Have you ever wondered how much time to set aside for an eye exam? It’s a common question we hear from families who are trying to fit appointments into their busy schedules, especially when determining how often eyes should be checked.
A typical eye exam can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a little over an hour, but the exact amount of time depends on your individual needs and the tests required. At Doctors EyeCare, we believe that it’s a small time commitment that plays a role in your long-term vision care.
What to Expect at Your Eye Exam
An eye exam is much more than a simple vision screening. It’s a thorough health check for your eyes. As your eye doctor, we can take a detailed look at your vision and overall eye wellness.
Your Health and Vision History
We can start with a friendly conversation about you. We can discuss your personal and family health history, any medications you take, and any vision challenges you currently face. This information helps us understand your unique needs.
Vision and Refraction Tests
This is the part of the exam you’re likely most familiar with, where we ask, “Which looks clearer, 1 or 2?” These quick and comfortable tests can help us determine your precise prescription. This helps you see as clearly as possible with glasses or contact lenses.
Eye Health Evaluation
We carefully examine the health of your eyes, both inside and out. This helps us check for eye conditions and diseases. These can include things like glaucoma (which can damage the optic nerve), cataracts (which scatter light, making it hard to see), and macular degeneration. Spotting these issues early, sometimes before you notice symptoms, is a key part of protecting your sight.
Factors That Affect Exam Time
No 2 pairs of eyes are the same, so appointment lengths can vary. Several factors can influence how long your eye exam will take. Your specific needs guide the process from start to finish.
Comprehensive and Routine Exams
A simple vision screening can be quite brief. A comprehensive exam takes a bit longer because it includes a full evaluation of your eye health. This thorough approach can help to provide a complete picture of your vision.
Contact Lens Fittings
A new contact lens fitting requires some extra time. We can take precise measurements of your eyes to find a comfortable and effective lens. We can also show you how to properly insert, remove, and care for your contact lenses.
Your Age and Health Needs
Exams for children and seniors may include different tests suited to their age group. If you have a health condition such as diabetes, your exam might take longer.
Why a Yearly Eye Exam Is Important
Your annual eye exam is a key part of your proactive healthcare routine. It’s about much more than just updating your prescription. It is a dedicated time to focus on the health of your eyes and protect your vision for the future.
All About Pupil Dilation
Sometimes, we need a better look at the back of your eye. To do this, we can use special eye drops to temporarily widen your pupils. This process is called dilation. It isn’t used in every eye exam, and your eye doctor can let you know if this is an exam you will need before your appointment.
Why We Dilate Your Pupils
Dilation gives your eye doctor a clear, wide-angle view of your retina (at the back of your eye) and optic nerve (which sends signals to your brain). Think of it like opening a door wider to see the whole room at once.
How Long Does Dilation Last?
The effects of the dilating drops usually last for 4–6 hours, gradually wearing off on their own. During this time, your vision may be blurry, and your eyes can be more sensitive to bright light.
Plan Your Drive Home
Because of the light sensitivity and blurry vision, driving can be difficult after dilation. We recommend arranging for someone to drive you home from your appointment. Bringing a pair of sunglasses can also help you feel more comfortable.
Plan Your Visit to an Eye Doctor
Taking the next step for your family’s eye health is straightforward. We are here to make the process simple and accessible for everyone.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
To help us provide attentive care, please bring a few things with you:
- Your current eyeglasses or contact lenses
- A list of any medications you’re taking
- Your vision insurance information
- A pair of sunglasses for the ride home
Book an Appointment Before the Year-End Rush
We would love to see everyone, from your youngest child to the grandparents, so that we can help your family go into this next year with clear vision. Our team can help you schedule appointments that work for your family’s busy schedule.
At Doctors EyeCare, we’re here to support your eye health in any way we can. Contact us today to book an appointment with an eye doctor in Red Deer or Sylvan Lake, Alberta, for you and your family.
