Why Wearing Contacts Might Not Be Ideal for Your Eye Exam
When you are preparing for an eye exam, it's essential to consider how your contact lenses might affect the results. Here are some reasons why you might want to avoid wearing contacts during your visit:
1. Accurate Prescription Measurement
Wearing contacts can alter the shape of your cornea, which may lead to inaccurate measurements for your prescription. This is especially true if you wear soft lenses, which can temporarily change the curvature of your eye. By not wearing contacts, the eye care professional can assess your eyes in their natural state, helping to ensure a more accurate prescription.
2. Assessing Eye Health
An eye exam isn't just about checking your vision; it's also about evaluating your overall eye health. Wearing contacts can mask certain conditions, such as dry eyes or corneal issues. If you arrive at your appointment with contacts in, the eye doctor may not be able to detect underlying problems that could affect your eye health in the long run.
3. Fitting for New Lenses
If you are considering a new type of contact lens, your eye doctor will need to perform specific tests to determine the best fit. Wearing your current contacts may interfere with these tests, making it challenging to find the right lenses for you.
When Is It Acceptable to Wear Contacts to Your Eye Exam?
While it’s generally advisable to avoid contacts, there are situations where wearing them may be acceptable. Here are a few considerations:
1. Follow-Up Appointments
If you are attending a follow-up appointment for a specific eye condition or treatment, your eye doctor may ask you to wear your contacts to observe their effect on your eyes. In such cases, be sure to clarify with your eye doctor beforehand.
2. Routine Vision Check-Ups
If you are simply going for a routine vision check-up and your doctor has indicated it is fine, you may choose to wear your contacts. However, it is best to confirm this before your appointment.
What to Do Before Your Eye Exam
If you decide not to wear contacts for your upcoming eye exam, here are some steps to take to prepare:
- Remove Contacts Before the Appointment: It’s generally recommended to take out your contact lenses at least a few hours before your exam, especially if you wear soft lenses. This gives your eyes time to return to their natural shape.
- Bring Your Glasses: If you wear both glasses and contacts, bring your glasses to the appointment. This will allow you to see clearly if you need to wait for your eyes to adjust without contacts.
- Be Prepared for Questions: Your eye doctor may ask about your contact lens usage, such as how long you wear them daily and when you last had a new prescription. Be ready to answer these questions to provide a complete picture of your eye health.
How to Care for Your Eyes Leading Up to the Exam
To ensure your eyes are in the best possible condition for your exam, consider the following tips:
1. Avoid Eye Strain
In the days leading up to your eye exam, try to limit activities that may cause eye strain, such as prolonged screen time. If you must be on a computer or other digital devices, use the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
2. Stay Hydrated
Proper hydration can help maintain moisture in your eyes, which may be beneficial if you typically wear contacts. Drinking plenty of water can also prevent dryness, making your eyes more comfortable.
3. Get Plenty of Rest
Ensure you get enough sleep before your appointment. Tired eyes can affect your vision and may lead to inaccurate results during your exam.
After Your Eye Exam: What Comes Next?
Once your eye exam is complete, your eye doctor will discuss the findings and any necessary steps moving forward. Here’s what to expect:
1. New Prescription
If your prescription has changed, your eye doctor will provide you with a new prescription for glasses or contact lenses. If you are interested in trying new contact lenses, ask about options that could suit your lifestyle and vision needs.
2. Follow-Up Care
Depending on your eye health, your doctor may recommend follow-up appointments or additional tests. Be sure to schedule these as needed and follow any care instructions provided.
3. Contact Lens Fitting
If you plan to continue wearing contacts, discuss any new fitting requirements with your eye doctor. They may recommend special lenses or wearing schedules based on your eye health.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the question of do I wear contacts to eye exam is one that should be carefully considered. While wearing contacts can be convenient, removing them prior to your appointment is generally advisable for accurate assessments of your vision and overall eye health. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure that your eye exam goes smoothly and that you receive the best possible care for your vision needs. Always consult with your eye care professional if you have questions or concerns about your eye health and the use of contact lenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I wear my contact lenses to my eye exam?
It is generally recommended to avoid wearing contact lenses for at least a few hours before your eye exam, especially if you're having a prescription update or a comprehensive exam.
What happens if I wear contacts to my eye exam?
Wearing contacts can affect the results of certain tests, such as corneal measurements. The eye care professional may ask you to remove them for accurate assessments.
How long should I be out of my contacts before an eye exam?
It's usually advised to remove your contact lenses at least 2-3 hours before your appointment, but some doctors may recommend removing them the day before.
Can I wear daily disposable contacts to my eye exam?
Yes, if you're wearing daily disposables, you can wear them to your exam, but it's still best to take them out as advised by your eye care provider.
Will my eye doctor know if I wore contacts before the exam?
Your eye doctor can often tell if you've recently worn contacts due to changes in your eye's surface and moisture levels, which can affect their assessments.
What should I bring to my eye exam if I wear contacts?
Bring your current contact lenses, a copy of your prescription, and any solutions you use. It's also helpful to have your glasses as a backup.
