Should I Wear My Contacts to an Eye Exam?
The short answer is: usually no. While it might seem logical to wear your contacts, doing so can actually hinder your eye doctor's ability to perform a thorough and accurate exam. This is because contacts can obscure the underlying health of your eyes and affect the measurements taken during the exam. Here's a more detailed explanation:
Why Shouldn't I Wear My Contacts to My Eye Exam?
Your eye doctor needs to get a clear, unobstructed view of your eyes. Contact lenses, even the most breathable ones, can temporarily alter the shape of your cornea and mask subtle irregularities. This can lead to inaccurate prescriptions, missed diagnoses of underlying eye conditions, and potentially impact the overall success of your eye care. Specifically:
- Accurate Refraction: The most crucial part of an eye exam is the refraction, where your doctor determines the correct prescription for your glasses or contacts. Wearing contacts can interfere with this process, resulting in a less precise prescription.
- Corneal Health Assessment: Your doctor needs to examine your cornea (the clear front part of your eye) for any signs of damage, inflammation, or disease. Contacts can prevent a proper assessment of your corneal health.
- Intraocular Pressure Measurement (IOP): Measuring IOP is essential for detecting glaucoma, a serious condition that can damage your optic nerve. Contact lenses can artificially lower IOP readings, potentially masking a problem.
- Detection of Other Eye Conditions: Conditions like dry eye, keratitis (inflammation of the cornea), or other subtle issues can be missed if your doctor can't fully assess your eyes without the lenses.
What if I Only Wear My Contacts Occasionally?
Even if you only wear your contacts occasionally, it's still best to remove them before your eye exam. The brief period of wear can still affect the measurements and your doctor's assessment.
What if I Can't See Without My Contacts?
If you have significant vision impairment and rely heavily on your contacts, discuss this with your doctor before your appointment. They may have specific instructions or recommendations. They may want you to wear your contacts for a certain period and then remove them before a specific part of the exam.
What Should I Bring to My Eye Exam?
Bring your current contact lens prescription and case, if you have them. If you wear glasses, bring those as well. This will help your doctor track changes in your vision and prescription.
How Long Before My Eye Exam Should I Remove My Contacts?
This varies depending on the type of contact lenses you wear. It’s best to ask your doctor for their specific recommendation, but generally, it's recommended to remove them several hours before your appointment. This allows your cornea to return to its natural shape.
Can My Doctor Still Examine My Eyes If I Wear Daily Contacts?
While daily disposable lenses are generally considered less likely to significantly alter measurements, it's still advisable to remove them before the exam to allow for the most comprehensive assessment.
In conclusion, while it might seem convenient to wear your contacts to your eye exam, it's almost always better to remove them. This allows for the most accurate assessment of your eye health and vision, ultimately leading to better eye care and a more accurate prescription. Always communicate openly with your eye doctor about any concerns you may have.
