Contact Lens Exam vs. Regular Eye Exam: What's the Difference?
Contact Lens Exam vs. Regular Eye Exam: What's the Difference?
If you wear contacts, you may have noticed that your eye exam includes an extra step, and sometimes an extra charge. That is because a contact lens exam is not the same as a regular eye exam. Here is what each one covers and why contact lens wearers need both.
What a Regular Eye Exam Covers
A comprehensive eye exam checks how clearly you see and how healthy your eyes are. Your doctor measures your vision, determines your eyeglass prescription, checks your eye pressure, and examines the inside and outside of your eyes for conditions like glaucoma and cataracts. At Harvey & Lewis, our comprehensive exam includes a 21-point examination. You can read what really happens during your eye exam for a step-by-step look.
What a Contact Lens Exam Adds
A contact lens sits directly on the surface of your eye, so it needs to fit as well as it corrects your vision. A contact lens exam adds measurements of the curvature of your cornea, an assessment of your tear film, and a check of how a trial lens sits, centers, and moves on your eye. Your doctor will also make sure you are comfortable putting lenses in and taking them out.
The result is a separate contact lens prescription that includes details your glasses prescription does not, like the lens brand, base curve, and diameter. That is why you cannot use your eyeglass prescription to order contacts.
Follow-Up Visits and Specialty Lenses
New wearers, and patients trying toric lenses for astigmatism or multifocal lenses for near and far vision, may need a follow-up visit to fine-tune the fit. For eyes that are harder to fit, our specialty contact lens services include scleral and other custom options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Contact Lens Exams
Why does a contact lens exam cost more than a regular eye exam?
A contact lens exam includes extra measurements, trial lenses, and fit evaluation that a regular eye exam does not. Many vision insurance plans cover the routine exam and treat the contact lens fitting separately, often with its own copay or allowance. Check with your plan before your visit so you know what to expect.
Can I use my glasses prescription to buy contacts?
No. A glasses prescription and a contact lens prescription are different. Glasses sit a short distance from your eyes, while contacts rest directly on them, so the power can differ. A contact lens prescription also includes the lens brand, base curve, and diameter, which only come from a contact lens fitting.
How long is a contact lens prescription good for?
In most cases, at least one year. Under federal rules, a contact lens prescription is generally valid for a minimum of one year unless your doctor has a medical reason for a shorter period. Your eye doctor must also give you a copy of your prescription once your fitting is complete.
Do I need a contact lens exam every year?
Most contact lens wearers should have one every year. Contacts sit on the surface of your eye, so yearly checks help catch problems like irritation, reduced oxygen to the cornea, or a change in prescription before they become serious. You will also need an up-to-date prescription to keep ordering lenses.
Can I wear contacts if I have astigmatism?
Yes, many people with astigmatism wear contacts comfortably. Toric contact lenses are designed to correct astigmatism, and Harvey & Lewis carries hard-to-find lenses including torics and multifocals. Your doctor will fit you with trial lenses during your exam to find the option that gives you the clearest, most comfortable vision.
Ready for contacts? When you request your eye exam, mention that you would like a contact lens fitting so we can plan the right amount of time. We serve patients at nine Connecticut locations, including Glastonbury, Enfield, Berlin, and Cheshire.
