When it comes to maintaining good vision and eye health, regular eye exams are essential. However, not all eye exams are the same. Many patients are unsure about the difference between a regular eye exam and a contact lens exam. Understanding the distinction can help you make the best decision for your vision care needs, especially if you wear or are considering contact lenses.
 

What Is a Regular Eye Exam?

A regular eye exam is a comprehensive check-up that evaluates your overall eye health and vision. During this exam, your eye doctor will:
 

• Assess Your Vision: The doctor will determine if you have any refractive errors, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, and whether you need glasses to correct your vision.
   

• Examine Eye Health: Using specialized tools, your eye doctor will check the health of your eyes, looking for signs of conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration.
   

• Update Your Prescription: If needed, your prescription for glasses will be updated.
   

Regular eye exams are essential for detecting early signs of eye diseases, which are often easier to treat when caught early. Even if you don’t wear glasses or contacts, it’s recommended to have an annual exam to ensure your eyes remain healthy.
 

What Is a Contact Lens Exam?

A contact lens exam goes a step further than a regular eye exam. If you wear or are interested in wearing contact lenses, this exam focuses specifically on fitting you with the right lenses. During a contact lens exam, your eye doctor will:
 

• Assess Your Vision for Contacts: Like a regular eye exam, your vision will be assessed, but the prescription for contact lenses may differ slightly from that of glasses.
   

• Evaluate the Fit: Contact lenses need to fit the unique shape of your eyes. Your doctor will measure the curvature of your cornea and determine the correct size and type of lens that will provide the best comfort and vision.
   

• Check Tear Film: The doctor will check the moisture level of your eyes to ensure that contact lenses won’t cause excessive dryness or discomfort.
   

• Try Different Lenses: If you’re new to contacts, you’ll likely try different lenses to see which feel most comfortable. The doctor may give you a trial pair to wear for a few days to make sure the fit and vision are right.
   

Why Both Exams Matter

While a regular eye exam focuses on your general eye health and vision, a contact lens exam ensures that your lenses fit properly and won’t cause irritation or discomfort. A poorly fitted lens can lead to problems like blurry vision, eye strain, or even damage to the cornea.
 

How Often Should You Have Each Exam?

• Regular Eye Exam: It’s generally recommended to have a regular eye exam once a year, whether or not you wear glasses or contacts.
   

• Contact Lens Exam: If you wear contact lenses, you should also have an annual contact lens exam to check for changes in your prescription, eye health, or comfort.
   

Optimizing Your Vision and Eye Health with Advanced Eye Care and Optical

Both regular eye exams and contact lens exams are crucial to maintaining clear vision and healthy eyes. If you wear or are considering contact lenses, it’s important to schedule a contact lens exam in addition to your regular eye exam to ensure the best fit and comfort. 
 

At Advanced Eye Care and Optical, we’re here to help with all your vision needs. Contact our office in Jacksonville, Florida, by calling (904) 996-1533 to schedule your next exam today.