A contact lens exam is different from a regular eye exam. Your doctor conducts additional tests to evaluate and measure your eyes for contact lens wear. Even patients who’ve been wearing contacts for years without problems need periodic fit evaluations from an eye doctor.
A contact lens fitting includes the eye and vision tests you’re used to as part of a routine eye exam. It also includes special tests and measurements specific to contact lens wear. In addition to vision correction, the size and type of contact lenses are included in the prescription.
Your eye anatomy, overall health, history of contact lens wear and other factors determine which tests are needed. In general, contact lens fittings can include:
Corneal topographyPhotokeratoscopy measures the transparent front surface of your eye (the cornea). Precise dimensions are needed to determine which contacts will fit you comfortably. This is a completely non-invasive procedure. Your eye doctor uses a computer-assisted diagnostic tool to create a 3D map of the curvature, shape and regularity of your cornea.
BiomicroscopySlit lamp exam lets the doctor examine your eyes microscopically, to detect abnormalities or changes caused by contact lens wear. The slit lamp is a binocular microscope with an adjustable light so the doctor can focus on specific parts of your eyes. You may need eye drops to dilate your pupils, or eye drops with fluorescein dye to highlight any damage on the surface of your eye.
Pupil & iris measurementMeasurement is done by holding a gauge (typically a card or ruler) near your eye, or by using an automated instrument. The diameter of your pupil and iris determine what size contact lenses you need.
Tear film evaluationEvaluation determines whether your eyes produce enough tears to be able to wear contact lenses. Patients with low tear production may be able to wear contact lenses made for dry eyes, or may be advised to avoid contact lenses (in cases of extremely dry eyes).
After the tests, your eye doctor will prescribe trial contact lenses and ask you to wear them for a few days before a follow-up exam. If this is your first time wearing contacts, you’ll be instructed on how to handle them properly to protect your eye health.
At your follow-up fitting, your doctor will conduct another exam to see how your eyes are adjusting, and to make sure the lenses aren’t putting your eye health at risk. Even if everything feels fine, poorly fitting lenses can lead to problems. Too small, and the lenses can restrict tear flow. Too big, and the lenses can shift around and harm the surface of your eye.
Some types of contacts (for example, contacts for patients with astigmatism) can take longer to find the right fit. Once both you and your doctor are happy with the way your contact lenses are fitting, your contact lens prescription is complete. You can order contacts in the store, or through our website.
Pricing for contact lens exams may vary based on the amount of testing and follow-up fittings required. If you have vision insurance, your plan may cover part of the cost of your contact lens fitting. We offer free insurance benefits checks so you can avoid surprise out-of-pocket costs – just call or stop by.
Our eye doctors accept CareCredit for contact lens exams, follow-up fittings and contact lenses. You can learn more about using CareCredit at Eye Boutique and apply online. Our eye doctors perform contact lens eye exams and fittings at six eye care centers in the Chicago metro region. Call to schedule, or book an exam online:
Contact lens fittings typically take longer than regular eye exams, so allow a little extra time in your schedule.
Frequently Asked QuestionsContact lens eye exams cost more than regular eye exams because they involve more tests, measurements, and evaluations to ensure a proper fit and minimize risk of damage to your eyes.
Eyeglass and contact lens prescriptions have very different properties. Eyeglass lenses are positioned about 10-15 millimeters from your eye, while contact lenses are directly on the eye’s surface. In addition to lens power and magnifying power, contact lens prescriptions include individual eye measurements (base curve and diameter) and a specific lens brand or material.
Contact lenses are considered medically necessary when the patient has a medical condition that prevents vision correction through prescription eyeglasses. Contacts can also be medically necessary to address specific conditions such as high ametropia or keratoconus.
The reason for medically necessary contact lenses is because most insurance providers won’t cover “elective” contact lenses. The definition of “medically necessary” can vary based on the type of vision insurance you have. We provide free coverage checks so you can understand what your plan covers.