If you wear contact lenses, you may be wondering whether you really need a yearly contact lens exam. The short answer is yes. A yearly contact lens exam helps maintain both clear vision and the long-term health of your eyes. This check-up helps your optometrist confirm that your contacts fit correctly and are giving you the best possible sight.
The Difference Between a Regular Eye Exam & a Contact Lens Exam
A contact lens exam includes several extra steps beyond a comprehensive eye exam. Think of it as a customized evaluation to make sure your lenses fit and function properly for your eyes.
What a Regular Eye Exam Covers
During a regular comprehensive eye exam, we check your overall eye health and determine your prescription for glasses. This gives us a broad overview of your vision and helps us screen for eye conditions. It’s the foundation of your vision care.
Extra Steps for a Contact Lens Evaluation
A contact lens exam adds specific measurements to find the right fit, material, and type of lens for you. It’s a highly personalized process. As part of the process, we will:
- Measure the curve of your cornea to match the lens shape
- Measure the size of your pupil & iris to select the right lens diameter
- Evaluate your tear film to check for signs of dryness
- Assess the fit of the lens as it rests & moves on your eye
Why You Need an Annual Contact Lens Prescription Renewal
An expired prescription is more than just an inconvenience—it’s a signal that it’s time for a check-up. Yearly exams contribute to your health by keeping your prescription and your eye health aligned. These appointments are a proactive part of your routine.
Check the Health of Your Eyes
Contact lenses can reduce the amount of oxygen that reaches your cornea—the clear front surface of your eye. An annual evaluation allows your doctor to look for any changes, such as redness or new blood vessels. Following proper contact lens care is vital, and this yearly check helps us catch potential problems before they grow serious.
Confirm the Fit of Your Lenses
Your eyes can change over time, and so can the way your contact lenses fit. A lens that was comfortable last year might not be the best option for you now. Our contact lens fitting process ensures we find the right match, as a poor fit can lead to discomfort, blurry vision, or even damage to your cornea over time.
Update Your Vision Prescription
It’s quite common for your eyesight to change subtly from one year to the next. A new exam makes sure your prescription is up-to-date, so you can see as clearly as possible. This helps reduce eye strain and headaches associated with an old prescription.
Risks if You Skip Your Yearly Contact Exam
Skipping your annual contact lens exam can raise your risk of preventable issues. Staying on schedule with your appointments helps protect your vision and your comfort. It’s a simple way to keep your eyes feeling good.
Discomfort & Poor Vision
Wearing contacts with an outdated prescription or an improper fit can cause digital eye strain, headaches, and blurry vision. You might also notice that your lenses feel dry or less comfortable than they used to. These are often signs that something needs to be adjusted.
Potential for Eye Health Problems
An ill-fitting contact lens can cause tiny scratches on your cornea, which may increase the chance of a serious eye infection like keratitis. Regular exams help us spot these issues early, often before you even notice them. Keeping your eyes healthy is our main goal.
Common Questions About Contact Lens Exams
It’s completely normal to have questions about the process, and we’re always happy to answer them. Here are a few common inquiries we hear from people who wear contacts. We hope these answers give you a bit more clarity.
Do I Need an Exam if I Only Wear Contacts Sometimes?
Yes, we still recommend an annual exam. Even if you only wear contacts on occasion, they still interact directly with your eyes. An annual check-up confirms that your eyes are healthy and that your lenses fit correctly.
How Long Is a Contact Lens Prescription Good For?
In most cases, a contact lens prescription is valid for one year. After that, you’ll need a new exam to renew your prescription and purchase more lenses.
Can I Use My Glasses Prescription for Contacts?
No, the two prescriptions are different and can’t be interchanged. A prescription for glasses is designed for lenses that sit about 12 millimeters away from your eyes, while a contact lens prescription accounts for a lens sitting directly on your eye’s surface, which requires different power and measurements.
Schedule Your Contact Lens Exam with Optometrists in Minneapolis
Your yearly contact lens exam is a key part of your overall health routine. It’s an opportunity to check on your eye health, confirm your prescription is accurate, and explore new lens options. Modern contact lens technologies may offer better comfort or convenience for your lifestyle.
Vision Insurance & Payment Options
Many vision insurance plans can help cover the cost of contact lens exams and materials. You may also be able to use funds from a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA). We can help you understand your options.
Keep Your Vision Comfortable
At Perspectives Vision Clinic, we’re dedicated to your eye health. We want to help you see clearly and comfortably in your contact lenses. If it’s time for your annual exam, we invite you to book an appointment with our optometrists in Minneapolis.
