What Is a Contact Lens Exam?
A contact lens exam is an essential step in finding the best possible match for your contact lenses. The assessments performed during your appointment are necessary for finding appropriate measurements for your unique eyes.
The contact lens exam can also help determine if you’re a good candidate for contact lenses. You may love the idea of swapping your glasses for contacts, but wearing and cleaning your lenses every day might be challenging.
For some patients, wearing contact lenses may not be the best choice for their eye health. For example, patients with dry eye are usually poor candidates for traditional contact lenses. While there are options, discussing your unique eye care needs with your eye doctor is the first step in discovering which contact lens type is best for you.
A contact lens exam is not the same as a comprehensive eye exam. While an evaluation of your eye health and visual acuity is part of the testing, it’s not as in-depth as your routine eye exam. A contact lens exam focuses more on the surface of your eye—where the contact lens rests—rather than structures at the back of the eye.
What to Expect from an Exam & Fitting
Determining your prescription and assessing your eye health during an exam is only part of finding an appropriate pair of contact lenses. After an exam, the measurement and eye health evaluations are used to determine your fit.
A fitting is essential for customizing a contact lens made for your unique eyes. Various assessments are used to help inform the best possible fit, including:
At a fitting, first-time wearers are provided instructions for contact lens care, including how to wear their lenses safely. The patient may also practice inserting and removing the lens.
After the initial fitting appointment, patients are given a trial pair to take home. Patients can practice wearing the lenses and have time to discover whether the lenses are a good fit. Sometimes it can take a few trial pairs before discovering the style, features, or fit that works best for you.
Contact Lens Types
Deciding on contact lens type is another part of finding your fit. For first-time wearers, the decision can be challenging, as there are advantages and disadvantages to all types. Unless a patient is prescribed a specific type for treatment purposes, the choice is typically a personal preference.
There are 2 main types: rigid gas permeable (RGP) and soft contact lenses. First-time wearers may need to try both before settling on their preference.
Rigid Gas Permeable Lenses
Rigid gas permeable (RGP) contacts are sometimes referred to as hard contacts, as their firm material has limited flexibility. RGP lenses are durable and made for long-term use. Typically, RGP lenses provide sharper vision compared to soft lenses.
It can take longer to adjust to RGP contact lenses initially. Patients also need to wear the lenses consistently to maintain tolerance.
Soft Lenses
Soft contact lenses are called “soft” because they’re made of flexible material. Typically, the soft lenses feel more comfortable during the initial adjustment period. The lenses fit closely, allowing the lens to stay better on the eye, benefiting active wearers. Soft contact lenses are also available in multiple options, including daily disposable or extended wear.
Hybrid Lenses
Hybrid contact lenses combine many of the best features of RGP and soft contact lenses. The firm center is similar to an RGP lens as it provides sharper vision. The outer skirt is like a soft lens, allowing for a closer, more comfortable fit.
Hybrid lenses can also provide another option for patients who may not be good candidates for soft contact lenses. For example, patients with astigmatism or cornea conditions.
Our Contact Lens Brands
Air Optix, Dailies, Avairia, Biofinity, Clariti, MyDay, Proclear, Acuevue, Biotrue, Infuse, PureVision, SoftLens, and Ultra
Find Your Contact Solutions
At the Griffey Eye Care & Laser Center, we’re committed to helping our patients achieve clearer vision. When you’re ready for your new contacts, whether it’s your first pair or an update, contact us. We can help you find the best possible fit for your vision and eye care needs. Request an appointment today!
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Order your contacts the Abby way. The friendly and easy way to order your contact lenses – from your eye doctor that you already know and trust. Ordering through Abby ensures that you have an easy, convenient, and secure contact lens ordering experience. You can track your orders, see your prescription at any time, and stay up to date on details like when your prescription will expire.
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I recently went to my family doctor for pain I’d been having in my eye that was moving down my neck. I’d been waiting to have an MRI scheduled, and it was taking forever. I wanted to get a second opinion about what course of action should be taken. My husband and daughter are both patients at this practice and have always received stellar treatment. Dr. Griffey took very good care of me and went the extra step to send a letter to my family doctor while I was still there to concur with what they had said and also confirm that he would suggest an MRI as well. I was very impressed with him and his patient care. And, I appreciate the staff (particularly Tara and Benita) in scheduling me in as soon as possible. I would highly recommend this practice! Thank you all again for your help.
Beth K
I was referred to Dr. Griffey by several people. I was told he was an excellent ophthalmologist, and they were right. This was my first time meeting him and he made me feel so safe, comfortable and confident that he was providing me with the best and most knowledgeable treatment I could ask for. As I sat in the chair, I observed him interact with a baby he kissed on the forehead, it was so special to see him do that because it showed a gentle side of him, and his interaction with his assistants was nice, professional and straight to the point of what he needed in order to help his patient, I remember him saying to one of them that he was not going to let me leave until he reviewed a report from another doctor about my condition and that really made me feel special because it showed his concern. I don’t think I could have asked for a better doctor. Thank you Dr. Griffey for being the best and hats off to your father and grandfather.
C. Blount
I had a wonderful first appointment. The staff is attentive and the techs and doctors are knowledgeable and take their time really getting to know their patients. So happy to have found them.
M. Catherine
I travel from Atlanta, Georgia to see Dr. Griffey, MD, and board certified Ophthalmologist. Dr. Griffey has performed two surgeries on me and I would trust him to do anything he deems necessary. The staff is fantastic and I would recommend Dr. Griffey, to all that needed to see a competent Ophthalmologist!!!
M.Bailey Buck
I want to thank everyone at Chesapeake Eye Care for their care on a recent visit. I had an accident involving my eye and even though they were booked, the receptionist worked me in that day. The technician and Dr. Fox saw me promptly and performed a thorough exam. I was very pleased with both of them and appreciated their kindness and professionalism.
P. Brangan
My dad had cataract surgery a couple years ago. I was a little nervous for him, he’d been resisting getting surgery for so long. However, the staff and Dr. Griffey were wonderful to him and everything went very smoothly. He had a great experience, and I am thankful to them for making him so comfortable.
K. Kroll
The best thing I ever did was get LASIK surgery; it is unbelievable how I can see 20/20. When I get in bed at night I still think … wait….no, I don’t have to take my contacts out and it’s been 3 months. It was wonderful in Mexico also with not having to worry about contacts and all the solutions to bring with me. I had an amazing experience with my LASIK surgery with Dr. Paul Griffey and his staff! I would definitely recommend him to friends and family!!!
E. McConnell
I sent my mom to Dr. Griffey for a 2nd opinion on her eyes. Years later, I am still satisfied with the care he has provided. She had an appointment today and Dr. Griffey called me personally to discuss my concerns. WOW!!!!! GREAT PROVIDER!!!!!! I also referred my dad to him after a bad cataract surgery elsewhere. Dr Griffey did his 2nd eye without complications. THANK YOU for taking care of my parents! I have 30+ years in the business as a licensed optician and have worked with many doctors, I would recommend Dr. Griffey to any patient for care!!!!!!!!!!
Selena Cabral
I have been a patient of Dr. Griffey, since 2012. I’m born, raised, formal education, retired Law Enforcement, City of Virginia Beach, VA. After moving to Atlanta, I felt I could not find the care I needed, so I travel back and forth to receive my care. I will not allow anyone to see me. Well worth the trip, and will continue to do so!
Thank you for being The Best…
MBB
We both underwent cataract surgery, in both eyes. Barbara’s was in September of 2018. Mine was in December 2018. We both had excellent experiences, from her first visit, to my last. Dr. Griffey, as well as everyone on his staff, (that we came in contact with), were prompt and very professional. Yet, at the same time they were relaxed and very friendly. We were very impressed that everyone, asked, if we had any questions.
And, we can both see 20/20 again!!.
There was an general atmosphere of confidence and calmness throughout his practice, as well as within the Chesapeake Surgical Center. That made us both feel very comfortable, and well cared for. We have never before experienced such a well run practice. We have, (and will continue to), highly recommend Dr. Griffey to anyone who needs eye care.
Barbara and Eddie
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