Wearing contact lenses can be life-changing, offering freedom from glasses and crisp vision throughout the day. A contact lens exam is a crucial step that ensures your lenses not only sharpen your vision but also fit your eyes properly and protect your long-term eye health. This is especially true for specialty lenses, which require even greater precision and customization to deliver the comfort and clarity you deserve.
A contact lens exam goes beyond checking your prescription. During this appointment, your optometrist evaluates the shape and health of your cornea, measures how your eyelids and tear film interact with the lens, and ensures that your contacts sit comfortably on the eye. This process helps prevent irritation, infections, or other long-term complications that can occur if lenses don’t fit properly.
Specialty lenses are custom-designed to address unique vision needs, such as:
• Keratoconus or corneal irregularities - Scleral lenses vault over the cornea to provide sharper vision and increased comfort.
• Astigmatism - Toric lenses are specifically tailored to correct irregular curvature for clear vision.
• Presbyopia - Multifocal lenses help reduce the need for reading glasses.
• Myopia control – Specialty lenses such as orthokeratology (Ortho-K) or MiSight contact lenses can help slow the progression of nearsightedness in children and young adults.
Because these lenses are highly customized, a precise fitting is non-negotiable. Even small adjustments can make the difference between blurry, uncomfortable wear and exceptional, long-lasting vision.
Beyond vision correction, a contact lens exam helps your doctor spot early signs of eye conditions that could interfere with comfortable lens wear, such as dry eye disease or corneal damage. Regular exams allow your doctor to make proactive adjustments - ensuring your eyes stay healthy while you enjoy the freedom of contacts.
Your contact lens exam is more than just a routine check - it’s an essential step in protecting your vision and maximizing the comfort and clarity of your lenses. For patients with specialty lenses, the level of care and customization makes these exams even more important.
At Downtown Vision, we’re committed to helping you see clearly and comfortably with contact lenses designed for your unique needs. Whether you’re new to contacts or exploring specialty options, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. Contact our Carson City office at (775) 883-3977 to book an appointment today.