When it’s time for your eye examination, you may find yourself asking: should I take my contact lenses out before the appointment? The answer isn’t a straightforward yes or no—it largely depends on the type of eye exam you are scheduled for and the specific instructions provided by your eye care professional. Understanding the differences between various types of eye exams and the reasons behind these recommendations can help ensure the most accurate assessment of your eye health and vision.
Understanding Different Types of Eye Exams
Eye care encompasses a variety of examinations, each serving a unique purpose in maintaining your ocular health. Two primary types of exams commonly conducted are the comprehensive eye exam and the contact lens exam. A comprehensive eye exam evaluates your overall eye health and vision, aiming to detect any potential issues early on. On the other hand, a contact lens exam is specifically designed to fit you for contact lenses, ensuring they are comfortable, offer clear vision, and do not harm your eyes.
Comprehensive Eye Exam vs. Contact Lens Exam
During a comprehensive eye exam, your eye doctor checks for refractive errors (such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism) and assesses your eye health to screen for diseases. This process may include a variety of tests to examine your vision quality, eye pressure, and the structure of your eyes. For this type of exam, wearing your everyday vision correction, such as glasses or contact lenses, allows the optometrist to understand how you typically see on a daily basis.
However, if your visit is primarily for a contact lens fitting or a follow-up to check the fit and health of your eyes with contacts, wearing your lenses to the appointment is crucial. This allows your eye care provider to observe how well the contacts fit, how your eyes are adjusting to them, and to make any necessary adjustments.
Preparing for Your Eye Exam
It’s advisable to be as prepared as possible for your eye exam to ensure accurate results. If instructed to remove your contact lenses before the exam, generally, it’s recommended to do so at least two hours prior. This allows your corneas to return to their natural shape, uninfluenced by the contact lenses. Bringing your glasses with you, even if you plan to wear contacts to the exam, can be helpful for parts of the exam where contacts need to be removed.
The Importance of Following Instructions
Following the specific instructions given by your eye care provider regarding contact lens wear before an exam is crucial for several reasons. Contact lenses can temporarily alter the shape of your cornea, affecting certain measurements and tests. Incorrect preparation for an eye exam can lead to inaccurate prescriptions, delayed diagnosis of potential eye conditions, or improper contact lens fittings.
Schedule Your Eye Exam Today
If you’re due for an eye exam or have any concerns about your eye health or vision, Opti-Care is here to provide you with comprehensive eye care services tailored to your needs. Whether you’re a long-term contact lens wearer or considering them for the first time, our experienced team will guide you through the process, ensuring your eyes are well taken care of.
Don’t wait any longer to prioritize your eye health. Contact Opti-Care today at (410) 795-8670 or fill out our online form to schedule your eye exam. Our practice is conveniently located in Eldersburg, MD, and our team is ready to provide you with personalized, attentive care.