Wearing contact lenses offers convenience and flexibility, but it also requires regular eye exams to maintain healthy vision. Unlike glasses, contacts sit directly on your eyes, making routine check-ups important for ensuring a proper fit, preventing complications, and keeping your prescription up to date.
Understanding how often to schedule an exam depends on your eye health, lens type, and lifestyle needs. Regular check-ups help detect early signs of irritation, dryness, or infections—helping your eyes stay comfortable and your vision remains clear.
Why Do Contact Lense Wearers Need Regular Eye Exams?
Contact lenses are classified as medical devices, meaning they generally require more attention and care than glasses. Regular check-ups are important for helping maintain clear vision, updating prescriptions, and keeping your eyes healthy. But why is this extra care necessary?
- Your eye health can change: Even if your vision feels fine, your eyes might undergo subtle changes that you wouldn’t notice without a professional exam.
- Preventing complications: Wearing contact lenses can sometimes lead to dry eye, irritation, or even infections. Regular exams help catch these issues early.
- Optimized care: Eye exams allow us to confirm whether the brand and type of contact lenses you use are still the best choice for your lifestyle and vision needs.
Even if your contacts feel comfortable, your eyes could still be experiencing strain or dryness. Regular exams help keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear.
How Often Should You Have an Eye Exam?
Most people who wear contact lenses should see their optometrist once a year for a comprehensive eye exam. That said, certain situations may require more frequent visits.
Here are a few examples to keep in mind:
- If you wear extended-wear lenses (designed to be worn overnight), consider more frequent check-ups to monitor for signs of oxygen deprivation.
- If you wear monthly or bi-weekly lenses, special care is needed to check for protein buildup that can cause irritation.
- If you experience symptoms like dryness, redness, or discomfort, don’t wait for your annual appointment. Talk to your optometrist right away!
What to Expect During a Contact Lense Exam?
A contact lens exam is typically more comprehensive than a standard vision test. At Verona Vision Care, we take the time to verify if your contact lenses not only improve your vision but also support your overall eye health. Here’s what you might expect:
- Prescription check: To verify if your vision correction is accurate and up to date.
- Corneal measurement: Using technology to measure your cornea’s curvature to check if your contact lenses fit comfortably and securely.
- Tear production evaluation: A tear assessment helps to detect dryness and improve hydration for comfortable lens wear.
- Eye health check: To check for any signs of irritation, dryness, or infections caused by lens use.
- Care routine consultation: Review your contact lens care routine to discuss best practices for hygiene and safety.
If this is your first time exploring contact lenses, we’ll also guide you through the fitting process and help you find the right contact lenses for your needs.
What Could Happen If You Skip an Eye Exam?
Maybe you’ve been wearing contact lenses for years, and everything feels fine. Do you still need that annual check-up? The answer is simple: yes!
Many eye health issues, such as keratitis (corneal inflammation) or infections, can develop without noticeable symptoms. Skipping exams could mean these problems go unnoticed, leading to complications like:
- Corneal ulcers: Painful sores on the cornea, often caused by ill-fitting or dirty contact lenses.
- Irritation & dryness: Wearing outdated prescriptions can result in eye strain and discomfort.
- Vision changes: Slight changes in your prescription could lead to blurred vision and headaches.
Regular check-ups allow us to safeguard your vision and help you get the most out of your contact lens-wearing experience.
Preparing for Your Eye Exam
At Verona Vision Care, we want to make your appointments smooth and stress-free. Here are a few tips to help you prepare:
- Bring your current contact lenses: Bring your contact lenses and their case so we can inspect them.
- Note down any issues: Keep track of any symptoms, like dryness or discomfort, so we can address them during the visit.
- Follow wear guidelines: Wear your contact lenses as instructed before your exam unless told otherwise by your optometrist.
Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, our team is here to listen to your concerns and tailor our care to your needs.
Should You Book Your Exam today?
If you wear contact lenses and can’t remember your last exam, it might be time to schedule one. At Verona Vision Care, we help you find the right fit for your contact lenses and address any concerns, making eye care straightforward and comfortable.
Regular check-ups help make sure your contact lenses are supporting your vision and eye health without causing irritation or complications. Your eyes deserve good care—book your next exam today at Verona Vision Care.
