Wearing contact lenses offers a convenient alternative to glasses, but it’s essential to monitor your eye health regularly. If you wear contact lenses, you should get an eye exam at least once a year. Regular exams make certain that your prescription is accurate, your eyes stay healthy, and you avoid complications like infections or dry eye. At Eyes on Westlake, we provide comprehensive contact lens exams and fittings to confirm you’re using the right lenses for your vision and comfort needs.
Why Are Regular Eye Exams Important for Contact Lens Wearers?
Unlike glasses, contact lenses are medical devices that rest directly on your eye, which makes regular check-ups even more critical. Eye health can change subtly over time, and without proper monitoring, conditions such as infections, dryness, or corneal inflammation can develop unnoticed. A regular eye exam makes sure that:
- Your contact lens prescription is up to date.
- Your eyes are adapting well to wearing lenses.
- Any potential issues, like dryness or infections, are caught early.
- You’re using the best type of lenses for your needs and lifestyle.
What Happens During an Eye Exam for Contact Lenses?
A contact lens exam involves more than a standard vision test. In addition to checking your prescription, your eye doctor will:
- Measure the curvature of your cornea to confirm the lenses fit properly.
- Evaluate tear production to check for dry eye.
- Look for any signs of irritation or infection caused by lens wear.
- Discuss your contact lens care routine to make sure you’re following best practices.
If you’re trying contact lenses for the first time, the exam will also include a fitting process, where your eye doctor finds the best lens type and material for your needs.
How Your Prescription Can Change
Even if your vision seems stable, it’s common for prescriptions to change over time. Factors such as age, prolonged screen use, or changes in health can affect your vision. If you continue using lenses with an outdated prescription, it may strain your eyes, causing discomfort and headaches. Annual eye exams confirm your prescription remains accurate and comfortable.
Can You Skip an Exam if Your Vision Feels Fine?
Skipping eye exams just because your vision seems fine isn’t advisable. Many eye conditions, including infections or keratitis (corneal inflammation), can develop without noticeable symptoms. Contact lenses can also change the way your eyes receive oxygen, increasing the risk of complications like corneal ulcers if not properly monitored.
Even if your vision feels perfect, regular check-ups confirm that your eyes remain healthy and free from any underlying problems.
Special Considerations for Different Types of Contact Lenses
The type of contact lenses you wear may affect how often you need an eye exam:
- Daily disposable lenses: These lenses are designed for single-use, reducing the risk of infections. An annual exam is generally sufficient unless you experience discomfort.
- Monthly or bi-weekly lenses: Since these lenses require regular cleaning, there’s a higher risk of protein buildup or contamination. Annual exams are essential, but you may need more frequent visits if you experience dryness or irritation.
- Toric or multifocal lenses: Specialized lenses for astigmatism or presbyopia may require closer monitoring to make sure they fit correctly and provide optimal vision.
- Extended wear lenses: If you wear lenses overnight, you’ll need more frequent exams to check for signs of hypoxia (oxygen deprivation) or infection.
What Are the Risks of Wearing Contacts Without Regular Check-ups?
Wearing contact lenses without proper follow-up care can lead to several potential issues:
- Infections: Poor lens hygiene or an ill-fitting lens can increase the risk of eye infections.
- Corneal ulcers: These painful sores on the cornea can develop from improper lens use or lack of oxygen to the eye.
- Dry eye syndrome: Contact lens wear can reduce tear production, leading to dry eye symptoms.
- Vision changes: An outdated prescription can cause headaches, eye strain, and blurred vision.
Regular exams help you avoid these complications by making certain that your lenses fit well and your eyes remain healthy.
How to Prepare for Your Contact Lens Exam
To get the most out of your eye exam, follow these tips:
- Bring your current lenses: Bring your lenses and the case to your appointment so your doctor can inspect them.
- Note any discomfort: Inform your doctor about any dryness, redness, or discomfort you’ve experienced.
- Follow lens wear guidelines: Wear your contacts as recommended before the exam, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.
Being open with your eye care provider to see if they can address any concerns and make appropriate recommendations for your lenses.
What if You Experience Problems Between Exams?
While annual exams are the standard for contact lens wearers, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment if you notice any issues between visits. Symptoms like redness, pain, or blurry vision should be addressed immediately to prevent serious complications.
At Eyes on Westlake, we’re here to provide ongoing care whenever you need it. Whether you’re due for a routine exam or experiencing new symptoms, our team is ready to help.
Keep Your Vision Clear and Healthy with Regular Eye Exams
If you wear contact lenses, it’s essential to get an eye exam at least once a year to confirm your prescription is accurate and your eyes remain healthy. Regular exams allow your eye care provider to detect any early signs of complications and ensure that your lenses continue to fit comfortably. Skipping these check-ups could put your eye health at risk, so make annual visits part of your routine. At Eyes on Westlake, we’re dedicated to helping you maintain clear vision and healthy eyes. Schedule your contact lens exam with us today to keep your vision at its best!
