What Is A Tear Film Evaluation? Contact Lens Exams Explained In Detail

Wearing contact lenses should feel effortless—providing clear vision without irritation or discomfort. But if your lenses leave your eyes feeling dry, blurry, or tired, the issue might not be the lenses themselves—it could be your tear film.

At Eye Rx, we take a personalized approach to contact lens exams because every eye is different. A key part of this process is the tear film evaluation, which helps us determine how well your eyes can support contact lenses. Whether you're new to contacts or looking for a better fit, understanding your tear film is essential to achieving long-lasting comfort and crisp vision.

What Is A Tear Film Evaluation?

Your tear film is a thin, multi-layered coating that spreads across your eye’s surface every time you blink. It might not seem like much, but it plays a crucial role in keeping your eyes moist, clear, and comfortable. If your tear film is imbalanced—whether it’s too thin, evaporates too quickly, or lacks essential components—you may experience dryness, irritation, or fluctuating vision.

During a tear film evaluation, we assess:

•          Tear quantity: Do your eyes produce enough tears to keep your lenses hydrated?

•          Tear quality: Are your tears rich in oils and mucins to prevent quick evaporation?

•          Evaporation rate: How quickly do your tears dry out after blinking?

This evaluation helps us determine whether standard contact lenses will work for you or if you might need specialized lenses for dry eye relief.

How A Tear Film Evaluation Affects Your Contact Lens Fit

Not all contact lenses are created equal, and if your tear film isn’t optimal, the wrong lens type could leave your eyes feeling irritated, blurry, or dry. A thorough tear film evaluation guides us in selecting the right lens material, shape, and hydration level for your unique eyes.

For example:

•          If your tears evaporate quickly, you may need daily disposable lenses or lenses with a higher water content.

•          If you have meibomian gland dysfunction (a leading cause of dry eye), a lens material designed to retain moisture can make a significant difference.

•          If traditional soft lenses aren’t comfortable, scleral lenses—which create a fluid reservoir over your cornea—could provide better hydration and clarity.

By personalizing your contact lens fit based on your tear film, we help ensure you get the sharpest vision and most comfortable wear possible.

What To Expect During Your Contact Lens Exam

A comprehensive contact lens exam at Eye Rx isn’t just about checking your prescription—it’s about finding the right solution for your lifestyle and comfort. Here’s what your visit will include:

•         Tear Film Evaluation: We’ll assess your tear quality and quantity to determine if dry eye might affect your contact lens experience.

•         Corneal Measurements: Using advanced technology, we map the curvature of your eye to ensure a precise lens fit.

•         Trial Lens Fitting: We’ll place trial lenses on your eyes to see how they feel and check their stability before finalizing your prescription.

•         Recommendations for Eye Health: If we detect any issues with your tear film, we’ll offer solutions—like artificial tears, lid hygiene treatments, or specific lens options—to improve your comfort.

Comfort Starts With Healthy Tears

If you’ve ever struggled with dry, irritated eyes while wearing contacts, your tear film could be the missing piece of the puzzle. A tear film evaluation is a simple but essential part of every contact lens exam, helping us tailor your lenses to fit not just your prescription, but your eye’s natural moisture levels as well.

If you’re experiencing discomfort, or if it’s time for your next contact lens exam, schedule your appointment with Eye Rx. Let’s make sure your eyes get the comfort and clarity they deserve.  Visit our offices in Washington, DC or Chevy Chase, Maryland. Please call (202) 659-2010 or (301) 450-8300 to book an appointment today. We also have offices in Arlington (703) 553-1094 and Dumfries (571) 404-0188, Virginia.