What Makes a Contact Lens Exam Different From a Routine Eye Exam

Many patients assume that a contact lens exam is the same as a routine eye exam - but while the two are related, they are not interchangeable. If you’re interested in wearing contact lenses or already wear them, a contact lens exam is a necessary and important step to protect your eye health and ensure clear, comfortable vision.

At Mission Family Optometry, our eye doctor in Granada Hills, CA, Dr. Hovhannisyan and his experienced team take a personalized approach to contact lens care, making sure each patient receives lenses that fit properly and support long-term eye health.

What Is a Routine Eye Exam?

A routine eye exam focuses on evaluating your overall eye health and vision. During this exam, your optometrist checks how well you see, determines whether you need glasses, and screens for eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease.

This type of exam typically includes:

• Vision testing to measure clarity at various distances
• A refraction test to determine your glasses prescription
• Eye health evaluations, including the retina and optic nerve
• Assessment of eye alignment and movement

Comprehensive eye exams are essential for maintaining healthy vision, but they do not provide enough information to safely prescribe contact lenses.

Why Contact Lens Exams Are Different

Contact lenses sit directly on the surface of your eyes, which means they require a higher level of precision than glasses. A contact lens exam builds upon the routine eye exam and includes additional measurements and evaluations to ensure your lenses fit correctly and feel comfortable.

Specialized Measurements for Contact Lenses

During a contact lens exam, your eye doctor measures the unique shape and curvature of your cornea. These measurements help determine the correct lens size and fit for your eyes. Even a slight mismatch can affect comfort and visual clarity.

Your exam may include:

• Corneal curvature measurements
• Evaluation of tear film quality to assess dryness
• Examination of the front surface of the eye

These details are not typically required for glasses prescriptions but are essential for contact lens success.

Evaluating Lens Fit and Comfort

Once initial measurements are complete, trial contact lenses may be placed on your eyes. Dr. Hovhannisyan will evaluate how the lenses sit, move, and interact with your eyes when you blink. Proper lens movement is critical for comfort and oxygen flow to the eye.

Your feedback also matters. You’ll be asked how the lenses feel and how well you can see with them. Adjustments may be made to find the best option for your lifestyle and visual needs.

Take the Next Step Toward Healthier, Clearer Vision

While routine comprehensive eye exams and contact lens exams share some similarities, they serve different purposes. A contact lens exam includes specialized measurements, fit assessments, and education that go far beyond a standard eye exam. These extra steps help ensure that your contact lenses are comfortable, effective, and safe for your eyes.

Whether you need a routine eye exam or a contact lens exam, Mission Family Optometry is here for you. Visit our office in Granada Hills, California, or call (818) 360-7522 to book an appointment today.