If you are considering switching to contact lenses, you are not alone. The CDC estimates that more than 45 million Americans wear contact lenses. Although contact use is common, many people do not appreciate the importance of contact lens exams and fittings. 

That is strange because contacts sit directly on the eyes. Thus, they entail inherent risks not present in eyeglasses. Ill-fitting lenses can cause vision problems and damage your eyes. Eye care professionals recommend a contact lens and a comprehensive eye exam before ordering and wearing contact lenses. 

What Happens When You Go in for a Contact Lens Exam?

You cannot just buy any pair of contacts and wear them. A contact lens exam is necessary to find the right pair of lenses for you. A contact lens exam is different from a routine eye exam. Usually, eye doctors give the former in addition to the latter. 

A comprehensive eye exam helps determine whether you have a refractive error. If so, your eye doctor will proceed with specific tests related to contact lenses. You can expect the following during your exam.

Detailed Eye Exam

First, you will undergo a comprehensive eye exam to assess the overall wellness of your eyes and your eyesight quality. It is critical to determine whether your eyes are in good condition to accommodate contact lenses. Your eye doctor will also determine the most appropriate lens type for you. 

That said, regular comprehensive eye exams are necessary whether you have vision problems. These exams help ensure your eyes are in optimal condition and check for indications of emerging eye diseases. 

Discussion of Lens Preferences and Options

Your eye doctor will ask about your daily routine and lifestyle to determine the most appropriate type of contact lens. Many types of contact lenses are available for different eye and vision conditions.

Furthermore, there are those you can discard daily, weekly, monthly, and so on. Your eye doctor may also prescribe hard or yearly lenses if your eyes are hard to fit, depending on your situation. 

Eye Measurement

The next step is to take your eye measurements to determine your lenses' ideal curve and diameter. Your eye doctor will also measure your pupil and iris and assess your tear film. Eyes must produce adequate tears to keep contact lenses moist and comfortable.

Learning to Wear Contacts

After recommending the best type of lenses, your eye doctor will order a trial pair to teach you how to put them in and take them out. Your doctor will also teach you how to care for them. You will then use your trial lenses until your next visit. 

Follow-up Appointment

Your doctor will ask you to come in once more to ensure your trial lenses are comfortable, fit properly, and provide excellent vision before ordering your supply of contacts. See your eye doctor immediately if you experience any pain or eye dryness before your follow-up visit. You may require a different prescription, wearing plan, or lens disinfectant. 

If you are considering switching to contact lenses, schedule an exam and fitting with an eye doctor near you. After all, no single type of contact lens is ideal for everyone. They require a proper exam and fitting to safely correct vision problems.

For more on contact lens exams, visit Bright Eyes Vision at our Plymouth, Indiana office. Call (574) 936-2272 to schedule an appointment today.