Eyeglass and Contact Lens Exams

Eyeglass and contact lens exams are recommended at regular intervals so that our skilled and experienced eye doctor scan ensure that your current prescription is still effective. However, the two exams have a few important differences. Here is what you need to know about eyeglass and contact lens exams.

Eyeglass exams and contact lens exams – what do they have in common?

Eyeglass exams are a little more straightforward than contact lens exams. For this reason, they are normally less expensive. However, the first few steps in eyeglass and contact lens exams are identical.

First, your eye doctor will assess your visual acuity using an eye chart. This will determine how clearly you can see at various distances. After this, various different tests will be performed to check the health of your eyes. This is important as this gives your eye doctor a chance to monitor the progression of your eye health and spot any potential problems early. This significantly improves the likelihood of a positive outcome and in some instances could even prevent more serious problems from developing.

Your prescription can then be used to create the lenses for your eyeglasses. You will be able to select new frames (if required) and our optometry team will ensure that these are a good fit. Around a week later you will be able to return to our offices to be fitted with your new glasses.

Contact lens exams – how are they different from eyeglass exams?

Eye exams for contact lenses usually include specific tests that are not normally included in exams for regular eyeglasses. This is partly because the position of the prescription lens in relation to your eyes is different – in contact lenses the artificial lens is placed directly over the eye, whereas with glasses your lenses will sit further away, in your frames perched over your nose. It is for this reason that prescriptions for eyeglasses and contact lenses are different. Other tests are also needed because your eye doctor will need to check that the lenses fit properly in your eyes.

After these exams have been completed, you will need to decide on the type of contact lens you wish to use. These could be disposable daily contacts or ones designed for extended wear. You can even choose colored contacts if you wish to change the color of your eyes.

Your eye doctor will give you a trial pair of contacts for you to try for a few days and ensure that they are comfortable. Then a week later you will return to our offices for a follow-up appointment to check that you have adjusted to your contact lenses and they are working well for you.

When to visit your eye doctor

If you experience any of the following problems in between your regularly scheduled eyeglass or contact lens exams, you should arrange an appointment with your eye doctor for a check-up as they could indicate that additional treatment may be needed. These include:

• Changes in your vision

• Blurred or fuzzy vision

• Eye pain or strain

• Recurrent, persistent or extreme headaches

• Black or grey spots in your visionPrompt diagnosis and treatment of any underlying problem could help to preserve your long-term vision so don’t delay in arranging a visit with your eye doctor.

If you would like to schedule your eyeglass or contact lens exam with our experienced and dedicated optometry team, please contact our offices in Gainesville, FL today. Call 352-702-9700 today!