What to Expect During a Contact Lens Exam

If you’re thinking about wearing contact lenses for the first time - or updating your current prescription - it’s helpful to understand how a contact lens exam differs from a routine eye exam. While both evaluate your vision and eye health, a contact lens exam includes additional steps to ensure your lenses fit properly, feel comfortable, and support long-term eye health.

At WeCare Eye Group, we take a personalized, step-by-step approach to help you achieve clear, comfortable vision.

A Comprehensive Eye Exam Comes First

Every contact lens exam begins with a comprehensive eye exam. Before placing a lens on your eye, your doctor needs a complete understanding of your visual needs and overall eye health.

During this exam, we evaluate your visual acuity, determine your updated prescription, and carefully examine the health of your retina, cornea, and optic nerve. We also screen for conditions such as dry eye, glaucoma, and cataracts. Because contact lenses rest directly on the surface of your eye, ensuring your eyes are healthy is essential.

Discussing Your Contact Lens Preferences

Next, we’ll talk about your lifestyle and preferences. Not all contact lenses are the same, and the right choice depends on how and when you plan to wear them.

You may discuss options such as:

• Daily disposable lenses versus biweekly or monthly lenses
• Soft lenses or rigid gas permeable lenses
• Specialty lenses for astigmatism or multifocal needs

Your doctor will recommend lenses that match both your prescription and your daily routine - whether you want occasional wear for sports or full-time use.

Eye Surface Measurements

Contact lenses require precise measurements to ensure a safe and comfortable fit. Unlike glasses, which sit on your face, contacts must align with the unique curvature of your cornea.

We measure the shape and curvature of your cornea and assess the overall characteristics of your eye’s surface. These measurements help determine the correct base curve and diameter of your lenses, allowing them to move properly with each blink while staying centered.

Tear Film Evaluation

Comfortable contact lens wear depends heavily on a healthy tear film. If your eyes are prone to dryness, this can affect how lenses feel throughout the day.

During this stage, we evaluate tear quality and stability to identify any signs of dry eye. If necessary, we may recommend specific lens materials designed to retain moisture or suggest treatment options before moving forward with long-term wear.

Contact Lens Fitting

Once your measurements and evaluations are complete, we begin the fitting process. Your doctor will place trial lenses on your eyes and assess how they fit and move.

We carefully check:

• Lens positioning and movement
• Initial comfort
• Visual clarity at different distances

A properly fitted lens should feel comfortable and provide stable, clear vision.

Trial Lenses for a Week

In most cases, you’ll take home trial lenses to wear for about a week. This allows you to experience how the lenses perform in your normal daily environment.

During the trial period, monitor how your lenses feel throughout the day and whether your vision remains consistently clear. At your follow-up visit, we’ll review your experience and make any necessary adjustments before finalizing your prescription.

Schedule Your Contact Lens Exam Today

A contact lens exam is a detailed and personalized process designed to ensure your lenses provide both excellent vision and long-term eye health. From a comprehensive exam and eye surface measurements to tear film evaluation and trial wear, every step plays an important role in achieving the best possible fit.

Ready to get started? Contact WeCare Eye Group today to schedule your contact lens exam. We’re here to serve you at multiple locations across Pennsylvania and Rhode Island. Contact the office nearest you to book your appointment today:

• Ardmore Eye Care - Ardmore, PA | (610) 624-2151

• WeCare Eyes and Skin MedSpa - Providence, RI | (401) 331-7850

• Cranston Eye and Optical - Cranston, RI | (401) 942-9933

• Westminster Eye Care Associates - Providence, RI | (401) 331-7850

• Smithfield Eye and Optical - Greenville, RI | (401) 949-7300

• College Hill Eye and Optical - Providence, RI | (401) 831-2015

• North Providence Eye and Optical - North Providence, RI | (401) 353-2010