Should I Wear My Contacts to an Eye Exam?
The short answer is: generally, no. While it might seem logical to wear your contacts, your eye doctor needs to see your eyes in their most natural state to conduct a thorough and accurate exam. Wearing contacts can obscure the view of your cornea and other crucial eye structures, potentially leading to an inaccurate prescription or missed diagnosis.
This article will delve deeper into why you shouldn't wear your contacts to your eye exam, and address some common questions people have on this topic.
Why Shouldn't I Wear My Contacts to My Eye Exam?
Your optometrist or ophthalmologist needs a clear view of your eyes to assess their overall health. Contact lenses, even the most breathable ones, can temporarily alter the shape of your cornea and mask underlying conditions. This can affect several key aspects of the eye exam:
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Accurate Refraction: This is the part of the exam where your doctor determines your prescription. Contact lenses can interfere with this process, leading to an inaccurate prescription and blurry vision with your new glasses or contacts.
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Corneal Health Assessment: Your doctor needs to inspect your cornea for any signs of infection, inflammation, or other abnormalities. Contact lenses can obscure these issues.
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Early Detection of Diseases: Certain eye diseases, like glaucoma or dry eye, can be harder to detect if you're wearing contacts. Your doctor needs to assess the health of your cornea, conjunctiva, and other structures unobstructed.
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Intraocular Pressure Measurement: For glaucoma testing, contact lenses can skew the readings of intraocular pressure, which is crucial for diagnosing this potentially sight-threatening condition.
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 brief period of wear can still affect the shape of your cornea and impact the accuracy of the examination.
What if I Can't See Without My Contacts?
If you have very poor vision and find it difficult to navigate without your contacts, discuss this with your eye doctor beforehand. They may have suggestions, but it's still usually best to remove them for at least a few hours before your appointment to allow your eyes to return to their natural state. Your doctor may also have suggestions for assisting you while at the office without your contacts.
What Happens If I Accidentally Wear My Contacts?
If you forget to remove your contacts, let your doctor know immediately. They will likely take this into account when conducting the exam, but it may affect the accuracy of some measurements. It's always better to be upfront and honest with your eye doctor.
When Should I Wear My Contacts? (This answers the implied question)
You should wear your contacts after your eye exam, once your doctor has provided you with an updated prescription (if needed) and confirmed the health of your eyes.
In conclusion, while it might seem convenient, wearing your contacts to an eye exam can significantly impact the accuracy and thoroughness of the examination. Removing your contacts beforehand allows your eye doctor to perform a comprehensive assessment, ensuring you receive the best possible care and the most accurate prescription. Always prioritize your eye health and communicate clearly with your eye care professional.
