We know you have a busy schedule, and finding time for appointments can be a challenge. When you book an eye exam, you want to know how much time to set aside. Understanding the process can help you plan your day with ease.
You can expect your comprehensive eye exam to take about 30 to 60 minutes. The exact time can change based on your personal vision needs and health history. This appointment is a key part of your overall health care and checks for much more than just a new prescription.
What Factors Affect the Length of Your Eye Exam?
There are a few things that can change the length of your eye exam.
Your Age and Health History
A first-time visit may take longer as the team gets to know you and your health background. If you have a known eye condition or health concern like diabetes, your eye doctor might perform extra tests as part of a diabetic eye exam. These necessary checks can add to your appointment time.
Specific Tests You Need
Some parts of an eye exam are routine, while others depend on your specific needs. For example, pupil dilation will extend your visit, but not everyone needs their pupils dilated at every appointment. A fitting for new contact lenses also requires additional steps compared to a standard exam.
Your Current Vision Concerns
If you experience new symptoms like dry eyes or headaches, your eye doctor will want to discuss them. Talking through these concerns helps you get personalized attention. This discussion may add a few extra minutes to your exam.
A Look Inside a Comprehensive Eye Exam
Every exam won’t be the same. But most comprehensive eye exams share some standard tests.
Check Your Vision Clarity
To check your vision clarity, your eye doctor will have you read from an eye chart to see how clearly you see at different distances. You will also typically look through a series of lenses—the familiar “which one is better, 1 or 2?” test. This test is to find your precise prescription if needed.
Assess Your Eye Health
Your doctor uses light and magnification to look at the internal and external structures of your eyes. This close inspection helps spot early signs of conditions like cataracts or glaucoma. Glaucoma can cause irreversible vision loss if left untreated, making early detection vital. You might also have a quick test to measure your eye pressure, or a scan that takes a picture of the back of your eye.
Test How Your Eyes Work Together
The exam also typically checks how well your eyes team up, focus, and track objects. These skills are essential for everyone, from children in the classroom to athletes on the field. The team can identify needs for unique sports vision training during this part of the exam.
What About Pupil Dilation?
When needed, your eye doctor may use special drops to widen your pupils. A dilated eye exam provides a clear window to see the back of your eye, including the retina and optic nerve. The drops need about 20 to 30 minutes to take effect, which is the main reason a dilation exam takes longer.
At Milton Vision & Sports Vision Training Centre, we use advanced imaging technologies such as Optos ultra-widefield imaging, fundus photography, and OCT to capture detailed views of the retina and optic nerve. These tools often allow us to assess retinal health without needing to dilate your pupils at every visit. By reducing how frequently dilation is required, we can make your exam more efficient and significantly more comfortable while still providing a thorough evaluation of your eye health.
Can You Drive After Your Exam?
After dilation, your vision will be blurry and sensitive to light for a few hours. For your safety, it’s a good idea to arrange for someone to drive you home. Bringing sunglasses to wear after your appointment can also help you feel more comfortable.
How to Prepare for Your Appointment
There are a few things you can do to prepare for your appointment to make things go as smoothly as possible:
- Your current glasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses
- A list of any medications you currently take
- Information about your family’s eye health history
- Any questions or concerns you have about your vision
When you arrive prepared, you help the appointment run smoothly. It also allows the team to get all the information needed to provide you with great care.
Book Your Exam Before the Year Ends
An annual eye exam is a simple step to protect your sight and your family’s health. With the year wrapping up, now is a great time to use any remaining vision benefits you may have. It’s also helpful to see what vision care OHIP covers to make the most of your plan.
We want your eye exam to feel smooth, comfortable, and easy. That’s why we use advanced imaging tools like Optos, fundus photography, and OCT to get high-resolution views of your retina in seconds. These technologies reduce how often dilation is needed and help us complete your exam more efficiently, while still providing a comprehensive look at your eye health.
Taking a small amount of time for an eye exam is a valuable investment in your health. The team at Milton Vision & Sports Vision Training Centre is here to help. Schedule a visit with us to keep your vision clear for the year ahead.
