What Is Included in a Contact Lens Exam?
What Is Included in a Regular Eye Exam?
During a regular eye exam, we test how well you see at different distances. You will read letters on a chart while we look through different lenses to find the clearest vision for you.
We also check how your eyes work together and measure your prescription for glasses if you need them. These tests help us update your eyeglasses prescription so you can see clearly for everyday activities.
A regular exam includes a thorough check of your eye health. We look inside your eyes to check for signs of conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration. Some tests, such as eye pressure measurement, are part of glaucoma screening and work together with other findings to assess your eye health.
- Examination of the retina and optic nerve
- Measurement of eye pressure
- Evaluation of blood vessels inside the eye
- May detect early signs of diabetes or high blood pressure
We evaluate how your pupils respond to light and how well your eye muscles move. Our eye doctor shines a light in your eyes and asks you to follow a moving object with your gaze.
These simple tests help us screen for signs that may require further evaluation, such as neurological concerns or muscle imbalances that could affect your vision. They are a quick but important part of your overall eye health assessment.
Most regular eye exams take about 30 to 45 minutes to complete. The exact time depends on your age, health history, and whether we find any concerns that need more attention.
We recommend that most adults schedule a regular eye exam every one to two years. If you have diabetes, glaucoma, or a family history of eye disease, you may need exams more often.
What Additional Services Are Included in a Contact Lens Exam?
A contact lens exam includes precise measurements of your cornea, which is the clear front surface of your eye. We use a tool called a keratometer to measure the curve of your cornea so we can match it to the right lens shape. This measurement may be automated and is often combined with other measurements to determine the best lens parameters.
Some patients need corneal topography, which creates a detailed map of the entire corneal surface. This advanced imaging is especially useful for irregular corneas, specialty lens fittings such as rigid gas permeable or scleral lenses, orthokeratology, and post-surgical corneas. It may also be used in other cases at the clinician's discretion.
After we take measurements, our eye doctor selects trial lenses for you to try. We place the lenses on your eyes and check how they move, center, and feel during the fitting appointment.
- Assessment of lens position and movement with each blink
- Evaluation of comfort level while wearing the trial lenses
- Evaluation of corneal health and lens material suitability based on exam findings and wearing schedule
- Slit lamp evaluation of lens edge alignment, coverage, and interaction with the ocular surface
- Over-refraction to fine-tune vision while lenses are on the eyes
- Assessment for corneal staining or inflammation after lenses settle
- Confirmation that your vision is sharp and stable with the lenses
Contact lens comfort and safety depend on a healthy ocular surface and adequate tear film. We evaluate your tear quality, eyelid health, and any signs of inflammation or allergies that may affect lens wear.
- Tear film stability and breakup time assessment
- Meibomian gland and eyelid margin evaluation
- Screening for allergies or giant papillary conjunctivitis
- Assessment for dry eye severity and type
- Treatment planning before or alongside lens wear if needed
- Discussion of lens materials and wearing schedules that support ocular surface health
We may use additional imaging technology to examine the tear film on your eye surface. Healthy tears are essential for comfortable contact lens wear throughout the day.
Digital imaging allows us to see tiny details about your eye shape and surface that affect lens fit. These images help us choose materials and designs that work best for your individual eyes.
Contact Lens Education and Follow-Up Care
Proper contact lens hygiene and awareness of warning signs are essential for preventing serious eye infections and injuries. We provide detailed instruction on safe practices and urgent symptoms that require immediate attention.
- Remove lenses immediately and contact our office urgently for pain, light sensitivity, sudden vision decrease, worsening redness, discharge, or a scratch sensation that persists
- Do not sleep in lenses unless we have specifically prescribed them for overnight wear
- Keep lenses away from all water, including swimming pools, hot tubs, and showers
- Use fresh solution each time you store lenses and never top off old solution
- Replace your lens case regularly and follow the exact replacement schedule for your lenses
- Never share lenses with anyone or use saliva or tap water to wet lenses
- Wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling lenses
- Seek urgent or emergency care for severe eye pain or sudden vision loss
We or a trained staff member teach you how to safely put in and take out your contact lenses. We watch you practice these skills during your appointment to make sure you feel confident.
We also review the cleaning and storage routine for your specific lens type. Proper care prevents eye infections and keeps your lenses comfortable and clear for as long as you wear them.
A contact lens exam includes follow-up appointments to make sure your lenses still fit well after you wear them for several days. We check for any redness, dryness, or changes in vision that might mean the lenses need adjustment.
- Inspection of your eyes for signs of irritation or inflammation
- Review of your lens wearing schedule and comfort level
- Adjustment of lens parameters if needed for better fit
- Confirmation that you are following proper care and hygiene steps
Why Contact Lens Exams Require More Time and Equipment
Contact lens exams use instruments that are not part of a regular eye exam. Keratometers and topographers are expensive devices that measure the exact curve and shape of your cornea in fine detail.
These measurements must be very precise because even small differences in corneal shape affect how a contact lens sits on your eye. This equipment is essential for safe and accurate contact lens fittings.
Our office keeps an inventory of trial contact lenses in many different powers, sizes, and materials. We use these trial lenses during your fitting so you can experience how each type feels and performs on your eyes.
Maintaining this inventory is costly, but it allows us to test multiple options until we find the best match for you. The contact lens exam fee reflects these ongoing inventory and supply expenses.
Eye doctors receive specialized training in contact lens fitting beyond their general optometry or ophthalmology education. While formal certification is not universally required for all licensed practitioners, this training covers advanced topics specific to contact lens care.
- Understanding of fluid dynamics and how tears interact with lenses
- Knowledge of different lens materials and oxygen permeability
- Skills in troubleshooting fit problems and discomfort issues
- Awareness of infection risks and prevention strategies
The contact lens exam fee often covers several follow-up visits over the first few weeks or months, though the exact number and timing vary by lens complexity and office policy. During these appointments, we monitor how your eyes adapt to lens wear and make any needed changes to your prescription or lens type.
These follow-up visits ensure that your contact lenses remain safe and comfortable over time. The fee structure reflects the extended care period required for successful contact lens fitting.
When You Need a Contact Lens Exam vs. a Regular Eye Exam
Anyone who wants to start wearing contact lenses for the first time needs a full contact lens exam. We cannot prescribe contact lenses based only on a glasses prescription because the measurements and fit requirements are completely different.
During your first contact lens exam, we take extra time to educate you about safe wear and care practices. Learning these habits from the start helps you avoid infections and other problems as a new contact lens wearer.
If your contact lenses feel dry, scratchy, or painful, remove them immediately. Schedule a contact lens exam as soon as possible for persistent discomfort. For severe symptoms listed below, seek same-day evaluation. If you experience severe pain or sudden vision loss, go to urgent care or the emergency room right away.
- Persistent redness that does not go away after removing lenses
- Blurry vision that does not clear with blinking or rewetting drops
- Sensitivity to light while wearing your lenses
- Burning or stinging sensation during or after lens wear
- Excessive tearing or mucus discharge
Switching from one lens type to another requires a new contact lens exam. Different lenses have different shapes, materials, and fitting characteristics that we must evaluate on your eyes.
For example, changing from daily disposable lenses to monthly lenses, or from soft lenses to rigid gas permeable lenses, involves new measurements and a new fitting process. We may recommend trying a different lens type if your current lenses cause dryness or if you want more convenience.
Contact lens options have expanded significantly and include soft daily disposable and monthly lenses, toric lenses for astigmatism, multifocal lenses for presbyopia, rigid gas permeable lenses, hybrid lenses, scleral lenses, and specialized designs for myopia control where offered. We can discuss which types may work best for your vision needs and lifestyle.
Contact lenses are not the only option for vision correction. Some patients prefer to wear glasses full-time or part-time, while others may want to discuss their candidacy for refractive surgery with their eye doctor. We can help you understand your options and determine whether contact lenses are the best fit for your eyes and daily activities.
Some people have conditions that make contact lens wear challenging or require treatment before lenses can be worn comfortably. Your eye doctor will evaluate your ocular surface health, tear quality, and lifestyle factors to guide you toward the safest and most comfortable vision correction options.
Contact lens prescriptions typically expire after one year. Even if your vision seems stable and your lenses feel comfortable, you need a yearly contact lens exam to renew your prescription.
During this annual visit, we check that your lenses still fit correctly and that your eyes remain healthy for continued contact lens wear. We also update your prescription if your vision has changed or if newer lens options might work better for you.
Managing the Cost of Contact Lens Exams
Many vision insurance plans cover a regular eye exam but require an additional fee for a contact lens exam. The contact lens fitting fee is often partially covered, with a copay that you pay out of pocket.
Check with your insurance provider before your appointment to understand your specific benefits. Some plans offer an allowance for contact lenses instead of glasses, which can help offset the cost of the exam and lens supply.
Our office may offer bundled packages that include the contact lens exam fee along with a supply of lenses at a discounted rate. These packages can save you money compared to paying for each service separately.
- Annual supply of contact lenses with exam included
- Discount on lens purchases when you complete an exam
- Package deals for family members getting exams together
If the cost of a contact lens exam is a concern, ask our office about payment plan options. Some practices allow you to spread the cost over several months. Ask our office about available payment options.
You can also use funds from a flexible spending account or health savings account to pay for your contact lens exam and supplies. These pre-tax dollars reduce your overall cost and make vision care more affordable.
You typically need both a regular eye exam and a contact lens exam if you are a new contact lens wearer or have not had a comprehensive eye exam recently. We often perform both exams during the same appointment to save you time and reduce the number of visits.
Combining the exams in one visit means you pay both exam fees, but you get complete vision and eye health care along with your contact lens fitting. This comprehensive approach ensures that any underlying eye problems are detected and managed before you begin wearing contact lenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, a glasses prescription and a contact lens prescription are not the same. Contact lenses sit directly on your eye surface while glasses sit about 12 millimeters away, so the prescriptions must account for this distance difference. This difference is especially important for higher prescriptions. You need a separate contact lens exam and prescription to purchase contact lenses safely.
Most contact lens wearers need a new exam and prescription every year. Your eyes can change over time, and regular exams help us catch problems early before they affect your vision or eye health. Some patients with certain eye conditions may need exams more frequently, which we will discuss based on your individual situation.
If you wear contact lenses, you will likely pay separate fees for the comprehensive eye health exam and the contact lens fitting exam. Some insurance plans cover both, while others cover only the regular exam or provide partial coverage for the contact lens portion. We can help you understand your expected costs before your appointment.
A contact lens exam does not replace your regular comprehensive eye exam. The contact lens exam focuses on fitting lenses to your eyes, while the regular exam checks your overall eye health and screens for diseases. You need both exams to maintain healthy vision and safe contact lens wear.
If your initial trial lenses do not fit well or feel uncomfortable, we will try different lenses during your follow-up visits. These adjustments are often included within the fitting period and fee, depending on office policy and lens complexity. Some specialty fittings, such as scleral lenses, orthokeratology, or fittings for irregular corneas, may require more visits and additional time. We work with you until we find lenses that provide clear vision and all-day comfort, and we adjust your prescription as needed throughout this process.
Getting Help with Contact Lens Exams
Our eye doctor is here to answer your questions about contact lens exams and help you understand the benefits of professional fitting and follow-up care. If you are interested in wearing contact lenses or need to update your current prescription, call our office to schedule a contact lens exam. We look forward to helping you enjoy clear, comfortable vision with the right contact lenses for your eyes and lifestyle.