Picture this: you or one of your kids is ready for the next eye exam, but you’re wondering how much time to set aside for your visit. We know it’s a common question, especially when you’re balancing a busy family schedule. A comprehensive eye examination takes 30–60 minutes.
Several things can change the length of your visit, from the specific tests you need to whether you’re visiting for the first time. Your individual needs determine the final length of your appointment. If time is a critical factor, we’d recommend giving our team a shout beforehand so you can plan accordingly.
What to Expect at Your Eye Exam
Your visit with the eye doctor is a straightforward process focused on your eye health and vision, rather than a simple prescription update. A comprehensive eye exam includes a few key steps to make sure you get the proper care for your eyes.
A Chat About Your Health History
The exam typically starts with a simple conversation. You’ll talk about your general health, family health history, and any vision problems you’ve noticed. This information helps your doctor understand your unique needs before the exam begins.
A Few Tests
Next, a team member runs some preliminary checks as part of our adult and senior eye exams. These tests are quick and comfortable. They may include:
- A check of your peripheral vision
- An eye pressure measurement
- A picture of the back of your eye
The Exam with Your Eye Doctor
After the tests, you’ll see the doctor for the main part of the exam. In addition to reviewing the rest results, they’ll usually perform a refraction test. This test involves looking through different lenses to help find your exact prescription. The doctor also typically uses a special microscope to examine your eye health.
Key Factors That Affect Your Appointment Time
The time you spend at the office can vary. Your personal vision needs and health history play a significant role in how long the appointment takes. These factors help shape your visit.
First Visit vs. a Return Visit
If it’s your first time at the office, you can expect the visit to be a little longer. Our friendly and experienced team takes extra time to get to know you and your health history. Return visits are often quicker since your information is already on file and just needs a quick update.
Your Unique Vision Needs
If you come in with specific symptoms, like blurry vision or headaches, your doctor may need to perform additional tests. Addressing particular needs or symptoms can add time to your appointment, but it helps ensure your eyes are healthy and allows the doctor to investigate your concerns.
A Need for Special Tests Like Dilation
Sometimes, the doctor may need to dilate your pupils. Eye dilation is typically a standard procedure if you’re getting a diabetic eye exam, but your eye doctor may do it during a regular exam as well. Dilated pupils give your eye doctor a clear view of the back of the eye, which is key for accurate disease diagnosis and management.
Dilation normally requires extra time for the eye drops to work. Once your pupils are fully open, the exam can continue.
How Long Does Dilation Last?
After the exam, your pupils will stay large for about 4–8 hours. Your vision may be blurry, and you’ll be sensitive to light during this time.
Since your eyes will be sensitive to light, it’s a good idea to bring a pair of our quality sunglasses to wear home. You’ll also want to arrange for someone to drive you, and plan to avoid close-up work until the drops wear off.
A Special Visit for Contact Lenses
If you want to wear contact lenses, you’ll need separate contact lens exams and fittings alongside your comprehensive eye exam. This exam differs from a standard eye exam for glasses and adds a little more time to your visit.
More Than Just a Prescription
A contact lens exam involves special measurements of your eye’s surface. The doctor needs to find a lens that fits your eye’s unique shape and size. Finding the correct contact lens helps promote clear vision and comfort.
A Fit for Comfort and Clarity
Your eye doctor will have you try on a pair of trial lenses to check the fit and your vision. It’s essential that the lenses feel good and stay in place. You might need a follow-up visit to finalize the prescription.
Learn to Use Your New Contacts
If you’re new to contacts, the team can teach you how to insert and remove them and ensure you understand proper contact lens care. This training helps you feel confident with your new lenses. You can ask any questions you have during this time.
Get Your New Glasses or Contacts
Once your exam is complete and you have your prescription, the next step is choosing your new eyewear. Our optical team can help you find a great fit and style.
How Long for New Glasses
After you select your frames and lenses, your new glasses are typically ready for pickup in a week or so, depending on availability. Once they arrive, we can provide final quality checks and ensure they fit correctly before you leave with them.
How Long for New Contacts
Contact lenses often take about the same amount of time, and you can always order them from us online. If your doctor provides you with trial lenses, you can typically start wearing them on the day of your appointment.
Book Your Next Eye Exam with Us
Knowing what to expect can make your eye exam a smooth and easy experience for the whole family. The team at Windsor Eye Care is here to support the entire family’s vision health and make sure you can all see as well as you can. Call us to book your next appointment today.
