FAQ: Contact Lens Exams

A contact lens exam includes more than a routine vision check. It typically involves measuring your prescription, evaluating the shape and health of your eyes, and determining which type of contact lenses may work best for your vision and comfort. The goal is to make sure your lenses fit properly and support clear, healthy vision.

A regular eye exam checks your overall vision and eye health, while a contact lens exam adds testing specific to contact lens wear. This includes corneal measurements, tear film evaluation, and lens fitting. If you want to wear contacts, a contact lens exam is an important extra step.

Yes. A glasses prescription and a contact lens prescription are not the same. Contact lenses sit directly on the eye, so the prescription and fit need to be evaluated separately to help ensure comfort, clarity, and safety.

Most patients should have a contact lens exam once a year. Annual visits help confirm that your prescription is still accurate and that your eyes are tolerating your lenses well. Regular follow-up care can also help catch early signs of dryness, irritation, or fit-related problems.

In many cases, trial lenses may be available on the day of your appointment, depending on your prescription and the type of lenses recommended. Some specialty or less common prescriptions may need to be ordered. Your doctor can let you know what to expect during your visit.

A contact lens exam may lead to recommendations for daily disposable lenses, monthly lenses, toric (astigmatism) lenses, multifocal lenses, or other specialty options. The right choice depends on your prescription, eye shape, tear quality, and lifestyle.

They can be, especially when dryness is properly evaluated during the exam. If you have dry eye symptoms, your doctor can recommend lens materials, replacement schedules, or scleral lenses that may feel more comfortable. In some cases, treating dryness first can improve your contact lens experience.

Yes, many patients with astigmatism can successfully wear contact lenses. Special toric lenses are designed to correct astigmatism while maintaining stable vision. A proper contact lens exam helps determine whether these lenses are a good fit for your eyes.

Yes. Multifocal contact lenses are often a good option for adults who need help seeing both near and far. During your contact lens exam, our doctor in Reno can determine whether multifocal lenses fit your vision goals and whether your eyes are a good match for them.

It is helpful to bring your current glasses, your current contact lenses (if you wear them), and any prescription information you have. If possible, bring the brand or box details of your current contact lenses as well. This can make it easier to compare your current fit and prescription.

In many cases, wearing your current contact lenses to the appointment can help your doctor assess how they fit and perform. If needed, we can give you a contact lens case at the office so you can remove them during your visit.

A contact lens exam is usually straightforward, but the total time can vary depending on whether you are new to contact lenses, updating an existing prescription, or being fitted for a specialty lens. If extra testing or trial fitting is needed, the visit may take a little longer than a standard eye exam.

Yes, many teenagers are good candidates for contact lenses. A contact lens exam can help determine whether the patient is ready to handle lenses responsibly and whether contacts are appropriate for their prescription and lifestyle. Maturity, hygiene, and follow-through all matter.

Discomfort can be a sign that your prescription, lens material, or fit needs to be adjusted. It can also point to dryness or irritation. A contact lens exam helps identify the cause so your doctor can recommend a better option instead of leaving you to guess.