If it’s been over a year since you had an eye exam, it might be time to check in with your eye doctor. While wearing contacts, it’s recommended that adults have a contact eye exam at least once a year.
Whether you’re a long-time contact lens wearer or you’re thinking of trying contacts for the first time, annual exams aren’t just about updating your prescription. They’re about protecting your eye health, staying comfortable, and making sure your lenses are still the right fit.
Comprehensive Eye Exam vs. Contact Lens Exam
Not all eye exams are created equal. If you think a yearly contact lens exam is the same as a regular eye exam, you’re not alone—but there’s a difference between them.
Comprehensive Eye Exam
A comprehensive eye exam is a general check-up for your eyes. During this appointment, we evaluate your overall eye health, screen for any vision problems, and detect issues like cataracts, macular degeneration, or glaucoma through various scans and evaluations. This is the exam everyone should have every year, whether they wear glasses, contacts, or have perfect 20/20 vision. It’s like a wellness check-up but for your eyes.
Contact Lens Exam
A contact lens exam is specifically designed for people who wear contact lenses. It includes everything you’d get in a comprehensive eye exam, plus additional testing to ensure your lenses fit properly and meet your vision needs.
We’ll measure the surface of your eyes and may even test your tear film to ensure your eyes will stay hydrated while wearing contacts. Sometimes, we may make minor adjustments to your prescription or recommend a different lens type if we think that it will improve your comfort or vision.
Why Are Regular Contact Lens Exams Necessary?
A contact lens exam is essential to ensure everything’s working as it should.
Maintaining Eye Health
Your eyes are constantly changing, and your contact lenses sit directly on top of them. Over time, wearing lenses, especially if they’re ill-fitting or dirty, can lead to eye health issues. Regular exams help us detect early signs of problems, such as dry eye syndrome, corneal irritation, or infections, allowing for prompt treatment. This helps keep your eyes healthy in the long term.
Adjusting for Vision Changes & Verifying Lens Fit
Even tiny changes in your vision or eye shape can impact how well your lenses work for you. An annual exam allows us to adjust your prescription and confirm that your lenses are still a good fit for your eyes. This will help you avoid blurry vision, discomfort, or other issues that might otherwise go unnoticed.
The Risks of Skipping Regular Exams
Life gets busy—we get it. That’s why we strive to provide you with conveniently located clinic options in our Costco locations. But skipping your yearly contact lens exam isn’t worth the risk.
Eye Infections
Contact lens wearers are more prone to eye infections. Skipping an exam might mean missing early warning signs of infections, such as keratitis—a painful and serious inflammation of the cornea.
Corneal Damage
Poorly fitting contacts or overwearing lenses can lead to corneal scratches or ulcers. These conditions aren’t only painful, but can also seriously impact your vision if left untreated.
Decreased Comfort
Over time, lenses that used to be comfortable might become a source of discomfort. Perhaps your eyes feel dry, your vision becomes shaky, or it feels like something is constantly in your eye. Annual exams can pinpoint the cause of this discomfort and address it.
Tips for Maintaining Good Eye Health Between Exams
Annual exams are essential, but your day-to-day habits are just as important. Here are a few simple practices that can keep your eyes healthy and your lenses comfortable between appointments.
Practice Good Hygiene
Always wash your hands before handling your contact lenses. Clean your lenses as instructed and store them in fresh solution—not water. Trust us, this little step makes a huge difference.
Follow Replacement Schedules
Whether they’re daily, biweekly, or monthly, it doesn’t matter what type of lenses you use; stick to their replacement schedule. Wearing lenses longer than recommended can lead to a buildup of bacteria, protein deposits, and an increased risk of infection.
Protect Your Eyes & Give Them a Break
If you spend hours every day staring at a screen, you’re not alone. Follow the 20-20-20 rule to reduce eye strain. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. And don’t forget to wear sunglasses when you’re outside, because UV rays can harm your eyes more than you think.
Book Your Next Contact Lens Exam Today
Your eyes deserve the best care, and at Great Hills Eye Care, we’re here to help. Whether you’re due for an annual contact lens exam or experiencing discomfort with your current lenses, booking an appointment is the best way to protect your vision and maintain your eye health.
Don’t wait until blurry vision or irritation sets in. Secure your peace of mind and keep your eyes in top shape.
