Step 1: A Comprehensive Eye Exam.
First, your eye doctor will determine your overall eye health by discussing your health history and performing a series of standard eye tests that evaluate eye focusing, eye tearing, depth perception, color vision, peripheral vision, and your pupil’s response to light. The doctor will also measure the fluid pressure of your eyes to check for glaucoma, evaluate your retina and optic nerve, and test your vision with different lenses to assess whether contact lenses can improve your vision.
Step 2: Determining Your Contact Lens Preferences
If contact lenses make sense for you, your doctor will discuss with you the various types of contact lenses – from daily disposable lenses to overnight contacts – and determine which best fits your unique preferences and needs. If you are over the age of 40, your doctor will also discuss age-related vision changes and how contact lenses can address these issues.
Step 3: Eye Surface Measurements
Using an instrument called a keratometer, your doctor will measure the curvature of your eye’s cornea to ensure your contact lenses fit perfectly. This provides added accuracy in selecting the appropriate curve of the contact lens as well as detailed information about the surface that the contact lens will rest upon.
Step 4: Tear Film Evaluation For Those With Dry Eyes
If you have dry eyes, your doctor will evaluate the amount of tear film on the surface of your eye. If the film is insufficient or you have chronically dry eyes, a pair of specialty contact lenses that deliver moisture to the surface of the eye may be a better option for you than traditional contact lenses.
Step 5: Contact Lens Fitting
The final step is to fit you with a trial pair of contact lenses. Upon confirming the fit, alignment, and movement of the lenses on the surfaces of your eyes, the doctor will update your prescription.
Step 6: Trial Period For New Wearers
Though your exam is over, you may still need to come back! After a few days to a week of testing out your trial lenses, you may have a brief follow-up exam to ensure that the lenses work properly for you.
If you are interested in contact lenses, let your doctor know so they can make extra time in your appointment for the consultation and any specialized tests.