Before you can get contact lenses, or spectacles either for that matter, you will need to undergo an eye test. However, the eye test for contact lenses is a bit more detailed than a test for regular spectacles, so you ought to tell the optometrist which sort of lens you want before the test starts in order to save time.
An eye test will usually begin with a physical examination of your eyes for signs of eye disease such as cataracts and glaucoma or general concerns such as high blood pressure or diabetes. This is why it is so important to have an eye test at least every two years, because a physician does not give routine checks for cataracts, diabetes or glaucoma, all three of which can make you blind.
Your optometrist might pose other questions as well such as why you would prefer to have contact lenses rather than glasses and whether you have had any problems with your eyes. The decision to wear contact lenses or specs is entirely yours, although in some countries glasses may be free whereas there might be a charge for contact lenses because they are more expensive.
The results of the optometrist’s test will produce a set of numbers which will tell an optician the strength of the lens required for each eye as the lens required for each eye is normally different. This is commonly referred to as your prescription. Then you take this prescription to an optician to choose your spectacle frames, if you are having specs, and to have your lenses manufactured or and fitted.
In the case of specs, lenses will either have to be cut or and adjusted for the frames that you want and in the case of contact lenses, you may have to have the lenses made. In either case, you may be lucky enough to walk out of the shop wearing your spectacles or contacts or you may have to return in a few hours or even a few days. No optician worth his salt will sell you expensive lenses without a prescription.
There is an clear vital difference between spectacles and contact lenses – contacts have to come into contact with your eyeballs and not all eyeballs are exactly the same shape. Therefore, if you want contacts, the optometrist will have to measure the exact curvature or the exact shape of your eyes and this will be part of your prescription. Some eyes are naturally drier than others and this can affect the type of contact lenses that you ought to buy.
Your optician will then frequently give you a pair of trial contact lenses and require you to return a few days later for further tests. You may have to wear a number of kinds of contacts before you find a type or make that suits your particular eyes and sight.
Once you have contacts that appear to suit, you will have to follow the directions and advice that comes with them and return for your check-ups when you are told to. These follow-ups are important to make sure that the contact lenses are not irritating your eyes or causing more significant conditions.