What Happens at a Contact Lens Exam (and Why It's Separate From Your Eye Exam)
If you wear contact lenses or want to start, your visit includes more than a standard eye exam. A contact lens exam adds measurements and a fitting that make sure your lenses are healthy for your eyes, comfortable and giving you clear vision. Here's what to expect at Uptown Eye Boutique in Johns Creek.
Why contacts need a separate exam
A glasses prescription and a contact lens prescription aren't the same. Glasses sit a short distance in front of your eyes, while contacts sit directly on the surface. That changes the lens power you need, and it means the lens has to physically fit your eye. A lens that's too tight or too loose can cause discomfort, blurry vision, or in some cases damage to the surface of the eye.
What the contact lens exam includes
Corneal measurements: the curvature and size of the front of your eye help determine which lenses will fit
Tear film check: your tears keep lenses comfortable, so Dr. Brian Schultz looks for signs of dry eye
Eye surface health: the cornea and eyelids are checked for irritation or other issues contacts could make worse
Trial lenses: you try a lens so Dr. Schultz can see how it centers and moves on your eye
Vision check with lenses in: making sure the power is right for both distance and, if needed, close work
Choosing the right lens
There are many types of contact lenses: daily disposables, two-week and monthly lenses, lenses that correct astigmatism, and multifocal lenses for people who need help with both near and far vision. The right choice depends on your prescription, your eyes, your lifestyle and how often you plan to wear them. Dr. Schultz will talk through the options with you.
Follow-up visits
For new wearers, or anyone switching to a new type of lens, a short follow-up visit is often recommended. It's a chance to check how the lenses are fitting after a few days of real-world wear and to adjust if something isn't quite right.
Dry eyes and contacts
Contacts and dry eye are closely linked. If your lenses feel scratchy by the end of the day, your eyes look red, or your vision fluctuates while wearing them, mention it. Read our guide on dry eye symptoms or learn about our dry eye treatment in Johns Creek.
Ready to book?
Learn more about our contact lens exams in Johns Creek. A contact lens fitting is done together with a comprehensive eye exam, so your overall eye health is checked at the same visit.
Frequently asked questions
Does vision insurance cover a contact lens exam?
Many plans treat the contact lens fitting separately from the routine eye exam, and coverage varies. Our team can check your benefits; see the insurance plans we accept.
How long is a contact lens prescription good for?
Contact lens prescriptions are usually valid for one year, because the fit and health of your eyes can change.
Can children wear contacts?
Many children and teens wear contacts successfully. Contact lenses are also one option for slowing nearsightedness in kids; see our guide to myopia control.
Uptown Eye Boutique is open Monday through Saturday in Johns Creek, GA. Comprehensive eye exams are provided by Dr. Brian Schultz, OD.
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