The shape and curvature of your cornea to find a lens that fits comfortably.
   

• Pupil and Iris Size: These measurements help determine the lens design that works best for your eyes.

2. Contact Lens Prescription

A contact lens prescription is different from a glasses prescription. Contact lenses require specific details such as:
 

• Base curve
   

• Diameter
   

• Lens material and type

Your optometrist will determine these details to ensure the lenses provide clear vision and don’t harm your eyes.

3. Trial Lens Fitting

During a contact lens exam, you may receive a pair of trial lenses to test. This step allows your doctor to ensure the lenses are comfortable and provide clear vision. Adjustments can be made based on your feedback.

4. Evaluation of Eye Health for Lens Wear

Contact lenses can affect your eyes differently than glasses. Your optometrist will assess:
 

• Tear film quality to ensure your eyes can stay hydrated with lenses.
   

• Corneal health to check for any conditions that might make wearing lenses unsafe.

5. Training for New Wearers

If you’re new to contact lenses, the exam will also include a session on how to insert, remove, and care for your lenses properly.

Why Both Exams Are Important

Both routine eye exams and contact lens exams play essential roles in maintaining your vision and eye health. While a routine eye exam provides a comprehensive overview of your eyes, a contact lens exam ensures your lenses are a safe and effective solution for your lifestyle.

Trust Patel Vision Group for All Your Eye Care Needs

Understanding the difference between a routine eye exam and a contact lens exam is essential for maintaining both your vision and eye health. While a routine eye exam focuses on overall eye health and vision correction, a contact lens exam ensures your lenses fit properly, feel comfortable, and are safe for your eyes. We’re committed to providing thorough, personalized care to meet your unique needs.

If you’re ready to explore the convenience of contact lenses or need an updated prescription, schedule your contact lens exam with Patel Vision Group. Visit our office in Visalia, Redding, Roseville, Monterey, Salinas, Sacramento, Fresno, or Fair Oaks, California. Call (559) 739-8550, (530) 221-6557, (916) 788-2960, (831) 375-7755, (831) 443-5250, (916) 629-8033, (559) 538-1567, (916) 966-4700, or (559) 500-7685 to book your appointment today.