A Contact Lens Prescription Requires More Than an Eye Exam
The First Step Toward Successful Contact Lens Wear
A common question we hear is: can I use my glasses prescription for contacts? The answer is no; a contact lens prescription is separate from a glasses prescription. Because contact lenses sit directly on the surface of your eyes, additional measurements and evaluations are needed to determine which lenses are appropriate for your vision, eye health, and lifestyle. Whether you're new to contacts or choosing between daily vs monthly contacts, a contact lens exam helps us find the right fit.
What Happens During a Contact Lens Exam?
Your contact lens exam begins with a comprehensive evaluation of your vision and eye health. We then take additional measurements to assess factors that influence lens fit, comfort, and visual performance.
During your visit, we may evaluate:
- Corneal shape and curvature
- Tear quality and eye surface health
- Current contact lens fit
- Prescription changes
- Lifestyle and visual needs
These measurements help us determine which contact lenses may be the best option for your eyes.
Finding the Right Contact Lens for You
No single contact lens works for everyone. A common decision patients face is choosing between daily and monthly contacts, and the answer depends on lifestyle, budget, and eye health. Some patients do well with traditional soft contact lenses, while others benefit from specialty lenses designed for more complex vision needs.
Dry eye symptoms can make contact lens wear challenging, but they don't always mean you have to stop wearing contacts.
During your exam, we evaluate tear quality and ocular surface health to determine whether dry eye may be affecting comfort. In some cases, changing lens materials, replacement schedules, or lens designs can make a significant difference.
For patients experiencing ongoing symptoms, we may also recommend dry eye treatment options to support more comfortable lens wear.
Some patients require more than a standard contact lens fitting.
We provide specialty contact lens fittings for patients with keratoconus, irregular corneas, high prescriptions, and other vision challenges that may not be adequately addressed with traditional contact lenses.
These fittings require additional measurements and follow-up care to ensure the lenses perform as intended.
Contact lenses can play an important role in managing childhood myopia.
For children with progressive nearsightedness, we offer myopia management options including MiSight® contact lenses and ortho-k. Our team uses Maya Myopia Mapping technology to monitor changes over time and help families make informed decisions about treatment.
No. Contact lenses require a separate prescription.
Because contact lenses sit directly on the eye, factors such as lens fit, eye shape, and eye health must be evaluated before a prescription can be finalized.
A contact lens exam allows us to determine which lenses are appropriate and ensure they fit safely and comfortably.
Schedule Your Contact Lens Exam
Whether you're exploring contact lenses for the first time, replacing an existing prescription, or looking for specialty contact lens options, our team at Anderson Lane Vision Source is here to help.