Contact Lens Exams
Many of our patients choose to wear contact lenses to improve their vision. There are several contact lens options available to help correct a range of eye conditions, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism or presbyopia. Contact lenses make for a great addition to your eye care routine. If you’re currently using glasses and want the option of wearing contact lenses as well, the trusted eye care experts at Pearle Vision can perform an eye exam to determine what level of vision correction you require before prescribing contact lenses.
Choosing the right contact lenses isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” situation. At Pearle Vision, we understand that each patient is unique, and we want to help you find the best fit. Learn more about our contact lens exams and how we can help you choose the right contact lenses below.
Contact Lens Exam
Rather than undergoing a standard eye exam, additional tests and charges may occur for patients inquiring about contact lenses. Tests may include:
- Cornea Measurements: In order to determine the exact size and curve of your eye, and the right contact lens to match, the curvature of the front of the eye will be measured.
- Pupil Measurements: The pupil will be measured to determine which size contact lens is needed.
- Tear Film Evaluation: To ensure that eyes are not too dry for contact lenses, a tear film evaluation needs to be performed. As contacts are made of different plastics, this assessment also helps the eye doctor to choose the right material for you. A dye may be used or a small strip of paper may be inserted under the lower eyelid for this test.
Patients who are trying contact lenses for the first time will have a follow-up appointment to ensure the lenses are working and fitting properly. First-time wearers will be offered a training session to help them adjust to their new contact lenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are many factors to consider before making the switch from glasses to contact lenses. Investing in contact lenses is a lifestyle change that many of our patients have questions about. Here are answers to a few frequently asked questions to help you in your decision-making process:
How Many Hours A Day Can You Wear Contact Lenses?
- The amount of time you should wear your contact lenses will vary patient to patient. Your Pearle Vision eye care expert will discuss what is best for your individual case. In general, it’s recommended that you wear contact lenses for no more than 12 hours a day as your eyes could become irritated, dry or prone to infection.
Is It Harmful To Wear Contact Lenses?
- Contact lenses are safe to use when worn correctly. However, there are risks if you wear your contact lenses for too long, if they are not cleaned properly or if they are not replaced as instructed by your eye care expert.
Which Contact Lens Is Best?
- Each brand of contact lenses is uniquely designed. Features in a lens that will help determine which brand is best for you are the:
- Base Curve: The curve should fit the cornea for clear vision and a proper fit.
- Diameter: The diameter of a lens will depend on the shape and size of your eye, eyelids and eye opening for a centered and comfortable fit.
- Material: Different contact lenses are made from different materials.
- Power: Each brand will differ in the amount of power for nearsightedness and farsightedness.
- Astigmatism Design: Patients with astigmatism will need a toric contact lens to help reduce lens rotation during blinking and head movement.
- Surface Treatments: Some contact lenses will feature treatments that help the lens stay moist longer, which may be beneficial for patients with dry eyes.
How Much Do Contacts Cost?
One of the biggest questions you might have is the price of wearing contact lenses. How much do contacts cost? The average contact lenses price will range depending on the brand, type, and your insurance coverage. Call your local EyeCare Centre for pricing.
How Long Does it Take to Adjust to Contacts?
Like anything new, getting used to wearing contact lenses may take some time. Adjusting could take a few days or weeks, depending on the person. Many contact wearers find soft or disposable contact lenses easy to adjust to after a few days, while other types, such as Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) contacts, may have a longer adjustment period–typically around two weeks. However, some people may never find RGP contacts to be comfortable, in which case soft contacts may be the better option.
How To Get Contact Lenses
Contact lens prescriptions expire in one to two years depending on state law. When the time comes, instead of searching for “contact lenses near me,” you can place orders directly with your local Pearle Vision EyeCare Centre. Your neighbourhood EyeCare Centre will provide you with shipping, ordering and reordering options for your contact lenses. Price will vary depending on the brand and quantity you order.
To see if contact lenses are a good fit for you, contact a Pearle Vision EyeCare Centre today.
