Should I Wear My Contacts to an Eye Exam?
The short answer is: generally, no, you shouldn't wear your contact lenses to your eye exam. While it might seem logical to wear them, doing so can actually hinder your eye doctor's ability to perform a thorough and accurate examination. This is because contact lenses can obscure the doctor's view of your cornea and other parts of your eye. Let's explore why this is important and what you should expect during your visit.
Why Shouldn't I Wear My Contacts to My Eye Exam?
Your optometrist or ophthalmologist needs a clear, unobstructed view of your eyes to accurately assess your overall eye health. Contact lenses, even daily disposables, can temporarily alter the shape of your cornea and mask underlying conditions. This can lead to inaccurate prescriptions and missed diagnoses. Specific reasons include:
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Accurate Refraction: The process of determining your prescription (refraction) relies on a clear view of your cornea. Contacts can distort this view, resulting in an inaccurate prescription that could lead to blurry vision with your glasses or contacts.
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Corneal Health Assessment: Your doctor needs to examine your cornea for signs of dryness, infection, abrasions, or other issues. Contact lenses prevent this direct observation.
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Intraocular Pressure Measurement (IOP): This measurement is crucial for detecting glaucoma, a serious eye condition. Contact lenses can interfere with accurate IOP readings.
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Detection of other eye conditions: Many eye conditions, such as keratoconus (a corneal thinning disorder) or early signs of macular degeneration, are better detected without contact lenses obscuring the view.
What If I Only Wear My Contacts Occasionally?
Even if you only wear your contacts occasionally, it's still best to remove them before your eye exam. Your doctor needs a baseline assessment of your eyes without any external influences.
How Long Before My Exam Should I Remove My Contacts?
This varies depending on the type of contact lenses you wear. Your doctor will likely provide specific instructions, but generally, it's recommended to remove:
- Daily disposables: At least several hours before your exam. This allows your cornea to return to its natural shape.
- Extended-wear lenses: At least a day or two before your exam (again, follow your doctor's advice).
- Other types of contacts: Ask your doctor for their specific recommendation.
What Happens During My Eye Exam Without Contacts?
Your doctor will likely perform several tests, including:
- Visual acuity test: Checking your vision with an eye chart.
- Refraction: Determining your prescription using phoropters and other tools.
- Slit-lamp examination: A detailed examination of your eye's structures with a microscope.
- IOP measurement (tonometry): Measuring pressure inside your eye.
- Eye muscle testing: Evaluating your eye alignment.
What if I Forget to Remove My Contacts?
If you accidentally wear your contacts to your appointment, inform your doctor immediately. They may still be able to conduct parts of the exam, but some tests might need to be rescheduled.
By removing your contacts before your eye exam, you're ensuring that you receive the most accurate and comprehensive eye care possible. It's a small step that contributes significantly to maintaining your eye health. Always communicate clearly with your eye doctor and follow their specific instructions for the best results.
