What’s The Difference Between an Eye Exam for Glasses and Contact Lens Exam?

Corrective lenses are the most common way to treat vision problems. You need to get an eye examination before you can get corrective lenses. An eye exam will help determine the condition of your eyes as well as the type of lens and prescription. 

 

If you choose to wear contact lenses, you will need a different exam. A contact lens exam helps ensure that the lenses fit correctly and that the eyes are healthy. It is important to understand the difference between a regular eye exam and a contact lens exam.

 

Comprehensive Eye Exam

Regular eye exams are important, regardless of whether you have a problem with your vision or not. During the eye exam, the doctor will:

 

• Check for glaucoma
  
   

• Test how sharp your vision is
  
   

• Evaluate your eye teaming
  
   

• Check the pressure of the fluid in your eyes
  
   

Prescription for Glasses

During an eye exam, the doctor will check your visual acuity as well as any refractive error. The exam will help determine your prescription strength. If you need glasses, the doctor will use the results of the eye exam to determine your prescription. 

 

A vision test will be used to calculate your prescription. An eye chart will help determine how well you can see at various distances. It is possible to get an online vision test to find out your prescription strength. There are, however, benefits to getting an in-person eye exam. 

 

Contact Lens Exam

During the contact eye exam, the doctor will carry out a number of tests to have a better understanding of your eyes and vision. One of the tests will involve measuring the surface of the eye to determine the right type and size of contacts. 

 

The doctor may also evaluate the tear film to ensure that the patient has enough tears. This will make the wearing of contacts more comfortable. The tests will allow the doctor to come up with a prescription that will help you see perfectly.

 

Eyeglass and Contact Lens Prescription

It is important to realize that eyeglass prescriptions cannot substitute for contact lens prescriptions. The two exams are different, and they produce different prescription results. The eyeglass prescription takes measurements for lenses that are about 12 millimeters from the eyes. 

 

Improper prescription or fitting of contact lenses can lead to serious eye damage. Contact lens prescriptions use measurements for lenses that are placed directly on the eye surface. After you get the correct fit, you can determine the type of contacts that you want.

 

Cost of Contact Lens Exams

Contact lens exams are generally more expensive than regular exams for glasses. The reason for the higher cost is the additional tests that are required to evaluate the eye shape and size. Contact lenses are considered to be medical devices.

 

Whether you choose to wear contacts or eyeglasses, it is important to get regular eye exams. An annual eye examination will reveal whether you have new vision problems or not.


 

For more information on the different types of eye exams, visit Lakhani Vision Care at our office in Marietta, Georgia. You can call 770.509.9932 today to schedule an appointment.