Some people are surprised they need separate glasses and contact lens tests for eye exams. This might seem like a hassle, but there’s a good reason. Glasses and contacts might help you see clearly, but they work differently and require different measurements. The same logic applies here, just as you wouldn’t use the same shoes for hiking and running.
Getting the right fit and prescription for your eyes is crucial—whether you’re a fan of stylish frames or prefer the convenience of contacts. Let’s explain why these two types of exams are necessary and how they help keep your eyes healthy.
The Basics of Eye Exams for Glasses
Eye exams for glasses focus on evaluating your overall vision to find the best lens prescription that corrects refractive errors like myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism, or presbyopia. During a glasses exam, an optometrist in Guelph will run several tests to measure how well you see at various distances and how well your eyes focus.
The exam aims to produce a glasses prescription with details such as lens power, pupillary distance (PD), and special lens requirements, like bifocals or coatings. This prescription is tailored to ensure your glasses will help you see as clearly and comfortably as possible when they sit about 12 millimetres away from your eyes.
How Eye Exams for Contacts Differ
Contact lens exams go beyond a typical glasses exam. While a glasses exam is all about lenses worn in front of your eyes, contact lenses are worn on your eyes. Because of this, the optometrist needs to take additional measurements and considerations to ensure the contacts are comfortable and safe.
During a contact lens exam in Guelph, an optometrist will measure your cornea’s curvature and the diameter of your iris and pupil and evaluate the tear film on your eyes to assess moisture levels. These measurements are vital to finding contact lenses that won’t irritate your eyes or cause problems. You’ll also likely have a trial fitting to see how well the contacts fit and how clear your vision is with them. Follow-up visits might be necessary to make adjustments until you find the perfect fit.
Why Are Two Different Prescriptions Needed?
It might feel redundant to have one prescription for glasses and another for contacts, but the position of each lens type relative to your eyes makes this necessary. Glasses are positioned slightly away from your eyes, while contacts sit right on them. Because of this difference, the prescription strength may vary between the two.
Furthermore, the shape and size of your eyes play a significant role in how contact lenses fit. A glasses prescription doesn’t account for the specific curvature and diameter needed for contact lenses, so a different prescription is essential for contacts. The goal is not just clear vision but also comfort and eye health.
The Risks of Using the Wrong Prescription
Using your glasses prescription to buy contact lenses, or vice versa, isn’t just an inconvenience—it can be dangerous. Glasses prescriptions don’t include the precise measurements needed for contact lenses to fit safely on your eyes. Poorly fitted contacts can lead to blurry vision, discomfort, or severe problems like corneal abrasions or infections.
Ensuring you have the correct prescription for each type of eyewear is critical to keeping your eyes healthy and your vision sharp.
For those in Guelph, understanding the unique needs of your eyes means being aware of the differences in prescriptions and getting the correct type of eye exam for your vision needs.
When Should You Get an Eye Exam?
Getting your eyes checked once a year is generally a good idea, especially if you wear contacts. Eye shape and health can change over time, and regular check-ups will make sure your prescription is still accurate. If you use glasses and contacts, schedule both exams to keep everything up to date and ensure your eyes are in their best shape.
Choosing the Right Optometrist in Guelph
When booking your next eye exam, look for an optometrist in Guelph who can provide both exams and explain the differences to you clearly. A good optometrist will take the time to understand your unique vision needs, discuss the benefits of each type of eyewear, and help you decide what’s best for you. This ensures you’re always wearing the right lenses, no matter your preference.
Conclusion
Getting separate eye exams for glasses and contacts might seem like an extra step, but ensuring clear vision and healthy eyes is necessary. Each type of eyewear requires specific measurements and checks to ensure a perfect fit. If you live in Guelph and want to keep your eyes in top condition, book both exams and see the difference they make.
At Lens & Frames Optical, we’re here to guide you through the process and ensure you get the best eye care. Whether you need glasses, contacts, or both, our team is committed to helping you see clearly and comfortably.
