What Happens During a Contact Lens Exam?

A contact lens exam is more detailed than a standard vision check because contacts sit directly on the surface of your eyes. Before we fit you for lenses, we first evaluate your overall eye health, vision, and prescription needs. This helps us make sure contact lenses are a safe, comfortable, and effective option for you.

During this part of the visit, we may check how clearly you see at different distances, how your eyes work together, and whether there are any concerns that could affect contact lens wear. Healthy eyes are especially important because irritation, dryness, allergies, or certain eye conditions can make contacts uncomfortable without the right care plan.

We Talk About Your Lifestyle and Vision Goals

Contact lenses are not one-size-fits-all. A big part of a contact lens exam is understanding how you plan to use them. Some patients want contacts for everyday wear, while others prefer them for sports, special occasions, work, or backup use with glasses.

We may ask about your daily routine, screen time, hobbies, and comfort preferences. For example, daily disposable lenses can be a convenient choice for many patients, while monthly lenses may work better for others. If you have astigmatism, dry eyes, or age-related near vision changes, we can discuss lens options designed for those needs.

Precise Measurements Help Create a Better Fit

A contact lens prescription includes more than your glasses prescription. Since contact lenses rest on the eye, we need specific measurements to help the lens fit properly and move comfortably.

These measurements may include the curve of your cornea, the size of your pupils, and the shape of the front surface of your eye. A proper fit helps support clear vision and reduces the chance of discomfort, redness, or lenses that shift too much throughout the day.

What We Check During the Fitting

Once we have the right measurements, we may place trial contact lenses on your eyes to see how they fit and how well you can see. This step allows us to evaluate comfort, movement, alignment, and vision quality in real time.

During the fitting, we look at details such as:

• How the lenses sit on your eyes
• Whether the lenses move properly when you blink
• How clear your vision is with the trial lenses
• Whether your eyes show signs of dryness or irritation
• Whether a different lens type or brand may be a better match

This part of the contact lens exam helps us fine-tune your prescription and make sure your lenses feel comfortable before you order a supply.

Tear Film and Dry Eye Evaluation May Be Included

Comfortable contact lens wear depends on a healthy tear film. If your eyes feel dry, gritty, watery, or irritated, we may evaluate your tear film before finalizing your contact lens prescription. Dry eyes can make contacts feel uncomfortable, but that does not always mean contacts are off the table.

In many cases, the right lens material, wearing schedule, or dry eye treatment can make a big difference. Addressing dryness early can help improve comfort and protect your eye health.

We Help You Feel Comfortable With Contact Lenses

If you are new to contacts, your exam may include training on how to insert, remove, clean, and store your lenses. This step is important for keeping your eyes healthy and helping you feel confident with your new lenses.

You may also be asked to wear trial lenses for a short period and return for a follow-up visit. This allows us to confirm that the lenses are working well and make any adjustments if needed.

Ready to see clearly and comfortably in contacts? Call F & M Family Eyecare in Riverdale, GA at (770) 996-3495 to schedule your contact lens exam today.