As an optometrist and contact lens expert, I cannot stress enough how crucial it is to have your contact lenses checked and examined every year. Contact lenses are medical devices that sit directly on the surface of your eyes, and as such, they require regular monitoring and attention to ensure they are fitting properly and your eyes are healthy.
Here are some reasons why an annual contact lens examination is so important:
Ensure Proper Fit: Contact lenses come in different shapes and sizes to fit various eye shapes and conditions. During an eye exam, your optometrist will measure the curvature of your eyes and assess the fit of your contact lenses. An ill-fitting contact lens can cause discomfort, redness, or even eye infections.
Prevent Infections: Contact lenses can increase the risk of eye infections, especially if they are not cleaned and maintained correctly. An annual eye exam allows your optometrist to check for signs of infections, such as corneal ulcers or conjunctivitis. Your optometrist will also check for signs of corneal neovascularization, a condition that occurs when the blood vessels in the eye grow into the cornea due to lack of oxygen.
Monitor Eye Health: An annual eye exam is also an opportunity to monitor the health of your eyes. Your optometrist will check for any changes in your vision or eye health since your last visit. They will also look for signs of eye diseases, such as glaucoma or cataracts, that may be more common in contact lens wearers.
Update Prescription: As with glasses, your contact lens prescription can change over time. An annual eye exam allows your optometrist to update your contact lens prescription, ensuring that you are wearing the correct lenses for your eyes.
Discuss New Technology: Advancements in contact lens technology are constantly being made, and an annual eye exam is a great opportunity to discuss any new contact lens options that may be available to you. This may include new materials or designs that can improve comfort, vision, and eye health.
In conclusion, if you wear contact lenses, it is essential to have an annual eye exam to ensure that your lenses are fitting properly, your eyes are healthy, and your prescription is up-to-date. Contact lenses can improve your quality of life, but only if they are worn and cared for correctly. So, make sure to schedule your annual eye exam with your optometrist today.
