Contact Lenses

Entering the world of contact lenses for the first time may seem daunting – after all, it involves placing something in your eye. Let us guide you through the process, step by step, to ease your concerns about your contact lens exam at Thrive Eye + Optical.

Starting with a Comprehensive Eye Exam

The process begins with a thorough eye exam. Dr. Chin will assess both your eye health and vision. This includes a discussion of your medical history followed by a battery of standard eye tests. These tests cover aspects like eye focusing, teamwork between the eyes, depth perception, color vision, peripheral vision, and how your pupils respond to light. Dr. Chin will also gauge your eye's fluid pressure to check for signs of glaucoma. Additionally, he will evaluate your retina and optic nerve while testing your vision using different lenses to determine if contact lenses can improve your sight.

Discovering Your Contact Lens Preferences

If contact lenses are a suitable option for you, it's time to explore your preferences. This includes considerations such as enhancing or changing your eye color, choosing between daily disposable lenses or overnight wear options, and understanding the advantages and drawbacks of each. If you're over 40, Dr. Chin will likely discuss age-related vision changes and how contact lenses can address these specific needs. It’s important to remember contact lenses are a medical device and each patient has different needs.

Precision Measurements for Your Eyes

Contact lenses demand precise measurements for a comfortable fit. Using a specialized tool called a keratometer, Dr. Chin will assess the curvature of your eye's cornea, the transparent front surface. Furthermore, they'll determine the optimal pupil size by comparing your pupil to a card or ruler displaying various sizes.

Evaluating Tear Film

For those with dry eyes, a tear film evaluation is crucial. This assessment measures the quantity of tear film on your eye's surface. If your tear film is insufficient or you struggle with chronic dry eyes, contact lenses may not be the best choice. However, newer contact lens options can provide moisture to alleviate dry eye issues, making them a more suitable option. If your eyes are too dry, Dr. Chin may recommend treatment options to manage dry eye disease before finalizing a contact lens prescription.

The Contact Lens Fitting

The last step in the process involves fitting you with a trial pair of contact lenses. Once these lenses are in place, Dr. Chin will carefully examine their placement in your eyes, ensuring a proper fit. He will assess alignment and movement on the surface of your eye. If everything appears satisfactory, the final step is to confirm the prescription with a few additional tests. If it’s your first time with contacts, the staff at Thrive Eye + Optical will help train you to feel comfortable with the insertion, removal, and cleaning process of your contact lenses.

Your Turn to Experience It

Your contact lens exam is complete, but the journey continues. Typically, you'll wear the trial lenses for about a week. Afterward, you'll return for a brief follow-up exam to ensure the lenses are working effectively for you. Once confirmed, you can then order your supply of contact lenses.

If this marks your first contact lens exam, there's no need to fret. Schedule your appointment with Dr. Chin and we will guide you through the process, addressing any questions you may have along the way. Be sure to inform us of your interest in contact lenses so we can allocate the necessary time for consultation and specialized testing during your appointment.
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