Contact Lens Exams

Contact Lens Exams at Lehigh Valley Eye Care Associates in Allentown, PA

You may already know that regular eye exams and vision testing can help you receive the proper corrective lens prescription for eyeglasses -- but if you're opting for contact lenses for the first time, you might be surprised to learn that you'll also need a contact lens exam. This exam is critical for ensuring that you get accurate vision correction, a comfortable fit, and the right type of lenses to suit your lifestyle and any underlying medical issues. Our Allentown optometrists at Lehigh Valley Eye Care Associates (Dr. Tony Sankari, Dr. Micheline Rajha, and Dr. Heidi Bruch) can serve as your trusted resource for this important evaluation.

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Why You Need a Contact Lens Exam by an Optometrist

Why would you need a contact lens exam even though you've just had a vision evaluation and the appropriate prescription to correct a refractive error? While that vision correction data is important, it's only one facet of contact lens selection and fitting. Since contacts rest directly in contact with the eye surface, they must conform to extremely precise contours and dimensions if you want to experience clarity of vision and reasonable comfort. Contact lens exams can obtain the additional measurements necessary to create customized lenses that fit your eyes perfectly. 

Contact Lens Exam Measurements by Our Allentown Eye Doctors

Our Allentown eye doctors use a variety of instruments and techniques to measure the structures at the front of your eyes as a necessary first step toward an accurate fitting. A device called a keratometer reveals your basic corneal curvature from the way light bounces off the cornea. But this technique alone cannot "map" small irregularities on the cornea's surface. To achieve that, we use a more sophisticated technique called corneal topography to record every little bulge or pit, allowing us to craft lenses that correct for these abnormalities. Our optometrists will also measure your pupils and iris. When fitting your new lenses, we may use a biomicroscope to observe how well the contact lens sits on the eye.

Health, Lifestyle and Vision Considerations for the Communities of Lehigh Valley, Allentown, Whitehall,  Bethlehem, and Easton

Certain health and lifestyle factors also play a role in determining which kind of contact lenses are right for you -- and these factors are discussed in your contact lens exam. For example, if you have dry eye, you'll need lenses that the best possible job or retaining eye moisture. Our Allentown optometrists can evaluate your tear film to determine whether dry eye will be a factor in your contact lens selection. If your eyelids have an inflammatory reaction to proteins that accumulate on extended-wear soft contacts (a problem known as giant papillary conjunctivitis), you may need single-use lenses or rigid gas permeable lenses to avoid this discomfort.

Last but not least, the type of refractive error you may may dictate your choice of contact lens type. For instance, a severe case of nearsightedness or farsightedness may be easier to correct with rigid gas permeable lenses than soft lenses, while keratoconus (a cone-like deformation of the cornea) is best corrected with scleral lenses that cover the entire cornea. Since refractive errors can change over time, regular evaluations may be necessary to adjust your prescription accordingly.

Schedule a Contact Lens Exam and Fitting at Our Allentown Optometry Center

Lehigh Valley Eye Care Associates looks forward to helping you see the world as clearly and comfortably as possible through your new contact lenses. Take the first step by calling our Allentown optometry center at (610) 432-3258 to schedule a contact lens exam!


At your contact eye exam, you can expect us to measure your vision and determine the appropriate prescription that you need to enjoy sharp and clear eyesight. At Lehigh Valley Eye Care Associates, we offer a full line of contact lenses and our Allentown, PA optometrists will work closely with you to determine which option best meets your vision needs and lifestyle. You can expect comprehensive and effective care to help you find the right contact lenses for you!

Which Type of Contact Lens is Right for You?

If you have decided that contact lenses are the right solution to your vision needs, the staff at Lehigh Valley Eye Care Associates will help you find the type of lens that is best for you and your lifestyle. Our team will utilize a keratometer to reveal the curvature of your cornea and to determine any abnormalities that need to be addressed when fitting your lenses.

During your exam and consultation, we will discuss the different types of contact lenses that are available, including hard and soft lenses, extended wear, and daily disposable lenses. Patients who suffer from dry eye often find relief with lenses that allow fluid to pool behind the lens and keep the eye from drying out. This is just one example of the way that our customized approach to contact lens fittings will help you to find the lenses that correct your vision and are also comfortable. Your corrective vision needs, preferences, and your lifestyle will determine which option is best for you!

Care Tips for Contact Lenses

We can also provide tips on the proper care of your lenses and eyes when wearing them. We recommend that you practice good care when inserting and removing your lenses by thoroughly washing your hands prior to touching your eyes. If you have single-use or disposable lenses be sure to remove them as directed. Hard lenses require proper cleaning each night and many of our patients utilize eyeglasses in between wearing their lenses. If you are looking for an option that allows you clear vision with minimal upkeep be sure to let us know during your contact eye exam.

Call Lehigh Valley Eye Care Associates Today to Schedule Your Exam with our Allentown Optometrists

If you have any questions about contacts lens exams or contact lenses in general, we are happy to work with you to provide all the information you need. Call us today at (610) 432-3258 to schedule your exam at our Allentown optometry office; we are conveniently located at 2030 W Tilghman Street in Allentown, PA.

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Hours of Operation

Monday

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Tuesday

8:00 am - 7:00 pm

Wednesday

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Thursday

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Friday

8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

Monday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday
8:00 am - 7:00 pm
Wednesday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed