Contact Lens Exams
If you wear contacts or are interested in switching to them, you’ll need a contact lens exam and prescription. In addition to your regular vision exam, your Optometrist performs specific tests to ensure your contact lenses fit correctly and are safe for your eyes.
Contact lens exams are available with Licensed Optometrists at all Heartland Vision locations.
How Often Do You Need a Contact Lens Exam?
Adults and children who wear contact lenses should have a contact lens exam once a year, or as recommended by a doctor.
Why regular contact lens exams and fittings are important:
- Your contact lens prescription may need to be updated.
- Lifestyle changes may require a different type of contact lens.
- To look for changes in your eyes affecting how your lenses fit.
- Decrease your risk of eye health or vision problems from decreased oxygen or contact lens intolerance.
If you notice any problems with your eyes or contact lenses, don’t wait for your scheduled annual exam. Always contact your eye doctor if you’re having issues with your vision or with how your lenses fit.
How contact lens exams work
What to expect at a contact lens fitting
Contact lens eye exams begin like regular eye exams: your eye doctor checks your eyes for any possible health issues and tests your vision. Contact lens exams also include detailed eye measurements to determine the size and type of contacts you need, as well as a lens fitting and evaluation.
Your overall health, unique eye anatomy, history of contact lens use and other factors will determine which specific tests are included in your contact lens exam. In general, a contact lens eye exam may include:
Corneal topography
Photokeratoscopy measures the transparent front surface of your eye (the cornea). Precise dimensions are needed to determine which contacts will fit you comfortably. This is a completely non-invasive procedure. Your eye doctor uses a computer-assisted diagnostic tool to create a 3D map of the curvature, shape and regularity of your cornea.
Biomicroscopy
Slit lamp exam lets the doctor examine your eyes microscopically, to detect abnormalities or changes caused by contact lens wear. The slit lamp is a binocular microscope with an adjustable light so the doctor can focus on specific parts of your eyes. You may need eye drops to dilate your pupils, or eye drops with fluorescein dye to highlight any damage on the surface of your eye.
Pupil & iris measurement
Measurement is done by holding a gauge (typically a card or ruler) near your eye, or by using an automated instrument. The diameter of your pupil and iris determine what size contact lenses you need.
Tear film evaluation
Evaluation determines whether your eyes produce enough tears to be able to wear contact lenses. Patients with low tear production may be able to wear contact lenses made for dry eyes, or may be advised to avoid contact lenses (in cases of extremely dry eyes).
If it is your first time wearing contact lenses, schedule extra time after your exam or when you pick up your lenses. During this visit, we will show you how to properly insert and remove your lenses and teach you how to care for them to keep your eyes healthy and comfortable.
Plan on your exam taking longer than a regular eye exam.
- Ask for a benefits check (if you have vision insurance) so you’ll know what to expect for out-of-pocket costs.
- If you have prescription glasses or contact lenses, bring them to your appointment.
- If you’ve never worn contacts before, or if you’re seeing a new eye doctor for the first time, be prepared to answer questions about your medical history and lifestyle.
- Jot down any questions or concerns you have about contact lenses, so you don’t forget to ask them during your appointment.
- If you want colored contact lenses, this is the time to bring it up! For the safety of your eyes and vision, always get colored contacts through an eye doctor, not a general retailer.
Book Eye Exam
Click the button below to view our locations and book an eye exam near you!
Contact lens exam cost factors
The price of a contact lens exam at Heartland Vision can vary depending on the number of tests needed and how many follow-up visits are required to achieve a comfortable fit. Contact lens exams cost more than routine eye exams because of extra tests, measurements and evaluations to match you with the right type and size of contact lenses.
CareCredit for contact lens exams
You can use your CareCredit credit card to pay for contact lens exams, follow-up fittings and contact lenses at all Heartland Vision locations. Find info about our CareCredit terms, plus a payment calculator and link to apply online.
Vision insurance for contact lens exams
Vision insurance coverage can also affect the out-of-pocket cost of a contact lens fitting. In general, insurance providers consider contact lenses optional and not medically necessary, so fitting fees usually aren’t covered.
Some providers cover medically necessary contact lenses, and some cover part of a contact lens fitting fee. In other cases, you’re able to use part of your plan’s contact lens allowance to offset the fitting fee. We provide free insurance coverage checks so you can understand your plan and avoid surprise costs.
You can also get a contact eye exam and contacts without insurance.