Most people only book an eye exam once a year or so, which makes it easy to forget how long the last one took. The answer depends on your health history and the services you need that day.
A typical eye exam takes about 20 to 60 minutes, though dilation or added tests can push your visit past an hour. If you wear contacts or want to try them, you’ll also need a contact lens exam and fitting, which adds a bit more time.
How Long Does a Routine Eye Exam Take?
If you come in every year and your eyes haven’t changed much, your exam may take 30 minutes or less. Plenty of our patients fit it into a lunch break.
A first visit usually runs longer. We want to get to know you, so your optometrist may ask more questions and run a few extra tests to get a full picture of your eyes. New patient? Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to fill out your paperwork so your exam can start on time.
What Can Make Your Eye Exam Take Longer
Your health plays a big part in how long you’ll spend with us. Your optometrist will ask about your medical history and any eye conditions that run in your family. If something runs in your family, expect a closer look.
Tell us about any symptoms you’ve noticed, even small ones like blurry spots or dry eyes. An old eye injury also gives your optometrist more to check.
Kids’ exams can move at their own pace. A toddler may need a few breaks, and a teen who wants to switch from glasses to contacts may need an added fitting.
Extra Tests That Add Time to an Eye Exam
Some services happen during the same appointment. Plan on about 15 to 30 extra minutes for a contact lens fitting.
Retinal imaging, which takes detailed pictures of the back of your eye, can add 15 to 45 minutes. If you need a routine exam, a fitting, and imaging in 1 visit, a 30-minute appointment can stretch past an hour.
What Happens During an Eye Exam
Your exam has 2 main parts, and knowing them ahead of time can make the visit feel quicker. Before you see your optometrist, a member of our team may run a few quick pretests, like measuring your current prescription with an automated machine.
Next, you’ll read letters on an eye chart at different distances. Your optometrist will then switch between lenses and ask which one looks clearer. Your answers help us find your prescription. We’ll also check your side vision and how well your eyes work together.
The second part focuses on eye health. A quick eye pressure check can help screen for glaucoma, a condition that damages the optic nerve and can slowly take away your side vision.
Your optometrist will then examine the front and back of your eyes. The blood vessels in the back of your eye can show signs of diabetes and high blood pressure, sometimes before you notice other symptoms. That’s one reason we’ll gently push you to keep up with your exams even when your vision seems fine.
How Long Does an Eye Exam with Dilation Take?
Your optometrist may use dilation drops to widen your pupils and get a better view of your retina. The drops can take up to 30 minutes to work, so an exam with dilation often runs 1 hour or more.
Ask us whether retinal imaging could work for your visit. It may be an option for some patients.
After Your Pupils Are Dilated
Dilation effects can last about 4 to 6 hours. During that time, you may notice:
- Blurriness, especially up close
- Sensitivity to sunlight
- Glare from bright screens
Bring sunglasses to your appointment and plan for someone to drive you home. If your child has their eyes dilated, consider keeping the rest of their day light, since reading and homework may be harder for a few hours.
How to Prepare for Your Eye Exam
A little prep can help your visit run smoothly. Pack these before you head out:
- Your current glasses or contacts
- Your contact lens case
- A list of medications you take
- Your vision insurance card
- Any questions you want to ask
It also helps to talk with your family before you come in. Find out if anyone has had glaucoma, cataracts, or other eye problems, so you can share that history with your optometrist.
How Long It Takes to Get Glasses After an Eye Exam
If you pick out new glasses, they may take about 7 to 10 business days. Contacts often arrive in about 1 week.
Trial lenses may be ready to wear right away. You can try them out while you wait for your order.
Make Time for Your Next Eye Exam
Block off about an hour for your visit, and a little more if it’s your first time or you’re bringing the kids along. We’ll walk you through your results, answer your questions, and help you find glasses that fit your style.
Your eyes deserve that hour. Book your eye exam with Envision Eye Care in Fort Wayne, and bring the whole family with you.