How Often to Get Eye Exam for Contacts
Not sure how often to get eye exam for contacts? Here’s a simple guide to help you protect your eyes and keep your vision clear and healthy.
Let me be honest with you—if you wear contact lenses like I do, skipping your eye exam is not a good idea.
I used to push mine off for months, thinking, “Well, I can still see fine, so I’m good.”
But guess what? That thinking almost cost me my eye health.
Wearing contacts means your eyes are doing extra work every day.
And even if you don’t feel it, little things can go wrong without you knowing.
That’s why understanding how often to get eye exam for contacts really matters.
So, let’s break it down and give you a clear guide on what you need to know, straight from one contact lens wearer to another.
Why You Can’t Skip Contact Lens Eye Exams
Even if your vision seems okay, your eyes still need to be checked.
Contacts sit directly on your eyes, and over time, they can cause dryness, irritation, or even damage if not managed right.
Here’s what your eye doctor looks for during an exam:
- Changes in your vision that you might not notice yet
- Signs of infection or irritation
- Contact lens fit and comfort
- Cornea health (the clear front part of your eye)
Now, I’m not trying to scare you—but eye issues can sneak up fast.
I had a friend who ignored her exam and ended up with a scratched cornea.
It took weeks to heal, and she couldn’t wear contacts for a while. Don’t let that be you.
So… How Often Do You Get Eye Exam for Contacts?
Okay, I’ll say at least once a year.
That’s what most optometrists recommend.
If you wear daily, weekly, or monthly lenses, a yearly checkup is usually enough.
But depending on your eye health or how long you’ve worn contacts, your eye doctor might ask to see you more often.
Let me break it down even more:
- Every 12 months, if everything’s good and your contacts feel fine
- Every 6 months, if you have dry eyes, allergies, or past issues
- Right away, if you notice pain, redness, blurry vision, or any discomfort
The point is—don’t wait until your eyes hurt to see your doctor. Stay ahead of problems before they show up.
Don’t Just Google “Eye Doctor Near Me” — Choose Smart
We’ve all typed “eye doctor near me” into Google, hoping to find someone nearby.
But here’s the thing: not every clinic is the same. You want a place that takes your concerns seriously and doesn’t rush the exam.
If you’re in Texas, I recommend checking out this eye doctor near me.
They’re based in College Station, and I’ve heard great things about their care.
They don’t treat you like just another appointment—they actually take the time to explain what’s going on with your eyes.
And trust me, you want a doctor who makes you feel heard.
I once had an appointment where the doctor barely looked at me, and it made me feel like I shouldn’t have even come in.
Never again.
Why Your Prescription for Contacts Isn’t the Same as Glasses
This part used to confuse me, too. I thought if I got a glasses prescription, I could just order contacts with it. Nope.
Here’s the deal:
- Contact lenses sit directly on your eye, not in front of it like glasses
- You need a separate prescription for contacts
- The fit, brand, and even curve of the lens matter for comfort and safety
That’s why your optometrist near me will do a contact lens fitting during your exam.
It’s not just about seeing clearly—it’s about making sure the lens sits right on your eye and doesn’t cause problems later.
If you’re in College Station, try searching for Optometrist College Station or eye doctor College Station to find someone local who gets it.
There are a few great clinics that take their time with fittings and follow-ups.
Signs You Might Need an Exam Sooner
You don’t have to wait until your next yearly visit if something feels off. Your eyes have ways of telling you something’s not right.
Watch out for:
- Blurry vision
- Dry, itchy, or red eyes
- Pain or discomfort after wearing lenses
- Seeing halos or glare around lights
- Headaches after long hours of screen time
If you notice any of these, don’t wait. I once ignored my dry eyes for weeks, and it turned into a painful inflammation.
A quick visit to the optometrist near me could’ve saved me all that pain (and money on eye drops).
Tips to Make Your Contacts Last (and Your Eyes Happy)
Eye exams are one piece of the puzzle. Taking care of your contacts is the other half. Here’s what helps me:
- Wash your hands before touching your lenses
- Don’t sleep in contacts unless your doctor says it’s safe
- Switch out your case every 1-3 months
- Use fresh solution every day (don’t “top off” old solution)
- Take breaks from contacts and wear glasses sometimes
It sounds basic, but these small habits can prevent infections and keep your eyes healthier between exams.
What Happens If You Skip Your Yearly Eye Exam?
Let’s just say I tried it once—and paid for it. I kept using the same lenses past the recommended date.
Eventually, my eyes got irritated. I figured I could just switch brands on my own.
That backfired really quickly.
Here’s what can happen if you skip:
- Your prescription might be outdated, even if you don’t notice right away
- You could miss early signs of eye problems
- Your contacts might not fit properly anymore
- You might be using a brand that’s not ideal for your current eye shape
And some insurance plans won’t cover new contacts if you don’t have a recent prescription. It’s not worth the risk.
Where to Learn More About Eye Health
If you want to go deeper into how your eyes work and why exams matter, check out this helpful info from The American Optometric Association.
They keep it simple and focus on what real people need to know.
Another helpful resource is the Mayo Clinic’s guide on what you can experience during a contact lens exam.
I read it before my last appointment, and it helped me ask better questions.
Wrapping It Up: Your Eyes Deserve Better
I get it—life gets busy. It’s easy to put off things like eye exams, especially when you feel fine.
But your eyes are too important to ignore. They carry you through your work, your hobbies, your time with loved ones.
If you’ve been wondering how often to get eye exam for contacts, now you know. Aim for once a year.
And sooner if something feels off.
Take care of your eyes, and they’ll take care of you.
You don’t need to wait until something goes wrong. Just search for a good eye doctor College Station or Optometrist College Station if you’re in the area—or find one near you and book that exam.
You won’t regret it. I sure didn’t.