Contact Lens Exams in Austin, TX
Contact lenses offer a freedom of vision that glasses simply cannot match — no frames obscuring your peripheral view, no fogging up in the heat, no sliding down your nose. But wearing contacts safely and comfortably requires more than just knowing your glasses prescription. At Freedom Eye Care in Austin, TX, we provide thorough contact lens exams that go beyond vision correction to ensure every lens we recommend fits your eyes precisely, supports your long-term eye health, and works for your lifestyle. Whether you are a first-time lens wearer or a seasoned one looking to update your prescription or explore new options, we are here to help.
Book OnlineWhy a Contact Lens Exam Is Different From a Glasses Exam
A common misconception is that a glasses prescription can simply be transferred to contact lenses — but the two are meaningfully different. Glasses sit approximately 12 millimeters from the surface of the eye, while contact lenses rest directly on the cornea. This difference in position changes the effective power of the correction needed. Contact lenses also require precise measurements of your corneal curvature and diameter to ensure the lens sits correctly and moves naturally with your blink — measurements that are not part of a standard eyeglass prescription.
Beyond measurements, a contact lens exam includes a full evaluation of your eye health to ensure your eyes are suitable for lens wear. We assess your tear film to check for dry eye disease that could interfere with comfort, examine the corneal surface for any irregularities, and evaluate the health of the conjunctiva and lids. We then fit trial lenses and assess how they perform on your eyes under real-world conditions. Scheduling your general eye exam and contact lens fitting at the same visit saves time and ensures all aspects of your vision care are coordinated efficiently.
Contact Lens Options We Fit at Freedom Eye Care
The contact lens market has expanded dramatically in recent years, and today there are excellent options for virtually every patient — including those who were previously told they could not wear contacts. At Freedom Eye Care, we fit a full range of contact lens types including:
- Daily Disposable Lenses: A fresh pair every day eliminates the need for lens cleaning and storage solutions. Daily lenses are an excellent choice for patients with allergies, dry eyes, or irregular wear schedules.
- Bi-Weekly and Monthly Lenses: Reusable lenses that are replaced on a regular schedule. These require proper cleaning and storage but are a cost-effective and convenient option for consistent daily wearers.
- Toric Lenses for Astigmatism: Specially designed to stay oriented correctly on the eye and provide stable correction for astigmatism. Available in daily, bi-weekly, and monthly replacement schedules.
- Multifocal Contact Lenses: Designed for patients with presbyopia, multifocal lenses provide correction for distance, intermediate, and near vision in a single lens — eliminating the need to carry reading glasses.
- Monovision Fitting: A technique in which one eye is fitted for distance and the other for near vision. Many patients over 40 find monovision a practical and effective solution for presbyopia.
- Rigid Gas-Permeable (RGP) and Scleral Lenses: Specialty lenses that provide superior optics and comfort for patients with keratoconus, irregular corneas, severe dry eye, or other complex conditions that standard soft lenses cannot adequately correct.
- Color Contact Lenses: Cosmetic lenses that change or enhance eye color. These still require a proper fitting exam and a valid prescription, as even non-corrective color lenses must be fitted correctly to avoid corneal damage.
For patients who wear contacts regularly, we also make it easy to reorder your lenses through our online ordering portal and track your shipment through our order tracker. Call Freedom Eye Care at (512) 916-4600 or schedule your contact lens exam online today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Contact Lens Exams in Austin, TX
Do I need a new contact lens exam every year?
Yes. Contact lens prescriptions in Texas expire after one year, and annual exams are recommended by the American Optometric Association for all contact lens wearers. This ensures your prescription remains accurate, allows us to check for any changes in your corneal health related to lens wear, and gives us the opportunity to discuss whether your current lens type is still the best fit for your eyes and lifestyle. Call Freedom Eye Care at (512) 916-4600 to schedule your annual contact lens exam.
I’ve been told I can’t wear contacts because of astigmatism or dry eyes — is that still true?
Modern contact lens technology has largely overcome the limitations that once excluded many patients from lens wear. Toric lenses now provide excellent correction for even significant astigmatism, and daily disposable lenses designed for dry eye patients have improved dramatically. Specialty lenses such as scleral lenses are an option for patients with severe dry eye, irregular corneas, or other complex situations. At Freedom Eye Care, we evaluate each patient individually — do not assume you cannot wear contacts until you have had a current fitting exam with our team.
Can I wear contact lenses if I need reading glasses?
Yes. Patients who need reading correction in addition to distance correction have several options. Multifocal contact lenses provide simultaneous correction at multiple distances in a single lens. Monovision fitting — where one eye corrects distance and the other corrects near — is another effective approach. Our optometrist at Freedom Eye Care will evaluate your prescription and lifestyle to determine which option is most likely to work well for you, and we always fit trial lenses before finalizing any prescription.
How do I know if my contact lenses are fitting properly?
A properly fitted contact lens should be comfortable, stable, and centered on your eye. You should not be aware of the lens during normal daily activities. Signs of a poor fit include persistent discomfort or a scratching sensation, redness that does not resolve after removing the lens, blurry vision that does not clear with blinking, lenses that move excessively or feel like they are off-center, or end-of-day dryness that is unusually severe. If you experience any of these, contact Freedom Eye Care at (512) 916-4600 for a fit re-evaluation.
Can teenagers wear contact lenses?
Yes. Most teenagers are good candidates for contact lenses, and many benefit greatly from the freedom they provide for sports and social activities. The key factor is maturity and the ability to follow proper hygiene and care routines. At Freedom Eye Care, we involve both teens and parents in the contact lens conversation, provide thorough handling and care instruction, and recommend daily disposable lenses for many young patients due to the simplicity of the care regimen.
Is it safe to sleep in contact lenses?
Sleeping in contact lenses — even those approved for extended wear — significantly increases the risk of corneal hypoxia (oxygen deprivation), infection, and corneal ulcers. Freedom Eye Care generally recommends removing lenses before sleep unless you have been specifically fitted for extended wear lenses and our optometrist has confirmed that overnight wear is appropriate for your eyes. If you occasionally fall asleep in your lenses, let us know at your next exam so we can monitor your corneal health.
What is the difference between daily and monthly contact lenses?
Daily contact lenses are worn for one day and discarded — no cleaning, no storage, and a fresh, sterile lens every morning. Monthly lenses are cleaned and stored each night and replaced once per month. Daily lenses tend to be more hygienic and better tolerated by patients with allergies or dry eyes, while monthly lenses are generally more economical for patients who wear contacts every day. Our team at Freedom Eye Care will help you weigh the options based on your wear schedule, eye health, and budget during your contact lens exam.