If you’re considering switching to contact lenses or renewing your prescription, you might be wondering: is the contacts exam more expensive than a regular eye exam? The short answer is yes, but there are good reasons for this.
Contact lens exams include additional tests and fittings to ensure the lenses are both comfortable and safe for your eyes.
In this blog, we’ll explore the differences between a standard eye exam and a contact lens exam, and why the extra cost is necessary.
The Difference Between a Standard Eye Exam and a Contact Lens Exam
A regular eye exam is designed to evaluate your overall eye health and measure your vision to determine if you need corrective lenses. Your optometrist will check for common issues such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, as well as any signs of eye diseases like glaucoma or cataracts.
A contact lens exam, on the other hand, includes all the elements of a standard eye exam, but also involves additional steps:
- Fitting the Contacts: Your optometrist will measure your cornea to ensure the contacts fit properly, minimizing the risk of irritation or discomfort.
- Lens Material and Type: You’ll be assessed to determine the best type of contact lenses for your eyes, whether they’re soft lenses, rigid gas-permeable, or specialty lenses like toric or multifocal contacts.
- Trial Lenses: The doctor may provide trial lenses to wear for a few days to ensure they’re comfortable and fit well.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Depending on your results, follow-up appointments may be necessary to adjust the prescription or fit.
These additional steps require more time and specialized care, which is why a contact lens exam tends to be more expensive.
Why Is a Contacts Exam More Expensive?
The contacts exam is more comprehensive because it focuses on ensuring your contacts are comfortable, safe, and effective for your eyes. This involves:
- Precision Measurements: Contact lenses sit directly on your eyes, so your doctor must take precise measurements to ensure a proper fit. Ill-fitting lenses can cause discomfort or even damage your eyes over time.
- Lens Evaluation: Your optometrist will evaluate which lenses best suit your eye shape, lifestyle, and any existing conditions like dry eyes.
- Trial Period: Most contact lens exams include a trial period to test the lenses before finalizing the prescription, which often requires follow-up visits.
These steps are critical to ensure that your contacts won’t cause irritation, infections, or other issues, which justifies the additional cost compared to a regular eye exam.
What Does the Cost Typically Include?
The cost of a contact lens exam typically includes:
- Comprehensive eye exam (checking vision and eye health)
- Corneal measurements for proper contact lens fit
- Trial lenses and any necessary adjustments
- Follow-up visits if required to ensure the lenses are working properly
While costs can vary based on your location and the type of lenses you need, the additional care provided during a contact lens exam is worth the investment.
Should You Choose Contacts or Glasses?
Both contact lenses and glasses have their pros and cons, and the right choice depends on your lifestyle and preferences. Contacts offer greater freedom in sports and other physical activities, while glasses require less daily maintenance and can double as a fashion accessory.
Whatever you choose, it’s important to have regular eye exams to monitor your vision and eye health.
Schedule Your Eye Exam Now
If you’re considering contact lenses or need to update your prescription, schedule your contact lens exam today at The Vision Centers. Our experienced team will ensure your lenses fit perfectly and meet your vision needs.
Don’t wait—book your appointment now to experience the benefits of personalized, comprehensive eye care.