Taking care of your vision starts with routine comprehensive eye exams. Whether you’re coming in for your first visit or returning after many years, understanding what happens during an eye exam and how to get the most comfortable contact lens experience can make your appointments feel more productive and confident. At Village Eye Centre in North Edmonton and Downtown Edmonton, our optometrists provide personalized care and take the time to explain each step of your eye health journey.
This guide will walk you through what you can expect during an eye exam and offer helpful tips to improve your contact lens comfort.
Why Comprehensive Eye Exams Matter More Than Just Vision Correction
An annual eye exam checks much more than whether your prescription needs updating. Our optometrists look for early signs of eye conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, retinal issues, and other health concerns that may not show obvious symptoms. Comprehensive exams help protect your long‑term vision and overall eye health.
At Village Eye Centre, we use advanced diagnostic tools at both our Downtown Edmonton and North Edmonton clinics to ensure accurate and thorough evaluations so you leave with clarity and peace of mind.
What to Expect at Your Annual Eye Exam
Arrival and Patient History
Before the exam begins, your optometrist will review your eye and general health history. You’ll be asked about symptoms, screen time, any changes in vision, and your overall eye care goals. Sharing this information helps us tailor the exam to your needs.
Visual Acuity Testing
This is the familiar “read the letters on the chart” portion of the exam. It measures how clearly you see at distance and near.
Eye Focus and Coordination Evaluations
Our team checks how well your eyes work together and how they focus on near and distant objects, which can be especially important if you spend significant time reading or on screens.
Eye Health Evaluation
Your eyes will be examined for signs of disease or abnormalities. We may include retinal imaging or advanced scans to catch early changes that traditional testing might miss.
Annual eye exams are not just for families with children. Adults of every age benefit from routine care because eye health can change gradually over time.
Contact Lens Comfort: Getting the Best Fit and Wear Experience
Contact lenses offer freedom and convenience, but comfort and clarity depend on proper fit and care. If you’ve ever felt irritation, dryness, or discomfort while wearing lenses, you’re not alone — and there are effective solutions.
Proper Lens Fitting
At Village Eye Centre, we provide comprehensive contact lens fittings that take into account your prescription, lifestyle, and eye shape. Even if you’ve been told in the past that you can’t wear certain lenses because of dry eye or astigmatism, new options might work for you.
Specialty Lens Options
We carry a wide range of lenses, including:
- Daily, weekly and monthly disposables
- Lenses for astigmatism and presbyopia
- Specialty lenses for hard‑to‑fit eyes
Our team also offers trial lenses so you can experience the comfort and vision firsthand before committing.
Tips for Everyday Comfort
Once you have your lenses, here are tips to keep them comfortable:
- Clean and store lenses as directed
- Replace as recommended
- Limit extended wear
- Stay hydrated
- Use lens solution approved by your optometrist
If you experience persistent dryness or discomfort, our team can reassess your fit or recommend alternatives that relieve irritation and improve wear time.
Common Questions About Eye Exams and Contact Lenses
Do eye exams hurt?
No. Comprehensive eye exams are painless. Some tests use bright lights or lenses, but these are quick and non‑intrusive.
How often should I have an eye exam?
Most patients should have annual eye exams, but frequency can vary depending on age, health history, and vision changes. Children and individuals with a history of eye disease may need more frequent visits.
Can I switch contact lenses if I’m uncomfortable?
Yes. Comfort issues can often be resolved by changing lens types, materials, or care routines. Talk to our team for personalized recommendations.
Your Vision Deserves Personalized Care
Whether you’re due for your annual comprehensive eye exam or want more comfort and clarity with your contact lenses, Village Eye Centre provides friendly, expert care in both North Edmonton and Downtown Edmonton. Our experienced doctors are here to take the time to answer your questions, explain your results, and help you feel confident about your eye health.
Book an appointment at the location that works best for you in Alberta. Your vision matters, and we’re here to support it at every stage of life.