Contact Lens Exams at Family Eye Care
Thinking about contact lenses—or already wearing them? At Family Eye Care in North Andover, Dr. Patti A. Richard and her team specialize in fitting patients with lenses that provide clear, comfortable vision tailored to their needs.
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What is a Contact Lens Exam?
A contact lens exam goes beyond a routine eye exam. While a comprehensive exam checks your overall eye health, a contact lens exam evaluates whether you’re a good candidate for contacts and determines the right lens fit.
During your exam, your doctor may:
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Measure the curvature of your cornea to find the right lens shape
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Check your pupil and iris size
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Evaluate your tear film to ensure your eyes stay moist and comfortable in lenses
These tests help identify the best lens for you—whether standard, toric for astigmatism, or a specialty design.​
Contact Lens Prescriptions
Contact lens prescriptions differ from eyeglass prescriptions. Based on your exam results, your doctor will provide a prescription specific to your eyes and lifestyle. You may also receive a trial pair to test comfort and clarity before finalizing your lenses.
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Follow-Up Care
Your first pair of contacts is only the beginning. Your doctor may schedule a follow-up visit to ensure the lenses fit properly, your vision is sharp, and your eyes remain healthy.
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Types of Contact Lenses
Soft Contact Lenses
The most common type, soft lenses are flexible and allow oxygen to pass through the cornea. They come in daily or extended-wear options.
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Specialty Contact Lenses
Some patients need alternatives to standard lenses due to conditions like keratoconus or dry eye. Options include:
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Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses
Durable and long-lasting, RGP lenses provide crisp vision but may take time to adjust to. -
Scleral Lenses
Larger lenses that rest on the sclera (the white of the eye), vaulting over the cornea to create a smooth optical surface. They’re especially effective for keratoconus, high astigmatism, or irregular corneas, and can be more comfortable for patients with dry eye. -
Hybrid Lenses (ClearKone by SynergEyes)
Recommended by Dr. Richard for keratoconus, these lenses combine the sharp vision of a gas permeable lens with the comfort of a soft lens.
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Why Choose Contacts?
Contact lenses offer freedom from glasses, a wider field of vision, and convenience for daily activities. With the right fit, they can provide clear, comfortable vision all day long.