Scheduling annual eye exams might not be at the top of your to-do list. Nonetheless, regular eye exams are important for monitoring ocular health of your and your family. Knowing how much time to alot to an appointment is helpful if, for instance, you’re a busy parent trying to fit appointments in between school pick-ups and soccer practice.
Fortunately, most eye exams only take 30-60 minutes. However, that length can depend on the type of eye exam administered, if you or your child has preexisting conditions, or if you’re fitted for glasses or contacts.
What Determines How Long an Eye Exam Takes?
The duration of an eye exam can vary based on several factors:
- Type of Eye Exam: Comprehensive exams take longer than quick vision screenings.
- Health History: If you or your child have preexisting conditions, such as diabetes or past vision problems, the exam may involve additional testing.
- Need for Corrective Lenses: If you’re being fitted for glasses or contacts, extra time may be needed to determine your prescription.
- Age: Different age groups (kids, adults, seniors) often require different tests, influencing how long you’re in the exam room.
Understanding these factors can help you estimate how much time to set aside when making an appointment.
Types of Eye Exams
Not all eye exams are created equal. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types:
- Comprehensive Eye Exams: These are the gold standard for general eye care. A comprehensive exam evaluates not just your vision but also the overall health of your eyes. Expect extra tests, such as pupil dilation or detailed retinal imaging, making these exams last closer to an hour.
- Adult & Senior Eye Exams: these exams typically focus on monitoring prescription changes or eye strain (especially with increased screen time). Senior eye exams often involve additional screenings for diseases like cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.
- Children’s Eye Exams: Eye exams are critical for detecting issues like lazy eyes (amblyopia) and color blindness early. Depending on the child’s age and cooperation, these exams typically take 30–45 minutes.
- Diabetic Eye Exams: If you or your child manage diabetes, you’ll likely need a specialized diabetic eye exam. These appointments involve detailed retinal imaging to detect early signs of diabetic retinopathy and other complications.
- Contact Lens Exams & Fittings: If you’re considering contact lenses, you’ll need a separate fitting. This process includes measuring the surface of your eyes and testing for the most comfortable lenses. Expect this exam to add 15–30 minutes to your appointment.
What Happens During an Eye Exam?
Your exam will start with discussing your medical history, vision concerns, and lifestyle. Don’t worry—it’s not a test, but a chance for your eye doctor to know your needs better.
Vision & Eye Health Testing
Your doctor will use a chart to test your visual acuity (the “Can you read the bottom row?” moment). This helps determine whether you need corrective lenses or whether your current prescription is still effective.
Depending on the type of eye exam, tests may include:
- Pupillary reflex to check how your pupils respond to light.
- Eye muscle test to evaluate how your eyes work together.
- Retinal exam using tools like an ophthalmoscope or retinal imaging to assess the back of your eyes.
- Refraction test to fine-tune your prescription.
- Tonometry to measure eye pressure (a quick test for glaucoma).
- Visual field test to check your peripheral vision.
- Color blindness test, especially during children’s exams.
Each test is designed to contribute to a complete picture of your eye health.
Optional Dilated Eye Exam
Sometimes, your doctor will dilate your pupils with special eye drops to better view your retina and optic nerve. Remember that dilation can add another 15–20 minutes to your appointment, as the drops need time to work.
Why Comprehensive Eye Exams Are Essential
Eye exams go way beyond just checking your vision. They can also catch early signs of several health conditions beyond your eyes, including diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol.
Many of these conditions show symptoms in the eyes before they affect other parts of the body, making routine exams an essential part of preventative healthcare.
What Diseases Can Be Detected in an Eye Exam?
Here are just a few examples of conditions eye exams can detect:
- Glaucoma: Increased pressure in the eye leading to optic nerve damage.
- Cataracts: Clouding of the lens that can impair vision over time.
- Retinal Disorders: Including macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.
- Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can manifest with dry or red eyes.
How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam?
Eye exam frequency depends on age, health, and risk factors. Generally, children and seniors should get eye exams yearly, and adults (18–60) should get them annually or every other year.
If you or your child wear glasses or contacts or have a chronic condition like diabetes, you may need more frequent check-ups.
What Should I Bring To My Appointment?
To make your visit go smoothly, don’t forget to bring:
- Your current glasses or contact lenses (if you wear them).
- Vision insurance information (if applicable).
- A list of medications you’re taking, as certain drugs can impact eye health.
- Family medical history, especially if there’s a history of glaucoma or diabetes.
Pro tip for parents! Bringing an iPad, book, or small toy may help keep little ones entertained during waiting periods.
Dr. Charles Bittell knows that, whether you have 20/20 vision or an existing vision condition, routine eye exams will help you preserve your future eye health. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
