Do I need a different eye test for contact lenses?

tsoprano

I am returning to my local optician for an eye test. I have told them I want it to buy glasses online. I asked them about getting contact lenses as I got them thru the same place a couple of times before and they told me I would need to come in for another test. Is this right? Is the prescription not the same? I would like the option of ordering contact lenses online as well. They said they would need to check if I was suitable but I got them there before? #confused.com

Fuzzy_Duck

That's right, it is a different test and the prescriptions will be different.

Are you after different contact lenses? If you are you need to have them fitted beforehand to check they are suitable. If they're the same ones you want my guess is you're overdue for a check up.

tsoprano

I have already had them checked and judged suitable for contacts but this was about 2 years ago - I can't remember that there was a different test they just make sure I could put them in and take them out. For my eye test tomorrow, can't they check my prescription for contacts too?

nedmundo

The contact lens specification will normally only be legally valid for 1 year. To check the contact lens side of things will require some other tests, involving assessing your prescription with your lenses in and the fir of them as well as checking for any ocular changes induced by contact lens wear. This isn't covered in a normal eye exam, so whilst they may be able to do it at the same time (check with them 1st), expect to pay for the further service required.

pavlovs_dog

they measure things that you wouldn't really think of, such as the curvature of your eye.

Apparently my eyes are flatter than they should be and I'm a lazy blinker, which means I may struggle to keep my eyes sufficiently moist with contacts in.

jenniewb

Agree with the above, they need to take a size for your lenses from your eye ball. If you have issues like an astigmatism this also needs to be catered for.