A comprehensive eye exam for specialty contact lenses is performed to make sure a patient is a valid candidate for contact lenses. This exam includes multiple tests to better understand the eyes’ surface, shape, and functioning. Because of these procedures, the appointment will last longer than a traditional eye exam, but the result is worth it.
THE EXAM
- Medical Examination
- During this exam, the optometrist will inspect the eyes for any signs of eye conditions and diseases that can impair vision. These can include cataracts, glaucoma, or an infection.
- Corneal Topography
- This non-invasive procedure provides a three-dimensional map of the eye, so that our optometrists can evaluate the eye’s curvature. The cornea is responsible for about 70% percent of the eye’s focusing power and when it is uneven, blurred vision results.
- Pachymetry
- Pachymetry is a simple, painless exam to measure the cornea’s thickness. A small probe is placed onto the eye in a precise position for a few seconds to obtain the results. The cornea’s thickness can let us know if the eye is swollen and we monitor it regularly with specialty lens wear as thickness can fluctuate.
- Anterior Segment OCT
- The Anterior Segment OCT is a non-evasive technology that takes photographs of the cross-view of the cornea. These images will help the doctor review any corneal scarring, dystrophies, or ocular diseases. After careful review of the images, the doctors can find contact lenses to best fit your eyes' unique shape.
- Osmolarity Tear Testing
- During this non-evasive test, a small tear sample is collected and used to measure osmolarity – saltiness of tears. As the osmolarity of tears increases, the eye’s surface cells become damaged.
- Inflammadry® Tear Testing
- A non-evasive test, Inflammadry® collects a small number of tears from the lower eyelid and is used to detect the presence of MMP-9, a molecule that causes inflammation of the eye. If left untreated, inflammation can damage the eye’s surface and harm vision.
We would also like to remind you that several adjustments may be made to optimize the fit. If you for any reason, find the contact lenses to be uncomfortable or unclear, please reach out to our team so we can find the best fit for you.