What You Should Know About Getting Your Eyes Examined For Contacts

1 October 2015
 Categories: Health & Medical , Blog


Does eye strain leave you with migraines that won't go away? Wearing contacts can correct your vision without you worrying about wearing eyeglasses, and you will have the option of temporarily changing your eye color while wearing them. Below, learn about the eye examination for contacts and what they will cost after you get a prescription.

What is the Examination for Contacts Like?

There is nothing to worry about when going through the examination for contacts, because it is completely comfortable. One part of the examination is called the visual acuity test, which will only require that you read alphabets that are on a chart. An optometrist, like those at Terrezza O.D. & Associates, P.A., will tell you which row of alphabets to read and you will continue calling them out until your vision becomes blurry. Don't squint during the visual acuity test, because it can lead to an inaccurate assessment of your vision.

Another part of the examination involves the optometrist looking into each of your eyes with a light. The light will help the optometrist determine if your corneas are preventing light from reaching the retinas in the correct way. Basically, he or she will see if the corneas are shaped irregularly. An irregular cornea in your eyes is diagnosed as astigmatism (blurred vision), and your optometrist will write out a prescription for contacts.

After astigmatism is diagnosed, the optometrist will measure your corneas to determine what size your contacts should be. The test is called corneal topography and is done via a computer for digital measurements. However, a keratometer can be used for taking manual measurements as well. You may have to undergo the digital and manual test to get good results. Your prescription for contacts will be issued after the corneal topography test is complete.

How Much Does it Cost to Get Contacts?

You should expect to pay up to $100 for a three month supply of contacts that can be worn and thrown away each day. Contacts that can be worn for a year before they are thrown out can cost up to $375. If you intend on getting colored contacts, you will have to pay more than for the clear ones. Contacts are also available in different brands that will determine how much you pay for them. Make an appointment for an eye examination so you can get a prescription for contacts prescribed by an optometrist.


Share