What to Expect During a Contact Lens Exam: A Step-by-Step Guide

Thinking about switching from glasses to contact lenses? A contact lens exam is the first step toward clear, convenient vision without frames. At Texas State Optical, our goal is to make this process simple, informative, and personalized to your lifestyle and vision needs. Whether you're a first-time wearer or looking to update your prescription, here's what to expect during a contact lens exam.

Comprehensive Eye Exam

Before diving into contact lenses, your optometrist will perform a comprehensive eye exam to assess your overall eye health and vision. This includes tests for visual acuity, eye pressure, and a thorough evaluation of the internal and external structures of your eyes. It ensures your eyes are healthy enough for contact lens wear and identifies any conditions that could affect lens use.

Discussion of Your Lifestyle & Needs

Contact lenses are not one-size-fits-all. Your optometrist will ask about your daily activities, work environment, screen time, and whether you're interested in daily disposables, extended wear lenses, or specialty lenses like toric or multifocal. This helps us recommend the most suitable lens type for your routine and comfort.

Corneal Measurements

Using specialized equipment like a keratometer or corneal topographer, we measure the curvature of your cornea. This is crucial to ensure the lenses fit properly and comfortably on your eye. Poorly fitted lenses can cause discomfort or even damage the eye over time.

Tear Film Evaluation

A healthy tear film is essential for comfortable contact lens wear. Your optometrist may assess your tear production and quality to determine if your eyes can support contact lenses, especially if you've experienced dry eye symptoms in the past.

Contact Lens Fitting

Next comes the fitting. Trial lenses are applied to assess how well they sit on your eye and how they interact with your eyelid when you blink. The optometrist will evaluate the fit and vision clarity, then make any necessary adjustments.

Lens Education and Training

If you’re new to contacts, we provide thorough training on how to insert, remove, and care for your lenses. Our team will guide you through hygiene practices, wearing schedules, and proper storage to keep your eyes healthy and your lenses working as they should.

Follow-Up Appointment

A follow-up visit is often scheduled after your initial fitting. This allows us to check how your eyes are adjusting to the lenses and address any concerns you may have. We’ll make final tweaks to the prescription or fit if needed.

Finding the Perfect Fit at Texas State Optical

A contact lens exam is more than just a prescription, it’s a customized experience designed to ensure clear vision, comfort, and eye health. With expert care and the latest technology, we make your transition to contact lenses as smooth as possible.

Ready to make the switch to contact lenses or need to update your current pair? Schedule your contact lens exam with Texas State Optical to find the perfect fit. Visit our office in Austin, Texas, or call (512) 233-6242 to book an appointment today.