Getting a routine eye exam is important for the health of your eyes. However, it is not the same thing as getting a contact lens exam. If you wear contact lenses, then getting a contact lens exam is important so you can get well-fitting lenses. It will also ensure that the health of your eyes has not been harmed by the lenses. It is important for you to understand the differences between each type of exam.
 

What Is an Eye Exam?

When you get a comprehensive eye exam, you will be caring for your overall health. Whether your vision needs to be corrected or not, your eye doctor can find potential eye health problems. Your eye doctor can look for potential signs of issues, such as diabetes and hypertension.
 

During the comprehensive eye exam, your eye doctor can look for signs of glaucoma and see how sharp your vision is. Your eye doctor will also determine what the strength of your glasses prescription will be. Then your eye doctor can check the pressure in your eyes and see how well the eyes work together. You may have your eyes dilated to check for signs of serious health conditions or eye problems.
 

What Is a Contact Lens Exam?

If you have contacts or you want to get them, then you will need to have a contact lens exam. This will be in addition to your eye exam. First, your doctor will do special tests that will check your vision while wearing contacts.
 

In the first test, your eye surface will be measured. This will help your eye doctor in Wichita Falls, TX see what type and size of contacts you should get. Your eye doctor might do an evaluation of your tear film as well. This will help to ensure that your eyes will produce enough tears so you can wear contacts comfortably. If you have dry eyes, you may need to frequently use eye drops or be treated for dry eyes with prescription eye drops or dry eye procedures.
 

Once you have gotten the results from these tests, and have been properly fitted in contact lenses, the eye doctor can give you a prescription. Having all of the tests will help to ensure that the contact lenses will be right for your eyes.
 

It is important that you schedule a contact lens exam before getting contacts. A prescription for eyeglasses is not the same one that you need for contacts. The exam for eyeglasses assumes that the lenses will be about 12 millimeters away from your eyes. However, contact lenses are directly on the surface of your eyeball. If your prescription contacts do not fit your eyes properly, then the health of your eye can be compromised.
 

If you would like more information about the differences between the two exams or to schedule an exam, please contact Clarke EyeCare Center in Wichita Falls at 940-905-0700 today.