Contact Lens Exams in Seattle, WA
Contact lenses offer a convenient alternative to glasses, but safe, comfortable wear starts with a proper evaluation. At Spex in the City in Seattle, WA, Dr. Raghuram performs comprehensive contact lens exams that confirm the right prescription, ensure an accurate fit, and protect the long-term health of your eyes, whether you are a first-time wearer or have worn contacts for years.
Request an AppointmentWhat Is a Contact Lens Exam?
A contact lens exam goes beyond a standard eye exam because it focuses on how lenses will interact with the surface of your eye. Dr. Raghuram evaluates the health of your cornea, eyelids, and tear film, then measures the curvature of your cornea and the size of your pupils and irises. These measurements help determine the lens material, diameter, and curvature that will give you the best combination of comfort, clear vision, and healthy oxygen flow. A contact lens prescription is different from an eyeglass prescription, so this exam is required even if your glasses prescription is current.
Why Contact Lens Exams Are Important
Contact lenses sit directly on the eye, so small errors in fit or prescription can cause significant problems. Ill-fitting lenses may lead to:
- Redness, irritation, and a scratchy or gritty feeling
- Dryness that worsens throughout the day
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Corneal abrasions or reduced oxygen to the cornea
- A higher risk of eye infections
Annual contact lens exams allow our optometrist to catch early signs of trouble, update your prescription, and keep your eyes healthy for years of comfortable wear.
What to Expect During Your Exam
Your visit begins with a review of your vision needs, daily routine, and any past experience with contacts. Visual acuity testing determines the power you need for clear vision. Corneal measurements guide lens selection, and a close examination of your tear film and eye surface confirms that your eyes can wear lenses comfortably. In many cases, trial lenses are placed on your eyes so Dr. Raghuram can evaluate fit, movement, and visual clarity before finalizing your prescription. First-time wearers also receive hands-on training for inserting, removing, and caring for their lenses.
Types of Contact Lenses
Modern contact lenses come in many designs to meet different visual and lifestyle needs:
- Daily disposable lenses offer convenience and excellent hygiene with a fresh pair every day
- Biweekly and monthly soft lenses provide a cost-effective option for regular wearers
- Toric lenses correct astigmatism and are available in soft and rigid designs
- Multifocal lenses help patients with presbyopia see clearly up close and far away
- Rigid gas permeable lenses deliver sharp vision for certain prescriptions and irregular corneas
Patients with keratoconus, high astigmatism, or a history of uncomfortable lenses may benefit from our hard to fit contacts services. For children with progressing nearsightedness, specialty lenses are also part of our myopia control program.
Contact Lenses and Dry Eye
Dryness is one of the most common reasons people stop wearing contacts. Seattle’s indoor heating and long hours on screens can make it worse. If your lenses feel uncomfortable by the end of the day, Dr. Raghuram can recommend a different lens material, a daily disposable option, or dry eye treatment to help you wear contacts comfortably again. You can also review the signs of dry eyes to see if your symptoms sound familiar.
Maintaining Eye Health With Contact Lenses
Good habits protect your eyes between visits. Wash your hands before handling lenses, use fresh solution every time, replace your lenses and case on schedule, and avoid sleeping or swimming in lenses unless your optometrist has approved it. Keeping a backup pair of eyeglasses gives your eyes a break and ensures you can see clearly if a lens is lost or irritated.
Schedule a Contact Lens Exam in Seattle, WA
Spex in the City provides comprehensive contact lens exams and fittings to ensure proper fit, clear vision, and healthy eyes. Call our office at (206) 526-2020 or request an appointment to get started.
Contact Lens Exam FAQs
Do I need a contact lens exam if I already have a glasses prescription?
Yes. A contact lens prescription includes measurements such as lens curvature and diameter that are not part of an eyeglass prescription, so a separate contact lens exam is required.
How often should I have a contact lens exam?
Most contact lens wearers should have an exam once a year so the optometrist can check eye health, confirm the fit, and update the prescription.
Can I wear contacts if I have astigmatism?
Yes. Toric soft lenses and rigid gas permeable lenses are designed to correct astigmatism and provide clear, stable vision.
Are contact lenses safe for children and teens?
Many children and teens wear contacts successfully when they can follow proper hygiene. Specialty lenses are also used for myopia control in kids.
What if my contacts feel dry or uncomfortable?
Discomfort may be caused by the lens material, fit, or dry eye. Dr. Raghuram can recommend a different lens or dry eye treatment to improve comfort.
Will I get trial lenses during my exam?
In many cases, yes. Trial lenses let the optometrist evaluate fit, comfort, and vision before finalizing your contact lens prescription.
How do I schedule a contact lens exam at Spex in the City?
Call Spex in the City at (206) 526-2020 or request an appointment online.