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Do I Need a Contact Lens Exam Every Year?

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A close-up of a woman's hand with a contact lens resting on her index finger.

If you wear contact lenses, you may have wondered, “Do I really need a contact lens exam every year?” We get it—it sounds like just another appointment to fit into an already busy schedule. But the truth is, annual contact lens exams are a vital part of maintaining your eye health and ensuring your overall comfort. At Eyedeal Eyecare, we believe that your eye care should be as personalized and effective as the lenses you wear. And that starts with regular check-ups tailored specifically to your needs.

What Is a Contact Lens Exam?

Before jumping into the “why,” it’s important to understand the “what.” A contact lens exam is not the same as a standard eye exam. While both focus on assessing your vision and eye health, contact lens exams go a step further.

During a contact lens exam at Eyedeal Eyecare, we measure the shape and health of your corneas, determine if your eyes are producing enough tears to support comfortable lens wear, and make sure of proper lens fit. We also discuss your lifestyle needs—whether you’re looking for convenience, extended wear options, or lenses for specific situations.

This personalized approach helps us recommend the best lens option for you, whether that’s daily disposables, toric lenses for astigmatism, or even specialized lenses for conditions like dry eyes.

Why Every Year?

It’s easy to assume that once you’ve been fitted with the right contact lenses, you don’t need to check in every year. But your eyes and your lenses can change over time, even if it’s subtle. Here’s why it’s important to keep up with those yearly exams:

Your Vision Can Change

Your prescription is not set in stone. Changes in vision can happen gradually, making them easy to miss. Regular exams allow us to fine-tune your prescription and ensure you’re seeing as clearly as possible with your contact lenses.

Eye Health Monitoring

Contact lenses sit directly on the surface of your eye, so they have a more direct impact on your eyes than glasses. Over time, wearing lenses can lead to issues like irritation, dryness, or even more serious conditions if problems aren’t caught early. During your annual exam at Eyedeal Eyecare, we examine your eyes for any early signs of complications, helping to prevent more significant issues down the road.

Improved Comfort

Lens technology is evolving all the time. Even if your current lenses seem fine, there may be new options that deliver improved comfort or vision quality. Annual exams give us a chance to introduce you to new products that could be a game-changer for your lens-wearing experience.

Lifestyle Adjustments

Your daily routine may have changed since your last visit. Maybe you’re spending more time working at a computer, you’ve started focusing on fitness, or you’re now dealing with seasonal allergies. These changes can affect how your eyes feel with contacts or may require a tweak in your lens type or wear schedule.

We tailor every contact lens exam to you. Your lifestyle, your preferences, and even your future plans all play a part in creating the best plan for your vision.

What Happens If I Skip a Year?

Skipping your annual contact lens exam can seem harmless, especially if you haven’t noticed any issues. But here’s the catch—your eyes are constantly changing, even if you don’t realize it. Below are a few things that can happen when you skip your annual exam:

  • Outdated Prescriptions
    Wearing lenses with an outdated prescription can strain your eyes and lead to headaches, fatigue, or blurry vision.
  • Unnoticed Eye Health Issues
    Early signs of irritation or infection may not show symptoms right away. Regular exams help catch these problems before they develop into something more serious.
  • Decreased Comfort
    If your lenses aren’t fitting quite right or your tear production has changed, you could experience discomfort or dryness that could otherwise be corrected.

Contact lenses are a medical device, and they require professional care to get the best results from them. That’s why we recommend checking in every year—it’s a small step that protects your vision for the long term.

A patient discusses her contact needs with her eye doctor.

What to Expect During a Contact Lens Exam at Eyedeal Eyecare

At Eyedeal Eyecare, we structure our contact lens exams to make them thorough yet comfortable. Here’s what you can expect during your visit:

  • Health Check
    We’ll assess your overall eye health, checking for conditions like dryness, redness, or corneal changes that could affect your ability to wear lenses comfortably.
  • Vision Testing
    Our eye care professionals will double-check your prescription to ensure it’s up to date and accurate.
  • Lens Fit Evaluation
    If your current lenses aren’t performing as well as they should, we’ll explore alternative options. We also take precise measurements to guarantee your lenses fit perfectly and safely.
  • Personalized Recommendations
    Whether you’re considering switching to a new type of lens or tweaking your wear schedule, we’ll guide you through all the available options.

At Eyedeal Eyecare, we want to make sure your lenses enhance your life, not complicate it. That’s why every step of your visit is designed to be clear, caring, and tailored just for you.

Your Vision Is Worth It

We understand that adding another appointment to your calendar can feel overwhelming, but think of your annual contact lens exams as an investment in your eye health. When your eyes are healthy, your lenses are comfortable, and your vision is crystal clear, everything else falls into place.

At Eyedeal Eyecare, we’re committed to making this process as seamless and stress-free as possible. Our personalized approach to eye care means you’re not just getting an exam—you’re getting a plan that fits your life, your needs, and your goals.

If you’ve been putting off your next contact lens exam, consider this your sign to schedule one today. After all, healthy vision is Eyedeal vision!

Your eyes change. Your lenses should, too. Schedule your contact lens exam with Eyedeal Eyecare today—your eyes will thank you!

Written by Dr. Quynh Nhi Pham

More Articles By Dr. Quynh Nhi Pham
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