If you’ve been wearing contacts for years without issues, it might be tempting to skip your yearly exam. After all, if you can see clearly, what’s the harm? The truth is, contact lenses interact directly with the surface of your eye every day, and even small changes in fit, prescription, or eye health can have big consequences.
At Newcomer Eye Associates, we see plenty of patients who didn’t realize their lenses were causing subtle damage until we examined them. Annual contact lens exams are designed to catch problems early, update your prescription, and keep your eyes comfortable and healthy for the long term.
Contact Lens Prescriptions Are Different from Glasses Prescriptions
Many patients are surprised to learn that contact lens prescriptions are completely separate from glasses prescriptions.
That’s because contacts sit directly on the eye, so the prescription must take into account:
- Lens curvature to match your cornea
- Lens material and oxygen permeability
- The way the lens centers and moves on your eye
- Your tear film and overall eye health
This means that even if your glasses prescription hasn’t changed, your contact lens prescription might need an update to maintain both clarity and comfort.
Risks of Skipping Your Annual Exam
Wearing contact lenses without regular monitoring can lead to problems like:
- Dry eye and irritation from poor lens fit or reduced tear exchange
- Eye infections, including serious corneal ulcers
- Changes in corneal shape from long-term wear
- Allergic reactions to lens material or cleaning solutions
- Tiny scratches on the cornea that can affect vision
Some of these conditions can develop without noticeable symptoms at first – making regular eye exams essential for prevention.
How We Keep Contact Lens Wearers Comfortable and Safe
An annual contact lens exam at Newcomer Eye Associates goes beyond just checking your vision. We evaluate how your lenses fit, how well your eyes are tolerating them, and whether any adjustments could improve your comfort.
We use Clarifye digital refraction to fine-tune your prescription with precision, making sure your contacts give you the clearest vision possible without unnecessary strain. Optos retinal imaging allows us to look at the health of the back of your eye – something especially important for long-term contact lens wearers, since reduced oxygen flow can impact ocular health over time.
If you’re new to contacts, we’ll teach you the best cleaning and storage habits to prevent infections. If you’re a long-time wearer, we’ll look for subtle changes that might indicate it’s time to switch to a different lens material or wearing schedule.
Walk-In Exams for Busy Schedules
We understand that contact lens wearers often lead busy lives – whether you’re working long shifts, juggling family responsibilities, or just not great at scheduling in advance. That’s why we offer walk-in availability and weekend hours at our Whitehall location inside Lehigh Valley Mall.
With quick, efficient exams and the latest technology, you can keep your eyes healthy without rearranging your entire week.
Contact Lens Exams in Whitehall, PA
If it’s been more than a year since your last contact lens exam, it’s time to get back on track. Your eyes deserve the same care you give to the rest of your health.
Newcomer Eye Associates is located at 265 Lehigh Valley Mall, Whitehall, PA 18052. Call 610-200-6611 or stop by for a walk-in vision assessment. Your vision – and your comfort – will thank you.