How Often Should You Get a Contact Lens Exam?

Contact lenses offer convenience and clear vision without the need for glasses, but ensuring they remain comfortable and effective requires regular eye exams. Regular contact lens exams are essential for maintaining eye health and optimal vision.

Why Contact Lens Exams Are Important

A contact lens exam differs from a routine eye exam because it evaluates more than just your prescription. It assesses the fit of your lenses, ensures your eyes are healthy, and checks for any changes that might require an adjustment in lens type or prescription. Over time, your eyes may change in shape, sensitivity, or tear production, all of which can affect how your lenses fit and how comfortable they feel.

Additionally, contact lenses sit directly on the eye’s surface, which means they can contribute to issues like dry eye, infections, or corneal damage if not monitored properly. Regular exams allow your optometrist to detect early signs of complications and recommend any necessary adjustments to keep your eyes safe and comfortable.

How Often Should You Get a Contact Lens Exam?

Most eye care professionals recommend that contact lens wearers have an exam at least once a year. However, some individuals may need more frequent check-ups based on their specific eye health, lens type, or any underlying conditions such as dry eye or astigmatism.

Factors that may require more frequent contact lens exams include:

•          Wearing extended-wear or specialty lenses – Some types of lenses, such as scleral or gas-permeable lenses, require closer monitoring.

•          Experiencing discomfort or vision changes – If you notice irritation, redness, blurry vision, or discomfort, schedule an exam as soon as possible.

•          Having a history of eye infections or conditions – People with previous eye infections or dry eye syndrome may need more frequent evaluations to ensure their lenses are not contributing to complications.

Skipping your contact lens exam can result in wearing an outdated prescription, using ill-fitting lenses, or increasing the risk of eye health problems.

What to Expect During a Contact Lens Exam

A contact lens exam includes several key components:

•       Vision Assessment – Your optometrist will check your vision to ensure your prescription is accurate.

•       Corneal Measurement – Precise measurements are taken to ensure your lenses fit properly and provide maximum comfort.

•       Tear Film Evaluation – Your eye doctor may assess your tear production to determine if your eyes are moist enough to support comfortable lens wear.

•       Lens Fitting & Trial – If necessary, adjustments may be made to your lens prescription, and you may try different lens options to find the best fit.

•       Eye Health Check – A thorough examination will look for any signs of infection, inflammation, or damage caused by contact lens use.

Schedule Your Contact Lens Exam at Texas State Optical Liberty Today

Regular contact lens exams are essential for maintaining clear vision and protecting your eye health. Even if your lenses feel comfortable and your vision seems fine, annual exams help detect potential issues before they become serious. If it has been over a year since your last contact lens exam, now is the time to schedule an appointment.

At Texas State Optical Liberty, we provide comprehensive contact lens exams to ensure your lenses fit correctly and your eyes stay healthy. Visit our office in Liberty, Texas, or call (936) 336-2273 to schedule your contact lens exam and keep your vision at its best.