Top Signs It's Time for a Contact Lens Exam

A contact lens exam is an essential procedure that ensures the health of your eyes when you're a contact lens wearer. It's more than just your general eye check-up. It involves specific tests and evaluations that take into account the fit and feel of your contacts. This exam is a crucial step in maintaining your vision and preventing potential eye problems.
 

But how often should you get this exam? Some optometrists recommend a yearly check-up, while others suggest a more frequent schedule depending on your eye health and the type of contacts you use. The key is to listen to your eye care professional and to be aware of the signs that it's time for another contact lens exam.
 

The Importance of Regular Contact Lens Exams

Why are regular contact lens exams important? It's not just about ensuring your prescription is up-to-date. These exams are vital in detecting early signs of eye diseases, which can be more prevalent in contact lens wearers. Also, they ensure that your lenses fit properly and aren't causing any damage to your eyes, like corneal scratches or infections.
 

Undergoing regular contact lens exams can also help improve your comfort when wearing contacts. If you've ever experienced dryness, itchiness, or general discomfort with your lenses, a contact lens exam can determine the cause and offer solutions. Whether it's switching to a different type or brand of lens or adjusting your cleaning routine, your optometrist can provide guidance based on your specific needs.
 

Additionally, regular contact lens exams are a proactive approach to eye care. By catching potential issues early, you can prevent them from developing into more severe problems that could potentially compromise your vision. Essentially, these exams are an investment in your eye health and your overall well-being.
 

First Sign: Unusual Eye Discomfort or Pain

The first, and perhaps most obvious, is unusual eye discomfort or pain. If you've been wearing contacts for a while, you know what feels normal and what doesn't. Any persistent discomfort or pain in your eyes is a clear sign that something is off.
 

This discomfort could be a sensation of grittiness, as though something is stuck in your eye. It could also manifest as a stinging or burning sensation. This could be due to ill-fitting contacts, an allergic reaction to your contact solution, or the onset of an eye infection.
 

Pain in the eyes is another significant red flag. Contact lenses should not cause pain. If you experience painful sensations, it could be due to a scratched cornea or an eye infection.
 

Second Sign: Changes in Vision Clarity

The second sign that it's time for a contact lens exam is a change in vision clarity. If you notice that your vision is becoming blurry or distorted, or if you're having trouble focusing, it might be time to schedule a check-up.
 

This could be a sign that your prescription needs updating, which is a common occurrence given that our vision tends to degrade over time. But it could also indicate underlying eye conditions like cataracts, macular degeneration, or glaucoma.
 

Another common issue is fluctuating vision, where your eyesight varies between clear and blurry. This could be caused by dry eyes, a common issue among contact lens wearers. Your optometrist can recommend treatments or changes to your lens care routine to help manage this issue.
 

Third Sign: Frequent Eye Infections

The third sign it's time for a contact lens exam is frequent eye infections. Do you often experience red, swollen eyes and a constant discharge? These are common symptoms of eye infections, which are more likely to occur in contact lens wearers due to the close contact of the lenses with the eye.
 

Eye infections can be caused by different factors, such as improper cleaning of the lenses, wearing contacts for longer than recommended, or using expired contact solution. Frequent eye infections can lead to more severe complications, like corneal ulcers.
 

Fourth Sign: Difficulty Adjusting to Light

The fourth sign that you need a contact lens exam is difficulty adjusting to light. If you find yourself squinting or experiencing discomfort in bright light, or if you're having trouble seeing in low-light conditions, it's time to pay a visit to your optometrist.
 

This difficulty in light adjustment could be due to several factors. It could be a symptom of an underlying health condition, or it could be a sign that your contacts are not fitting properly.
 

Fifth Sign: Increased Dryness or Eye Fatigue

The fifth and final sign that it's time for a contact lens exam is increased dryness or eye fatigue. If your eyes often feel dry, itchy, or tired, especially after prolonged periods of contact lens wear, it's a clear sign that something's not quite right.
 

Dry eyes can be a common issue for contact lens wearers, and it can be exacerbated by factors like staring at screens for extended periods or being in dry, air-conditioned environments. On the other hand, eye fatigue can be a sign that your eyes are working too hard to focus, which can indicate that your prescription needs updating.
 

Recognizing the Signs and the Importance of Timely Contact Lens Exams

Recognizing the signs that it's time for a contact lens exam is crucial to maintaining your eye health and ensuring your comfort as a contact lens wearer. By paying attention to unusual eye discomfort or pain, changes in vision clarity, frequent eye infections, difficulty adjusting to light, and increased dryness or eye fatigue, you can stay ahead of potential eye issues.
 

Regular contact lens exams are a vital part of your overall health care routine and play a significant role in preventing eye diseases and ensuring your vision remains clear and comfortable.
 

If you are experiencing any of these signs, it may be time for a contact lens exam. Visit Dr. Martin Hyman Optometrist at our office in Los Angeles, California. We are committed to taking care of your eyes and providing the best patient care. Please call (310) 208-3913 to schedule an appointment today.