The convenience of contact lenses has made them a popular choice for people around the world. However, with their versatility comes the responsibility of maintaining the lenses and your eyes with proper care. You may have heard your doctor recommend contact lens services every two years, and it’s natural to wonder if this is truly necessary– especially when your vision might feel fine and your lenses haven’t changed,
Yet, the answer is yes that contact lens services every two years are important for protecting your eye health. Regular checkups to determine your lenses are fitting properly while helping to identify any potential issues early on.
Why Contact Lens Services Matter
Contact lens services aren’t just a formality but a preventative measure for maintaining eye health and avoiding any potential future complications. Here are a few reasons why you should prioritize scheduling your next contact lens service appointment:
Your Eyes Change Over Time
Much like our bodies are constantly changing, the same goes for our eyes. Even if your vision might feel stable, subtle changes in the shape or size of your cornea can begin to take place over time. The result could impact your vision and how well your contact lenses fit. A poorly fitted lens can lead to discomfort, blurred vision, or complications like corneal abrasions and infections.
Regular appointments allow your eye doctor to check to see if your lenses still fit your eyes and provide recommendations on any changes that may need to be made. These appointments can become even more important when change is more likely, such as starting a new medication or pregnancy.
Preventing Eye Health Issues
Contact lenses sit directly on your eyes, making a proper fit and good hygiene important factors to consider. Over time, build-up on your lenses or improper wear can increase the risk of developing conditions like dry eye, corneal ulcers, or allergic reactions. An appointment every two years can help to reduce the likelihood of encountering these problems by allowing your eye doctor to check for early signs and adjust your prescription accordingly.
Updated Prescription
Even a subtle change in your prescription can significantly affect your vision. An appointment every two years helps keep your lenses up-to-date and in good shape. Skipping this step could lead to outdated prescriptions, which can strain your eyes and cause headaches or discomfort.
What Happens During a Contact Lens Services
If it’s been awhile since your last appointment, or this is your first appointment, you might be wondering what to expect. Here’s a rundown on the standard process:
Comprehensive Eye Exam
Your optometrist will typically start with a standard eye exam to assess your overall eye health and prescription needs. They will look for issues like astigmatism, dry eye syndrome, and any other signs of eye conditions.
Corneal Measurements
Your eye doctor will measure the shape and curvature of your cornea using a special tool to determine the size of lenses needed. These measurements help to make sure your contact lenses will fit comfortably without causing irritation.
Lens Compatibility Check
If this is your first time wearing contact lenses or switching to a different lens test, your doctor may test different lenses during the fitting to find a good match. They’ll check for proper movement and observe how the lenses fit on your eyes.
Tear Film Assessment
Those with a dry eye condition or individuals prone to dryness may be asked to sit through a tear film assessment. This helps your eye doctor to evaluate whether you might need special lenses that keep your eyes hydrated while being worn.
Trial Period
Some optometrists may ask you to wear trial lenses for a few days to help determine that they are a good fit. Afterwards, you may be asked to return for a follow-up appointment to finalize the prescription.
Why You Might Not Want to Skip Your Every Two Year Appointment
While skipping your every two year appointment might seem harmless, it can lead to some unwanted complications:
- Irritation & discomfort: Over time, your lenses might no longer fit how they are supposed to, causing discomfort or redness in your eyes.
- Eye health risks: Long-term usage of lenses without proper monitoring can lead to increased risk of infection or damage to your corneas.
- Legal compliance: In many U.S. states, having an up-to-date prescription for purchasing contact lenses is a legal requirement. Without it, you may be unable to reorder.
Avoiding these complications can be made easier by attending your appointment and speaking with an experienced eye doctor.
Book Your Appointment Today!
Even if your prescription might feel fine, it’s important to prioritize your eye health and check in with your eye doctor regularly. Your vision is priceless, and taking proactive steps like scheduling every two year contact lens service appointment is a good way to protect it. At Valley & Eye Vision, our friendly team is happy to book you for your next appointment today!