Should I Wear My Contacts to an Eye Exam?
The short answer is: usually, no. While it might seem logical to wear your contacts to your eye exam, it's generally recommended that you don't. This is because your optometrist or ophthalmologist needs to get an accurate assessment of your eyes' overall health and refractive error, and contacts can interfere with this process. Let's delve deeper into why.
Why Should I Remove My Contacts Before an Eye Exam?
Your eye doctor needs to examine the surface of your eye, including your cornea. Contact lenses, even daily disposables, can temporarily alter the shape of your cornea and obscure the view of underlying conditions. This can make it difficult to accurately diagnose or monitor:
- Corneal irregularities: Conditions like keratoconus, corneal ulcers, or dry eye are more easily detected when the cornea is free from the influence of contact lenses.
- Eye infections: Contact lenses can sometimes mask early signs of an infection. Removing them allows for a clearer view of the eye's surface, enabling early detection and treatment.
- Accurate prescription: Your prescription might be slightly off if your eye doctor relies on measurements taken while you're wearing contacts. Removing them provides a more precise measurement of your refractive error.
- Overall eye health: A thorough examination requires assessing the entire eye, including the sclera (white of the eye) and conjunctiva (membrane covering the white of the eye). Contact lenses can obstruct this view.
What if I Only Wear My Contacts Occasionally?
Even if you only wear your contacts occasionally, it's best to remove them before your eye exam. Your eye doctor needs a baseline measurement of your eyes without the influence of contact lenses.
How Long Before My Exam Should I Remove My Contacts?
Your doctor may provide specific instructions, but generally, it's best to remove your contacts for at least several hours before your exam. For extended-wear contacts, you should remove them at least overnight before the appointment. This allows your eyes to return to their natural state.
What if I Forget to Remove My Contacts?
If you accidentally wear your contacts to your appointment, inform your eye doctor immediately. They can still conduct the exam, but the accuracy might be compromised. They may ask you to remove your contacts so they can perform a more thorough examination.
Can I Wear My Contacts During Certain Parts of the Eye Exam?
Some parts of the eye exam might allow for contact lens wear, but your eye doctor will determine that. They will guide you on the best course of action for your specific circumstances.
Are there any exceptions to this rule?
While the general recommendation is to remove contacts, your eye doctor might have specific reasons to make exceptions. This could be due to pre-existing eye conditions or the specific tests being performed. However, always communicate with your eye doctor regarding your contact lens wear.
In conclusion, while it might seem inconsequential, removing your contacts before your eye exam is crucial for an accurate and thorough evaluation of your eye health. It allows your eye doctor to assess your vision and detect any potential issues that could be masked by the lenses. Always prioritize clear communication with your eye doctor to ensure a comprehensive and effective eye exam.
