Casey Optical Co

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Casey Optical Co

Albuquerque, NM

Contact Lens Exam

Albuquerque, NM

Contact Lens Exam

If you are interested in wearing contact lenses, our optometrist in Albuquerque can help you find the right contact lenses for your eye health and visual needs. Contact lens evaluations are performed annually to ensure your contact lens prescription remains up to date. 

During a contact lens exam and fitting at Casey Optical Co., Dr. Christine Kniffen will evaluate your eye health and vision and ask you about your lifestyle and hobbies to ensure she recommends the right contact lens for your unique needs. Many new contact lenses accommodate astigmatism, presbyopia, and more. Even if you have been told previously that you can’t wear contact lenses, our eye doctor may be able to help. 

Contact lens exam  

The contact lens exam may be conducted as part of your eye exam or may be scheduled as a separate appointment.    

  • During the contact lens exam, Dr. Kniffen will evaluate the size and shape of your eyes and will also check for any eye health issues which may prevent you from wearing contact lenses comfortably. 
  • She will measure your cornea to determine the curvature and size of your contact lens and will also measure the size of your pupils. If you are diagnosed with astigmatism, which is a common condition where the cornea is shaped irregularly, we may recommend a toric lens. A toric lens is a special type of lens designed to fit the unique shape of an irregularly shaped cornea.  
  • Dr. Kniffen may also evaluate your tear film to determine if you have a condition known as dry eye syndrome. Wearing contact lenses for long periods can worsen dry eye symptoms. If you are diagnosed with dry eye, our doctor can treat the underlying cause and help relieve discomfort. 

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Once these tests are complete, our eye doctor will prescribe contact lenses based on your eye health and vision needs. She may provide you with trial contact lenses and ask you to wear them for a week or so. You will then come back for a follow-up exam to ensure the contacts fit comfortably and provide you with clear vision. 

You will also receive a contact lens prescription that designates the contact lens type, power, base curve (a shape matching the curvature of your eye), and diameter.    

Why do I need an exam for contact lenses?   

Whether you currently wear contact lenses or would like to try wearing them, there are several reasons you need a contact lens exam.  

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Determine the right prescription

A contact lens exam is necessary to determine the right prescription for your lenses, which can differ from regular eyeglasses. Contact lenses are also classified as medical devices by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and potentially pose risks to the wearer if not used properly. As such, they are subject to regulations and standards to ensure their safety and efficacy. 

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Assess fit and comfort

Ensuring that your contact lenses fit properly is crucial for both comfort and avoiding complications. During your contact lens exam at Casey Optical Co., Dr. Kniffen will measure the shape and size of your eyes to ensure a proper fitting. 

After measuring your eyes, she will select an initial pair of lenses for you to try. She will then evaluate both your vision and the fit of the contact lens on your eye. If she finds any issues with the fit, vision, or comfort of the lenses, she will adjust them accordingly.  

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Discuss care and maintenance

Taking proper care of your contact lenses is essential to avoid eye infections and other complications. When you come in for your first contact lens exam, Dr. Kniffen will provide you with training on proper handling, care, insertion, and removal of your contact lenses.  

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Evaluate eye health

A contact lens exam includes an evaluation of the health of the eyes. This evaluation helps identify any underlying eye problems or conditions that could affect your use of contact lenses or require additional treatment. 

Schedule a contact lens exam in Albuquerque 

Our eye doctor in Albuquerque has experience in successfully fitting patients with the right contact lenses for their visual needs, eye health, and lifestyle. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and let us know if you’d like to wear contact lenses.