Contact Lenses for Clear Vision | Find the Perfect Fit at Mudgil Eye Associates

What is a Contact Lens Exam?

At Mudgil Eye Associates, our goal is to keep your eyes healthy and ensure that your contact lenses fit comfortably and safely. You may be asking, "What’s the difference between a comprehensive eye exam and a contact lens exam?" In addition to contact lens care, we specialize in the early detection and management of medical eye conditions such as diabetes, glaucoma, cataracts, and more, helping to protect your vision and preserve your quality of life.

Here’s what you need to know:

What’s the Difference?

Comprehensive Eye Exam: A comprehensive eye exam is a full evaluation of your overall eye health. Your doctor will check for any vision problems and look for early signs of eye diseases like glaucoma or cataracts. This exam is crucial for maintaining long-term eye health, but it doesn’t focus on the specific needs of contact lens wearers.
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Contact Lens Exam: A contact lens exam is more detailed. It includes measurements of your cornea (the front surface of your eye), checks for any irregularities that could affect your lens fit, and evaluates how well the lenses sit on your eyes. The goal is to find the right lenses that fit comfortably and provide the best vision possible. If you’ve been wearing contacts, your exam also ensures that your lenses are still a good match and haven’t caused any issues.

Why Do You Need a Contact Lens Exam Every Year?

Contact lenses are considered medical devices, and just like other health tools, they require regular check-ups to ensure they’re still the best option for your eyes. Here’s why an annual exam is important:

Eye Health: Over time, your eyes may change, which could affect the way your lenses fit. A yearly exam ensures that your lenses still provide the best fit and comfort, helping to avoid discomfort, dryness, or potential eye infections.
Updated Prescription: Your prescription for contact lenses can change over time. An annual exam ensures your contact lens prescription is up to date, so you’re always seeing clearly and comfortably.
Preventing Complications: Regular exams help catch any problems early, like infections, dry eye, or improper lens fit, which could lead to bigger issues if left unchecked.

Steps to avoid eye infection:

Always wash your hands with soap and water before touching your lenses or eyes to keep germs away.
Avoid wearing contact lenses in swimming pools, hot tubs, etc. to prevent bacteria from contaminating the lenses.
Only use solutions specifically meant for contacts—do not use tap water, sterile water or saliva.
Store lenses properly. Ensure you store your contacts in a clean case and change the case every three months
Avoid wearing contacts while sleeping, unless prescribed by your doctor. Sleeping in lenses can reduce oxygen to your eyes, making infections more likely.
Stick to the schedule your doctor provides. Wearing your lenses longer than recommended can cause red, tired eyes and may even lead to damage. If you have trouble remembering to change them, set a reminder on your phone or calendar.

Important Information for Contact Lens Patients: Prescriptions, Exams, and Fees

Under Pennsylvania state law, contact lens prescriptions are valid for one year from the date of the exam. After this 12-month period, all contact lens wearers must undergo a new exam and contact lens evaluation to renew their prescription. By law, we are unable to refill expired prescriptions or approve orders from other vendors. To avoid running out of contacts, we strongly recommend scheduling your annual follow-up exam in advance.

It is the patient’s responsibility to maintain an adequate supply of contact lenses throughout the year. We cannot provide emergency contact lenses or supply lenses to "hold you over" until your next exam. We also advise all contact lens wearers to have a current pair of eyeglasses as a backup in case they run out of lenses or are unable to wear their contacts.

Please note that there are additional fees for refitting if you change the brand or type of contact lenses you wear. Be sure to discuss this with your doctor during your appointment. If you are a first-time contact lens wearer, please inform the scheduler. Fitting contact lenses for the first time requires several visits: the initial exam and contact lens evaluation, followed by a contact lens teaching session, and a final check-up appointment 1-2 weeks later. We will release your prescription only after the final check-up appointment, once we’ve confirmed that the trial contact lenses fit appropriately. Fees will vary based on your prescription and the type of lenses needed to correct your vision.

Ensure Comfort and Eye Health with Your Annual Contact Lens Exam