What is a Contact Lens Evaluation?
Contact lens prescriptions are different from eyeglass prescriptions. Contact lenses are medical devices that require proper fitting and evaluations to ensure optimal vision and comfort. Improperly fitted contact lenses may result in permanent corneal damage and vision loss. Therefore, a contact lens evaluation is necessary to determine which contact lens type and brand is right for you. We perform the evaluation on an as-needed basis for patients interested in wearing contact lenses. This fitting process is considered a separate evaluation and can be conveniently performed during the same visit as your comprehensive eye exam.
What to expect
Contact lenses are not a one size fits all. A contact lens evaluation has multiple components and will require more measurements and assessment to ensure that the fit of a contact lens is accurate. Before getting fitted with contact lenses, our Oakland Optometrist will verify your most up-to-date and best prescription during your comprehensive eye exam and then evaluate for any cornea and eye health issues that could interfere with the clarity, comfort, and success of contact lens wear.
When selecting a contact lens, our optometrist will take into consideration several factors such as your occupation and hobbies, desired average wear time, and tear film integrity. Contact lens parameters such as optical design, lens material, lifespan, and replacement schedule will also be considered.
Interested in wearing contact lenses for the first time?
We’ll be happy to get you started! In addition to getting a comprehensive eye exam to confirm that you’re a good candidate, our Optometrists will discuss your contact lens options based on your lifestyle and needs.
For all first time contact lens wearers, we offer and require that you have a 30-45 minute one-on-one training session to learn the do’s and don’ts of contact lens wear. Although it may look easy to wear contact lenses, we want to ensure your success with our training session. During this training, we will demonstrate and teach you how to safely handle and properly insert and remove your contact lenses. Then we will educate you on how to properly clean and maintain your contact lenses to reduce risks of eye infections.
After you successfully complete the training, you will be provided a complimentary contact lens cleaning starter kit and contact lens trials to test out for a week. We will ask you to return for a follow-up and if everything looks and feels great, a contact lens prescription will be finalized and released to you.
How often to schedule a Contact Lens Evaluation
We recommend scheduling a contact lens evaluation along with a comprehensive eye exam once every year for all of our patients. Yearly evaluations allow us to check for any vision changes and for any eye problems related to contact lens wear.
How does a Contact Lens Evaluation improve your vision health?
Contact lenses can serve as an alternative to glasses by providing a wider field of peripheral vision. They can be more useful for extracurricular activities and sports without having to worry about losing or breaking your glasses.
What are the benefits of regular Contact Lens Evaluations?
There are several benefits associated with scheduling a contact lens evaluation:
Reduce risk of eye infections and corneal damage.
Improperly fitted contact lenses or poor compliance with contact lens care may result in permanent corneal damage and vision loss. If you experience any blurry or cloudy vision, prolonged redness, dryness, itchiness, irritation, eye pain, and/or light sensitivity, immediately remove and inspect your contact lenses for any tears, defects, and foreign debris. Wear your glasses and contact us right away for further consultation if your symptoms do not improve.
Confirm that your contact lenses are right for your lifestyle.
Do your current contact lenses feel “fine”? During your contact lens evaluation, we encourage you to tell us about any discomforts, visual needs, and worries you have about using contact lenses. When we understand your concerns, we can adjust our recommendations to suit your needs and lifestyle. If you are worried about cleaning your contacts, daily disposable contact lenses are an excellent choice to try.
Try to latest options in contact lens technology.
Contact lens technology has come a long way and is continuing to evolve for better comfort and vision. If you’re not happy with your contact lenses, let’s explore the latest contact options to suit you needs.
A contact lens evaluation is an essential part of using contacts to correct your vision. Contact us to schedule a contact lens evaluation today!
Contact Lens Evaluations
Contact lenses can be worn as an alternative to glasses for reasons from lifestyle to aesthetics. Everyone’s eyes are unique and there are so many contact lens options to choose from. Contact lens evaluations ensure that we find the best contact lens brand and style to fit your needs.
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At olive + spex optometry, you can expect eyecare that is uniquely designed to maintain and improve your vision and long-term eye health."
Founder, Optometrist
Dr. Diana Pham
Eye Exams
Contact Lens Evaluations
An in-depth assessment to ensure that your contacts lenses properly fit for optimal vision and comfort.
