Did you know a contact lens exam is different from a regular eye exam? It’s essential if you’re new to contact lenses or need a new prescription. Having a professional contact lens fitting is crucial, and while it may be tempting to buy contact lenses online, choosing reputable sources and having up-to-date prescriptions are essential for your eye health and safety. With a valid prescription and proper fitting, you can shop online for the best deals from trusted retailers.

Choosing the Right Contact Lenses

You’ll soon find that there’s a wide variety of contact lenses to choose from. Lens manufacturers continually develop innovations in materials, wearing durations, sizes, and colours, so you’ll find options tailored to your needs.

In Australia, approximately 13% of the population wears contact lenses, with many now opting for daily disposables over reusable options. However, what works for one person may not be ideal for another, which is why a contact lens fitting is so important in finding the perfect lens type for you.

Making an Appointment

When scheduling your exam, let your optometrist know that you’ll need a contact lens prescription, so they can allocate enough time for all the necessary tests. Having both your general eye and contact lens exams with the same optometrist will save you time and ensure consistent care.

What to Expect at Your First Contact Lens Exam

Your appointment will start with a consultation where the optometrist will ask about your medical history and lifestyle. The days of one-size-fits-all contact lenses are long gone; your optometrist will consider your overall health, hobbies, and work environment to determine which lenses are best suited to you.

The exam begins with a standard eye check-up. Your optometrist will determine your prescription and refractive error using different lenses and eye charts. They will also perform tests to see how well your eyes work together and use a slit lamp to examine your eye health. An eye pressure test, where a quick puff of air is directed at your eye to check for glaucoma, may also be conducted. Most of these tests are slightly uncomfortable but not painful.

Finally, your optometrist may dilate your pupils to examine the health of your retina at the back of your eye.

The Contact Lens Fitting Process

Your optometrist will perform several measurements to ensure your contact lenses fit correctly. Here’s what to expect:

1. Corneal Measurement

During your contact lens fitting, your optometrist will measure the curvature of your cornea using a keratometer. This step is essential because the cornea, the transparent front part of the eye, needs to be precisely measured to ensure the lens fits comfortably and securely. Sometimes, a corneal topographer may also be used to create a detailed surface map of your eye, which provides a highly accurate measurement of the cornea’s shape.

Your optometrist may require additional information if specific visual needs are present, such as astigmatism or presbyopia. Astigmatism, a common condition caused by irregularities in the curvature of the cornea or lens, can often be corrected with toric lenses, which are specially designed to fit these unique curves. For presbyopia, which affects both near and distance vision, multifocal lenses may be recommended, offering a convenient solution to address multiple vision needs.

Additionally, in some cases, your optometrist may perform a wavefront measurement. This advanced test helps reveal any minor irregularities in the eye’s structure and can further confirm if astigmatism is present.

2. Pupil and Iris Measurements

Your optometrist will measure your pupil and iris, often using a ruler, although some optometrists may use a digital measuring tool. These measurements are important to ensure that your lenses align well with your eye and look natural.

3. Tear Film Evaluation

 Many contact lens wearers experience dry eyes, which can cause discomfort and potential damage to the eye’s surface if not properly managed. To check your eye’s moisture levels, your optometrist will place a small strip of paper under your lower eyelid to measure tear production. In cases of severe dryness, they may advise against wearing contact lenses altogether. However, if dryness is manageable, they may recommend moisture-retaining lenses like Dailies Total 1, designed for all-day comfort.

If you’re considering trying these lenses, there’s currently a Huge Overstock Sale on Dailies Total 1, making it a great time to buy them at a discounted price.

After the Contact Lens Fitting

After your initial fitting, you’ll have a follow-up appointment. If the lenses are comfortable and your vision is clear, you’re set! However, some people may need to try different lenses to find the right fit. If you have dry eyes, your optometrist may test other lenses to determine which performs best with limited moisture.

Your final prescription will include details like lens power, base curve, and diameter, which are all needed for ordering contacts. With a current prescription, you can buy lenses from your optometrist or online.

In Australia, it’s recommended to have a contact lens exam yearly. Regular exams ensure your lenses are safe, effective, and help detect any early signs of eye conditions.

Why Choose Savelens as Your Trusted Retailer for Contact Lenses?

When it comes to buying contact lenses, it’s essential to rely on a trusted retailer that prioritises both quality and customer satisfaction. Savelens has built its reputation by offering a broad selection of high-quality contact lenses from leading brands at competitive prices. Each product in our range meets the highest standards, ensuring comfort and safety for wearers.
At Savelens, we understand that contact lens wearers have diverse needs. That’s why we provide an array of options—daily disposables to monthly lenses—to match any lifestyle or preference. Our dedicated team works to keep prices affordable, so you don’t have to compromise on quality to get a great deal. Plus, our user-friendly website makes it simple to browse, select, and order your lenses from the comfort of home.
By keeping your prescription up-to-date with a professional eye exam and purchasing your contact lenses from a trusted source like Savelens, you can enjoy both convenience and peace of mind knowing that your eye health is in good hands.

SHOP NOW