Contact Lenses
Contact Lens Exam
A contact lens exam adds corneal measurement, tear film assessment and live evaluation of lens fit to a standard eye examination. It typically takes 30 to 45 minutes and produces a prescription specific to lenses rather than glasses.
In short
30 to 45 minutes. Measures the eye surface, not just the prescription.
A glasses prescription and a contact lens prescription are different documents describing different things. Glasses sit around twelve millimetres in front of the eye, so the power needed differs from a lens sitting directly on the cornea, particularly at higher prescriptions. More importantly, a contact lens prescription includes fitting parameters that a glasses prescription has no reason to contain.
The exam therefore measures the curvature of your cornea, assesses the quality and quantity of your tear film, and then evaluates an actual lens on your eye to see how it centres, how it moves with each blink, and whether it stays comfortable.
What to expect
- Pre-testing
- Lens prescription check, corneal mapping, Optomap retinal imaging, glaucoma and dry eye screening.
- Corneal measurement
- Curvature and diameter measured so the base curve and lens size can be matched to your eye.
- Tear film assessment
- Tear quality determines comfort and which materials will suit. Marginal dry eye is picked up here rather than after weeks of discomfort.
- Trial lens evaluation
- A lens goes on the eye and is assessed at the slit lamp for centration, movement and coverage.
- Handling training
- New wearers are taught insertion, removal and cleaning with practice time before leaving.
What is included
- Comprehensive eye health assessment
- Corneal measurement and Optomap imaging
- Tear film evaluation
- Trial lens fitting and assessment
- Handling training for new wearers
- Starter kit with solution and case for new wearers
- Follow up to confirm the fit is working
Questions and answers
What is the difference between a contact lens exam and a regular eye exam?
A regular eye exam assesses your vision and the health of your eyes. A contact lens exam adds the measurements needed to fit a lens: corneal curvature, tear film quality, and an evaluation of how a real lens sits and moves on your eye.
How long does it take?
Typically 30 to 45 minutes for a standard fitting. Specialty lenses for irregular corneas take longer and usually span two to three appointments.
Can I get lenses the same day?
Often yes. With over 10,000 lenses in stock, most standard prescriptions can be dispensed at the visit. Custom and specialty lenses are made to order and take one to two weeks.
How often do I need one?
Annually. Corneal health, tear film and fit all change over time, and an annual assessment catches problems while they are still minor.
Talk to someone about contact lens exam
Appointments are scheduled two per hour, so there is time to answer questions properly. Call (480) 706-3937 or request a time online.