Contact Lenses and Eye Exams: What You Need to Know

Do you often find yourself contemplating whether to take off your contact lenses before an eye exam? Worry not—we’re here to clear up all the confusion. Read on as Lumen Optometric explains why, when, and how your contact lenses may impact your examination results.

Should You Wear or Not Wear Contact Lenses for an Eye Exam?

Eye exams sometimes involve more than just reading a standard eye chart. There can be several tests, each targeting a different aspect of your eye health. The primary concern with leaving your lenses in during the exam is the potential for inaccuracies. Contact lenses can disguise certain eye conditions or changes in your prescription. They might also obscure indications of dry eye, a condition that demands effective treatment early on.

As such, it is preferable to take contact lenses out at least two hours before the appointment. Doing so allows your cornea to revert to its natural shape—which can be altered by prolonged contact lens wear—ensuring a more accurate examination.

Discussing Your Contact Lens Concerns During an Eye Examination

During your eye exam, be sure to discuss your contact lens experiences with your eye care provider. This way, they can evaluate your eyes with them on and off. For instance, if you mention issues with blurry vision or eye fatigue, they might consider a neurolens treatment, a revolutionary option for correcting misalignments and bringing comfort. Likewise, if you’re a candidate for scleral lenses, they will have a specialized understanding of your contact lens fitting. Lenses should not just correct vision but should also promote overall eye health.

Reach Out to Lumen Optometric

Taking off your contact lenses before an eye exam is often beneficial, allowing your optometrist to conduct a more comprehensive and precise test. For any of your eye health concerns, look no further than Lumen Optometric! Call us at (626) 921-0199, or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.