Eye exams are a vital part of maintaining good vision and overall eye health. However, many people do not realize that not all eye exams are the same. A regular eye exam and a contact lens exam differ significantly in scope and purpose.
Understanding these differences is essential, especially if you are considering contact lenses or currently wear them. Let us help you discern between the two so that you know which is the right exam for your needs.
Purpose
The purpose of regular eye exams is checking overall eye health and vision clarity. Contact lens exams go beyond that. They assess general eye health but also include specific tests for contact lens users to make sure lenses fit correctly.
Vision Testing
Regular eye exams check your vision at different distances to identify any corrective needs. They can help detect vision issues early. Contact lens exams include the same vision tests as regular exams but with additional measurements. These extra tests help find the ideal contact lens fit. That will ensure you enjoy both vision quality and comfort when wearing your contacts.
Eye Health Evaluation
Doctors conducting a regular eye exam look for signs of diseases like glaucoma, cataracts, or macular degeneration during these exams. Early detection is key to managing eye health. During contact lens exams, doctors conduct more thorough scans of the eye’s surface. Such detailed assessments help spot issues that could influence how well contact lenses fit and perform.
Prescription Assessment
A regular eye exam determines if you need glasses and what the prescription should be. It adjusts for distance or reading requirements. A contact lens exam tailors the prescription specifically for contact lenses. Since the contacts sit directly on the eye, the measurements need to be precise as that will ensure optimal vision and fit.
Special Evaluations
A regular eye exam might assess your color vision and peripheral vision, checking for potential vision field issues. However, a contact lens exam is more thorough as it includes lens fitting and tear film analysis. These prevent eye health problems from improper lens use.
Educational Component
During a regular eye exam, the eye doctor focuses on educating patients about eye health and the importance of regular eye checks. Patients can then better understand and manage their eye care routine. On the other hand, during a contact lens exam, the eye doctor offers guidance on contact lens maintenance and safety, such as how to properly insert or remove your lenses.
Follow-up
Generally, a regular eye exam is recommended on an annual basis, but that can vary depending on the individual’s age and health risks. However, contact lens users need more frequent visits to make sure that their lenses still fit well and aren’t causing any damage to the eye.
Whether you opt for a regular eye exam or a contact lens exam depends largely on your specific needs. If you use or are considering contact lenses, it is critical to undergo contact lens exams to ensure optimal fit and comfort. For those using glasses or with no correction, regular eye exams suffice.
For more on contact and regular eye exams, visit Bright Vision Family Eyecare at our Flushing, New York, office. Call (929) 666-5048 to schedule an appointment today.
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/eye-exams-101
https://www.cdc.gov/vision-health/about-eye-disorders/why-eye-exams-are-important.html
