How does a contact lens exam differ from a regular eye exam?
Some of the same vision and eye tests that are a part of a general eye exam are also important when it comes to getting contact lenses. Specifically, visual acuity testing and an evaluation of the overall health of your eyes are essential factors for getting contact lenses.
Once those tests are performed, Dr. Ancona does additional testing connected to the type, shape, and size of contact lenses needed for your eyes. A contact lens exam, sometimes called a contact lens fitting, includes:
Sizing up your cornea
Using a piece of equipment called a keratometer, Dr. Ancona measures the curvature of the cornea, which is the clear front surface of the eye. He’ll use other tests to map out the more precise characteristics of the cornea’s surface by checking out how light reflects off your eyes.
Measuring the pupil and iris
The size of the iris, the colored portion of the eye, and the pupil, the dark central portion of the pupil, will be used to determine the proper size and what lens will look best on you.
Checking out a trial lens fit
Toward the end of the contact lens exam appointment, Dr. Ancona will use all the measurements he took to fit you with trial lenses. Once the lenses are inserted he will check out the fit and how the lenses move on your eyes with the use of a lighted instrument called a slit lamp.
Once I get trial lenses, will I need to schedule follow-up exams?
Yes. In order to ensure that the fit and prescription are right and that the lenses are comfortable, Dr. Ancona recommends wearing your trial lenses for 1-2 weeks and scheduling a follow-up appointment.
What are hard-to-fit contact lenses?
Hard-to-fit contact lenses can address a variety of conditions that make getting the proper measurements for comfortable and accurately fitted contact lenses. Dr. Ancona uses the most advanced technology available to precisely measure your cornea to ensure the best possible contact lens fit. Eye conditions that can make fit issues challenging include:
- Dry eye
- GPC (a form of conjunctivitis)
- Keratoconus (bulging of the cornea)
- Presbyopia (age-related nearsightedness)
- Astigmatism
If you’re thinking about getting contact lenses, book an appointment for a contact lens exam at Eyedrop Optique in Dumbo, Brooklyn, New York. Book an appointment online or call the office today.
