Scheduling an eye exam is more than a routine visit with your optometrist to update your prescription. A thorough evaluation of your vision and eye health is crucial for identifying or addressing potential issues before they affect your vision or daily life.
But how long does an eye exam take? The short answer is that it depends. The length of your visit will vary based on the type of exam, your age, and any specific vision or health concerns you have. On average, an eye exam can take anywhere from 30 to 75 minutes.
Comprehensive Eye Exams
Comprehensive eye exams are full eye check-ups tailored to your needs. These exams are the most common type. Routine eye exams are designed to assess your vision, prescribe corrective lenses if needed, and check the overall health of your eyes.
Your optometrist will perform several tests to help detect early signs of conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, or macular degeneration. These tests also help confirm if you need a stronger pair of eyeglasses.
How Long Does It Take?
For most people, a comprehensive eye exam takes about 30 minutes. However, several factors can increase the time needed, especially for kids and seniors:
- Kids may take longer as more detailed evaluations assess how their vision is developing, including checking for issues like lazy eye or eye teaming problems
- Older adults are more susceptible to age-related eye conditions, such as glaucoma or macular degeneration, which can require additional diagnostic tests
How Often Should You Schedule a Comprehensive Eye Exam?
For patients with generally good eye health and stable prescriptions, recommended eye exam frequencies are age-dependent:
- Infants & toddlers (0–5): At least one eye exam between 3–5 to monitor early visual development
- Kids & teens (6–17): Annual exams to identify & address potential issues early
- Adults (20–64): Routine check-ups every 2 years
- Seniors (65+): Annual eye exams to promote early detection of age-related eye conditions
Contact Lens Exams
A regular eye exam assesses eye health but doesn’t include the necessary steps to evaluate your contact lens prescription, fit, or comfort.
A contact lens exam involves measuring the shape and size of your eyes for a proper lens fit while testing their compatibility with the type of lenses you want to wear.
First-time wearers will also receive a contact lens fitting and training on inserting, removing, and taking care of the lenses. The attention to detail promotes safe, comfortable wear and avoids future eye health complications.
How Long Does It Take?
A contact lens exam usually lasts 45 to 60 minutes, depending on whether you’re a new or experienced user.
Why the extra time? A contact lens fitting is more complex than a standard eyeglasses fitting because the lens rests directly on the eye’s surface. Your optometrist’s attention to detail is crucial for maintaining eye health and finding a comfortably fitted contact lens.
Diabetic Eye Exams
Managing diabetes means staying on top of your overall health, and that includes your eye health.
Diabetic eye exams are specialized check-ups monitoring diabetes-related issues such as diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, or cataracts. These problems can develop without obvious symptoms, so early detection is key.
During a diabetic eye exam, your optometrist will likely perform a dilated eye exam. Eye drops widen your pupils, making examining the retina and optic nerve at the back of your eye easier. Additional imaging tests may also be involved to track subtle changes over time.
How Long Does It Take?
Diabetic eye exams typically take around 60 minutes due to the eye dilation process, which can take 20–30 minutes for the eyes to fully dilate.
Glaucoma Testing
Glaucoma is a group of serious eye diseases that can lead to irreversible vision loss if left untreated. However, glaucoma can be effectively managed when caught early.
Glaucoma testing centers on detecting changes in the optic nerve and measuring peripheral (side) vision loss. Like diabetic eye exams, these tests often include eye dilation and imaging for a detailed look at the inner workings of your eyes.
The most common tests used in glaucoma screening include:
- Tonometry to measure eye pressure; one type of tonometry is the “air puff” test
- Visual field testing to assess your peripheral vision for potential blind spots
How Long Does It Take?
Glaucoma testing typically takes just over 60 minutes, depending on the specific tests performed.
Why Regular Eye Exams Are Worth Your Time
We know life gets busy, but setting aside time for your eye exam is a vital way to stay on top of your eye health. More than just a glasses or contact lens update, these exams help your eye doctor catch potential issues early.
Early detection can make a huge difference in protecting your vision and preventing long-term complications. Your eyesight impacts how you experience everything around you, so treat your eyes with the care they deserve. Schedule your next eye exam with Impressive Eyes Optical today, and take that important step for your vision.
