Contact Lens
Exam

Whether you currently wear contact lenses or would like to try wearing them, you’ll need a contact lens exam. During a contact lens exam at Southern Eye Centers in Baton Rouge, LA or Plaquemine, LA, your eye doctor will evaluate your eyes and determine if they are healthy enough for contact lens wear. Your eye doctor will also ask you questions about your lifestyle and hobbies, and fully assess your vision to recommend the best type of contact lens for your needs. There are many new contact lenses that accommodate astigmatism, presbyopia, and more.

Everyone’s eyes are different sizes and shapes; therefore, one contact lens size doesn’t fit all eyes.  If the curvature of a contact lens is too flat or too steep for your eye’s shape, it could lead to discomfort or even damage your eye.  During the contact lens exam, our technicians and eye doctors will take measurements and determine the best contact lens size and design for your eyes.

Contact lens exam

The contact lens exam may be conducted as part of your comprehensive eye exam or separately.

• During the contact lens exam, your eye doctor will evaluate the size and shape of your eyes and will also check for any eye health issues which may affect your comfort while wearing contact lenses.
• Your eye doctor will measure your cornea to determine the curvature and size of your contact lens and will also measure the size of your pupils. Astigmatism may require you to wear a toric lens (a special type of lens that counteracts flaws on the surface).
• Your eye doctor may also evaluate your tear film to determine if you have signs of dry eye diseases, as this condition will impact your ability to comfortably wear some types of contact lenses.

Once these tests are complete, your eye doctor will prescribe contact lenses based on your eye health and vision needs. They may provide you with trial contact lenses and ask you to wear them for a week or so. You will then come back for a follow-up exam to ensure the contacts fit comfortably and provide you with clear vision.

You will also receive a contact lens prescription that designates the contact lens type, power, base curve (a shape matching the curvature of your eye), and diameter.

Why do I need an exam for contact lenses?

If you plan to wear contact lenses, you need a contact lens exam because contact lenses are classified as medical devices, which means you need a prescription to wear them. If you wear contact lenses or plan to wear contact lenses, let us know when you schedule an appointment for your comprehensive eye exam, so we can perform the contact lens exam during your appointment.

The eye doctors at Southern Eye Centers have expertise in successfully fitting patients with the right contact lenses for their visual needs, eye health, and lifestyle. Whether you wear contact lenses already or would like to, you need a contact lens exam. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for your comprehensive eye exam and let us know if you’d like to wear contact lenses.