What is included in a contact lens exam?
A contact lens exam includes all components of a regular eye exam, along with additional testing specifically focused on contact lens fit, comfort, and eye health. During this process, Dr. Rachel Shlomov evaluates how your eyes interact with contact lenses and determines the safest and most effective lens options for your vision needs. A properly fitted lens not only improves clarity but also protects the long-term health of your eyes.
This evaluation may include:
- Detailed refraction and vision assessment
- Measurement of corneal shape and curvature
- Evaluation of tear film and dry eye status
- Assessment of corneal health and oxygen needs
- Contact lens fitting and trial lens evaluation
- Instruction on proper lens care and wear schedule (daily, biweekly, monthly)
This thorough approach ensures that contact lenses provide clear vision while protecting the health of your eyes over time.
How is a contact lens exam different from a regular eye exam?
A regular eye exam evaluates vision and eye health, while a contact lens examination includes additional testing to ensure contact lenses fit properly and can be worn safely. Contact lenses sit directly on the surface of the eye, making precise measurements and careful evaluation essential.
During this detailed assessment, factors such as corneal shape, tear quality, blinking patterns, and oxygen transmission are carefully analyzed. These measurements help prevent discomfort, dryness, infections, and long-term complications that can result from poorly fitted lenses.
A contact lens evaluation is required even if your glasses prescription has not changed.
Do I need to repeat this exam every year?
Yes. Most contact lens wearers should have an examination annually. Even if your vision feels stable, changes in corneal health, tear film quality, or lens tolerance can occur over time without obvious symptoms.
Annual exams help:
- Monitor corneal health and oxygen levels
- Detect early signs of contact lens–related irritation or inflammation
- Adjust lens materials or designs for comfort
- Address dryness or eye strain related to lens wear
- Ensure your prescription and fit remain appropriate, especially over the age of 40 when presbyopia occurs and our near vision begins to change
Regular contact lens exams are essential for maintaining safe and comfortable lens wear, and an experienced optometrist provides the clinical oversight needed to keep lenses performing well year after year.
What types of contact lenses can be evaluated during an exam?
During your visit, a wide range of contact lens options can be evaluated based on your vision needs, eye health, and lifestyle. Dr. Rachel Shlomov specializes in both standard and advanced contact lens options, carefully assessing which materials and designs will offer the best clarity, comfort, and long-term eye health.
Lens types evaluated may include:
- Soft contact lenses
- Multifocal contact lenses, for presbyopia
- Toric lenses for astigmatism
- For people with presbyopia and astigmatism, toric multifocal contact lenses
- Specialty contact lenses
- Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses
- Scleral contact lenses
- Therapeutic or tinted lenses
Your exam helps determine which lens design offers the best balance of vision, comfort, and eye health.
Can a contact lens fitting also help with dry eye or discomfort?
Yes. Contact lens discomfort is often linked to underlying dry eye disease or tear film instability. During the evaluation, the ocular surface and tear quality are carefully assessed to identify the root causes of dryness, irritation, or fluctuating vision.
Many patients in Miami experience lens discomfort due to prolonged screen use, air conditioning, environmental factors, or wearing lenses that are not ideally suited to their eyes. Identifying these issues allows for targeted treatment and meaningful improvements in comfort. In some cases, adjusting lens materials, modifying wear schedules, or treating dry eye disease can significantly improve lens tolerance. Proper assessment by an experienced eye doctor ensures these changes are made safely and effectively.
What if I’ve been told I’m not a good candidate for contact lenses?
Many patients who were previously told they could not wear contact lenses are actually candidates for newer or specialty lens designs. Advances in contact lens technology allow for successful fitting in patients with dry eye, astigmatism, irregular corneas, or previous contact lens intolerance.
A comprehensive examination helps determine whether alternative lens options may be appropriate.
Why choose Dr. Rachel Shlomov for a contact lens fitting in Miami Beach?
Dr. Rachel Shlomov, OD provides contact lens examinations with a focus on precision, comfort, and long-term eye health. With advanced training in specialty contact lenses and ocular surface disease, she takes a personalized approach to contact lens care rather than a one-size-fits-all model.
Those seeking contact lens care in Miami Beach value the attention to detail, modern diagnostic technology, and customized lens selection that help optimize both clarity and comfort. A thorough, individualized fitting process reduces avoidable irritation and supports long-term success with contact lenses.
Wearing Contact Lenses in Miami’s Unique Climate
Living in South Florida presents unique challenges for contact lens wearers, including year-round air conditioning, environmental allergens, and extended screen use. Personalized contact lens evaluations are especially important for patients in Miami and surrounding communities to ensure safe, comfortable lens wear in these conditions. Many individuals prefer a medically focused assessment over a quick retail fitting, allowing for a more precise fit, healthier eyes, and long-term comfort.
Schedule a Contact Lens Examination
Whether you are new to contact lenses or seeking improved comfort and vision, Dr. Rachel Shlomov offers evaluations tailored to your individual needs.