Contact Lens Exam vs Glasses Exam: What You Need to Know
Thinking about switching from glasses to contact lenses? Many people assume the exam is the same, but a contact lens exam includes additional tests designed to ensure contacts suit your eyes and lifestyle.
Here’s a simple guide to help Aussies understand the difference between a comprehensive eye exam and a contact lens exam.
What Is a Comprehensive Eye Exam?
A comprehensive eye exam checks the health, function, and vision of your eyes. Even if you already wear glasses or feel your eyesight hasn’t changed, regular checks are important for detecting conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration.
Your optometrist will typically assess:
- Your medical and family history
- Vision requirements based on work and daily habits
- Visual acuity for distance and reading
- Eye coordination and colour vision
- Eye health using advanced instruments
- Peripheral vision
- Eye pressure for glaucoma screening
Extra scans like retinal photography or visual field testing may be performed if needed.
After the exam, you may receive a glasses prescription — which is different from a contact lens prescription due to the physical distance of glasses from the eye.
What Happens During a Contact Lens Exam?
A contact lens exam builds on your regular eye test with precise measurements to determine whether contacts will fit properly and feel comfortable.
Your optometrist will measure:
- Corneal curvature
- Pupil and iris size
- Tear film stability, to check for dry eye
These measurements help determine the best contact lens material, brand, and fit for your eyes.
You’ll then receive a contact lens prescription, which includes lens power, base curve, diameter, and recommended lens type.
Trial Contact Lenses: What to Expect
New to contacts? You’ll likely receive a trial pair to test at home. This trial run helps you understand how lenses feel during daily wear.
Take note of:
- Comfort levels throughout the day
- Any dryness or irritation
- Differences in vision clarity
- Redness or sensitivity
If you experience discomfort or blurry vision, return to your optometrist. It’s normal to try a few different lens styles before finding your best match.
Where to Buy Contact Lenses in Australia
Once you have a valid prescription, you can purchase lenses from your optometrist or online. Many Australians choose Quicklens AU for authentic branded lenses, great prices, and convenient delivery across Australia.
Are Contact Lens Exams and Glasses Exams Different?
Yes — and now you know why! Contact lens exams involve extra measurements and a trial fitting to ensure your lenses are safe, breathable, and comfortable. If you still have questions, your optometrist can guide you through the process with confidence.
