The short answer is: generally, no. While it might seem logical to wear your contacts, your eye doctor needs to examine your eyes comprehensively, and that often requires a contact lens-free assessment. This post will delve into the reasons why, addressing common concerns and offering helpful advice.
Why Shouldn't I Wear My Contacts to My Eye Exam?
Your optometrist or ophthalmologist needs to assess the health of your entire eye, including the cornea (the clear front part of your eye). Contact lenses, even daily disposables, can temporarily alter the shape of your cornea and obscure underlying issues. This can lead to an inaccurate diagnosis or missed problems. Removing your contact lenses allows for a more thorough and accurate examination.
What Happens if I Wear My Contacts?
Wearing contacts to your eye exam can impact several aspects of the examination:
- Inaccurate Refraction: The process of determining your prescription (refraction) is more precise without contact lenses, leading to a potentially less accurate prescription if you wear them. This could result in blurry vision or eye strain with your new glasses or contact lenses.
- Missed Diagnoses: The doctor may miss underlying conditions like corneal abrasions, infections (like keratitis), or other eye problems that are hidden or masked by your contact lenses. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment.
- Delayed Treatment: A misdiagnosis or missed problem due to wearing contacts could delay necessary treatment, potentially leading to more serious eye complications.
What If I Only Wear Contacts Occasionally?
Even if you only wear your contacts occasionally, it's still best to remove them before your eye exam. The brief period of wear can still slightly affect your cornea, impacting the accuracy of the examination. It's better to err on the side of caution and ensure the most thorough assessment possible.
What If I Can't See Well Without My Contacts?
This is a completely understandable concern. Inform your eye doctor beforehand that you have difficulty seeing without your contacts. They can help guide you and may have suggestions for managing the situation, possibly using a temporary solution to help you navigate the exam.
How Long Should I Remove My Contacts Before My Eye Exam?
The recommended timeframe for contact lens removal varies depending on the type of contact lenses. It's always best to consult the instructions provided by your eye care professional, but generally, removing them for a few hours before the appointment is a good practice.
What Should I Bring to My Eye Exam?
Bring your current contact lens prescription and case (if applicable), as well as a list of any eye-related medications you are currently taking. This helps your doctor build a complete picture of your eye health.
In Conclusion
While it might seem convenient to wear your contacts to your eye exam, it's generally recommended to remove them before your appointment. Doing so allows your eye doctor to perform a comprehensive examination, leading to a more accurate diagnosis and the best possible treatment plan for your eye health. Always follow your eye doctor’s specific advice and instructions.
