If you wear contacts or are interested in switching to them, you’ll need a contact lens exam and prescription. In addition to your regular vision exam, your Optometrist performs specific tests to ensure your contact lenses fit correctly and are safe for your eyes.
Contact lens exams are available with Licensed Optometrists at all Wisconsin Vision locations.
Adults and children who wear contact lenses should have a contact lens exam once a year, or as recommended by a doctor.
If you notice any problems with your eyes or contact lenses, don’t wait for your scheduled annual exam. Always contact your eye doctor if you’re having issues with your vision or with how your lenses fit.
Contact lens eye exams begin like regular eye exams: your eye doctor checks your eyes for any possible health issues and tests your vision. Contact lens exams also include detailed eye measurements to determine the size and type of contacts you need, as well as a lens fitting and evaluation.
Your overall health, unique eye anatomy, history of contact lens use and other factors will determine which specific tests are included in your contact lens exam. In general, a contact lens eye exam may include:
Photokeratoscopy measures the transparent front surface of your eye (the cornea). Precise dimensions are needed to determine which contacts will fit you comfortably. This is a completely non-invasive procedure. Your eye doctor uses a computer-assisted diagnostic tool to create a 3D map of the curvature, shape and regularity of your cornea.
Slit lamp exam lets the doctor examine your eyes microscopically, to detect abnormalities or changes caused by contact lens wear. The slit lamp is a binocular microscope with an adjustable light so the doctor can focus on specific parts of your eyes. You may need eye drops to dilate your pupils, or eye drops with fluorescein dye to highlight any damage on the surface of your eye.
Measurement is done by holding a gauge (typically a card or ruler) near your eye, or by using an automated instrument. The diameter of your pupil and iris determine what size contact lenses you need.
Evaluation determines whether your eyes produce enough tears to be able to wear contact lenses. Patients with low tear production may be able to wear contact lenses made for dry eyes, or may be advised to avoid contact lenses (in cases of extremely dry eyes).
If it is your first time wearing contact lenses, schedule extra time after your exam or when you pick up your lenses. During this visit, we will show you how to properly insert and remove your lenses and teach you how to care for them to keep your eyes healthy and comfortable.
Plan on your exam taking longer than a regular eye exam.
The price of a contact lens exam at Wisconsin Vision can vary depending on the number of tests needed and how many follow-up visits are required to achieve a comfortable fit. Contact lens exams cost more than routine eye exams because of extra tests, measurements and evaluations to match you with the right type and size of contact lenses.
You can use your CareCredit credit card to pay for contact lens exams, follow-up fittings and contact lenses at all Wisconsin Vision locations. Find info about our CareCredit terms, plus a payment calculator and link to apply online.
Vision insurance coverage can also affect the out-of-pocket cost of a contact lens fitting. In general, insurance providers consider contact lenses optional and not medically necessary, so fitting fees usually aren’t covered.
Some providers cover medically necessary contact lenses, and some cover part of a contact lens fitting fee. In other cases, you’re able to use part of your plan’s contact lens allowance to offset the fitting fee. We provide free insurance coverage checks so you can understand your plan and avoid surprise costs.
You can also get a contact eye exam and contacts without insurance.
A contact lens exam price can vary depending on the number of tests needed, and how many follow-up visits are required to achieve a comfortable fit. For a more accurate quote, please contact your local Wisconsin Vision.
Yes, contact lens exams begin similar to a regular eye exam, with a vision check and eye health examination. Eye measurements and contact lens fitting occur afterward as a part of the contact lens exam.
Yes, contact lens exams include specialized tests just for contacts. Because contacts sit on the surface of your eye, instead of glasses sitting in front of your eyes, your prescription may differ.
Generally for children and adults, getting a contact lens exam once a year is recommended. Regular follow-ups with your eye doctor reduce the risk of potential eye irritation caused by problematic contacts. If your contacts are irritating or are painful to place or remove, schedule a contact lens exam with a licensed optometrist at Wisconsin Vision.
Bring your contact lenses or glasses to the appointment if they are being worn. Expect the contact lens exam to take longer than a regular eye exam, due to lens fitting and testing. Be prepared to ask questions or receive training if you've never worn contacts before. Get a good night's sleep. Bring any insurance documentation