Should I Wear My Contacts to an Eye Exam?
The short answer is: generally, no, you shouldn't wear your contact lenses to your eye exam. While it might seem logical to wear what you normally wear, your eye doctor needs to examine your eyes thoroughly, and contact lenses can interfere with this process. This article will delve deeper into why this is the case and answer some frequently asked questions.
Why Shouldn't I Wear My Contacts to My Eye Exam?
Your optometrist or ophthalmologist needs a clear view of your eye's surface to perform a comprehensive exam. Contact lenses, even daily disposables, can obscure the view, preventing your doctor from:
- Detecting subtle issues: Contact lenses can mask minor irregularities on the cornea (the clear front part of your eye), such as inflammation, abrasions, or early signs of disease. These issues may only be visible when your eyes are free from lenses.
- Accurately measuring your prescription: Contact lenses can slightly alter the shape of your cornea, impacting the accuracy of your prescription measurement. This can lead to an inaccurate prescription, resulting in blurry vision or eye strain.
- Assessing the health of your cornea: Your doctor needs to evaluate the health of your cornea and the surrounding tissues. Contact lenses prevent them from assessing the condition properly. This is crucial for detecting conditions like corneal ulcers or infections.
- Evaluating the fit of your contact lenses: If you're a contact lens wearer, your doctor will examine the fit of your lenses to ensure they are comfortable and healthy for your eyes. They cannot do this effectively if the lenses are still in your eyes.
What Happens If I Wear My Contacts?
If you arrive at your appointment wearing contact lenses, your doctor might ask you to remove them. They may provide a cleaning solution and a disposable container if you don't have one. It's best to follow their instructions to ensure the most thorough and accurate exam. Depending on the type of contact lenses, your doctor might recommend a specific waiting period before your next examination to allow your eyes to return to their natural state.
What if I only wear contacts occasionally?
Even if you only wear your contacts occasionally, it's still best to remove them before your eye exam. The reasons mentioned above apply regardless of how often you wear them. A clear view of your eyes is essential for a complete assessment.
How long should I wait after removing my contacts before my eye exam?
This varies depending on the type of contact lenses you wear. Your eye doctor will give you specific instructions, but generally, it's recommended to wait at least several hours, or even overnight, before your appointment, especially if you wear extended-wear contacts. This allows your cornea to return to its normal shape and prevents any possible distortion of the examination results.
What should I do if I forget to remove my contacts?
If you inadvertently arrive at your appointment with your contacts in, simply inform your doctor. They will likely ask you to remove them and may adjust the appointment schedule slightly to accommodate the necessary waiting period. Don't be embarrassed – it happens! Honesty is the best policy in these situations.
In conclusion, removing your contact lenses before your eye exam is crucial for accurate diagnosis and ensuring the health of your eyes. Your eye doctor’s primary goal is to provide the best possible care, and a clear view of your eyes is essential to achieving that.
