You’ve got the appointment on the calendar, but now you need to plan your day. Carpools, meetings, grocery trips, and more. This means you need to know how long an eye exam takes to see the shape of your day. At Bethany Eye Care, we know your time is valuable, so we strive to make your visit efficient.
A comprehensive eye exam for an adult typically lasts between 30 and 60 minutes. It’s time well spent, as it allows for a thorough check of your vision and eye health without anyone feeling rushed.
What Happens During a Routine Exam
Each part of the eye exam gives us essential information about your vision. It’s not just getting a new prescription. We look at several aspects of your eye health, including:
- A chat about your health history, your family’s eye health, and any vision issues you may notice.
- A vision acuity test. This is the part you probably know best, where you read letters off a chart.
- Checks to see how your eyes work together, look at your peripheral vision, and view the internal parts of your eyes to screen for any potential eye diseases.
Factors That Change Your Appointment Time
We say the exam takes 30 to 60 minutes, because sometimes it takes a little longer than average. A few different things can add time to your visit, but it’s all to give your eyes the specific attention they need.
Specialized Tests for Concerns Like Dry Eye
We don’t know exactly how your eyes feel, so often the best way to find out is to simply ask. If you mention symptoms like scratchy, burning, or watery eyes, we may suggest extra tests. For example, we might perform specific evaluations to check for dry eye. This adds a few more minutes to your total exam time.
Contact Lens Fittings
If you want to try contact lenses for the first time or need an updated prescription, a contact lens fitting is part of the process. This includes taking eye measurements and a lesson on how to insert, remove, and care for your new lenses if it’s your first time.
Pupil Dilation
To get a clear view of the back of your eye, we may need to use special drops to widen your pupils. The drops take about 20 to 30 minutes to take effect, which extends your visit.
We’ll let you know if we plan on dilating your pupils, as you’ll need to prepare a ride home. Your vision can be blurry and very sensitive to light for a few hours afterward. It’s a good idea to bring sunglasses and arrange for a driver if you know your exam includes dilation.
Exams for the Whole Family: Kids & Grandparents
Eye exams look a little different depending on your age. We tailor the process to make it comfortable and effective for every member of your family, from the youngest to the oldest. This helps everyone get the right kind of care.
Exams for children often use fun shapes, pictures, and games instead of a standard letter chart, especially if your little one isn’t old enough to read. We’ll also check for common childhood vision issues and make sure their eyes are developing properly.
For older adults, the exam may include a closer look for age-related eye conditions. Noticing any changes early means we can start treatments when they’re most effective and help you maintain healthy vision for years to come.
How to Prepare for a Smooth Visit
A little preparation can make your appointment go even more smoothly. Here’s a quick list to keep in mind:
- Bring your current eyewear, including any glasses or contact lenses you use.
- Jot down any questions or concerns you have about your vision ahead of time.
- Be ready to share any relevant personal or family health history with the doctor.
What Happens After the Exam?
After the exam, we’ll discuss the results with you. You can get a clear explanation of your prescription and any changes to your vision. This is also a great time to ask any final questions you might have.
If you need vision correction,we can discuss options from glasses to contact lenses, depending on what works for your lifestyle. For other concerns, we may suggest a follow-up plan to keep your eyes healthy.
We Can’t Wait to See You
From a quick check-up for your grandchild to a detailed look at your own eye health, knowing what to expect makes the process simple. It can feel like there are never enough hours in the day, so we want to make it easy to fit important eye care into your family’s busy life.
Our friendly team at Bethany Eye Care is here to answer your questions and provide a comfortable experience for everyone. Call today to schedule an appointment for your family!
