What Does a Contact Lens Exam Cover? What to Expect and Why It’s Important

If you’re considering wearing contact lenses, you might be wondering what’s involved in the process. A contact lens exam is more than just checking your vision, it’s a comprehensive evaluation to ensure your lenses fit comfortably, function correctly, and support your long-term eye health. At East Bay Vision Center Optometry, we’re here to walk you through exactly what to expect and why this specialized exam is an important step in your eye care journey.
 

What Is a Contact Lens Exam?

A contact lens exam is a specialized evaluation designed to determine if contact lenses are right for you. Unlike a regular eye exam that checks your vision and screens for eye diseases, a contact lens exam involves additional measurements and assessments to ensure your lenses fit properly, feel comfortable, and provide optimal vision correction.
 

Comprehensive Eye Health Evaluation

The first step of your contact lens exam is a comprehensive eye health evaluation. This includes a thorough review of your vision and an examination for any signs of eye conditions such as dry eye, allergies, or infections that could affect your ability to wear contact lenses comfortably. We also evaluate your prescription to ensure it’s up-to-date and accurate.
 

Corneal Measurements

Proper lens fit starts with understanding the unique shape of your eye. We perform corneal measurements to assess the curvature and diameter of your cornea. These measurements help us choose the right contact lens size and shape, reducing the risk of discomfort or lens movement throughout the day.
 

Tear Film Analysis

Healthy tears are essential for comfortable contact lens wear. During your exam, we’ll perform a tear film analysis to evaluate the quality and quantity of your tears. If you have dry eyes, we may recommend treatments or specific lenses designed to retain moisture and enhance comfort.
 

Contact Lens Fitting and Trial Lenses

Next, we move on to the contact lens fitting. Based on your measurements, lifestyle, and prescription, we’ll recommend the best lens type for your needs - whether it’s daily disposables, multifocal lenses, toric lenses for astigmatism, or specialty lenses. You’ll receive trial lenses to test the fit and vision, and we’ll monitor how your eyes respond over a short period.
 

Education on Lens Care and Wear

Once the fitting is complete, we’ll provide personalized education on how to insert, remove, clean, and store your lenses properly. Proper care is essential to reduce the risk of infection and ensure long-term eye health. We’ll also discuss how often to replace your lenses and schedule follow-up visits to check your progress.
 

Why It’s Important

A contact lens exam is not just about getting lenses, it’s about protecting your vision. Poorly fitted lenses or improper wear can lead to complications like corneal abrasions, infections, or worsening vision. Our goal at East Bay Vision Center Optometry is to ensure you experience crisp, comfortable vision without compromising your eye health.
 

Schedule Your Contact Lens Exam Today

A contact lens exam is an essential part of ensuring your eyes stay healthy while enjoying the convenience and freedom of contact lenses. With the right fit, guidance, and ongoing care, you can experience crisp vision and lasting comfort every day.
 

Schedule your contact lens exam with East Bay Vision Center Optometry to find the perfect fit for your vision and lifestyle. Visit our office in Oakland, Fremont, or Pleasanton, California. Please call (510) 268-9600, (510) 796-9600, or (925) 462-1100 to book an appointment today.