The average eye exam takes between 45 and 90 minutes to complete. But the timing may vary depending on your vision needs and the tests that are being performed.
Annual eye exams are important for maintaining your eye health and vision. Read on to learn about factors that might impact the length of your exam and why it’s important to make time for routine vision checkups.
Various factors can affect how long an eye exam might take. These include the type of exam, the complexity of the patient's vision or eye health issues, and whether it's a first visit or a follow-up.
While certain components are standard to a comprehensive eye exam, some may take additional time. These can include:
If you’re a new patient at your doctor’s office, your appointment may also take a bit longer. Seeing an eye doctor for the first time requires new patient paperwork, confirming vision insurance, and time for your doctor to understand your concerns.
*Some additional testing may take place during your comprehensive eye exam if needed, but certain tests may require you to make a future appointment.
There are several tests involved in a comprehensive eye exam. Some are simpler (and quicker) than others. Here’s what is typically evaluated during an exam:
It’s important to discuss your medical history and your family’s medical history with your eye doctor, as this can sometimes impact your eye health. You’ll also be asked to provide the names of any medications you take. It can be helpful to bring a list or bring your medication containers with you each time you see your doctor. Any eye injuries or ocular surgeries should also be recorded.
In addition to medical history, you’ll be asked if you wear eyeglasses or contacts. You’ll also be asked if you’re experiencing any problems with your eyes or vision. Additional questions may include your computer use, sports or special interests or hobbies, or the need for a safety correction.
Your eye pressure (called intraocular pressure or IOP) may be measured using a technique called non-contact tonometry (NCT), better known as an “eye puff test.” You’ll place your chin on a machine and focus on a small light inside an eyepiece. A small puff of air is released towards your eye while you hold it open. (Your doctor may use another instrument for testing your IOP.)
This test is important because an elevated IOP could indicate an eye condition called glaucoma.
You may be screened for color blindness during your exam. One of the most common ways to test color vision is through the Ishihara Color Vision Test. This technique was established by a Japanese ophthalmologist named Shinobu Ishihara over a century ago and is still used today.
During the Ishihara Color Vision Test, you’ll be asked to look at a series of small circles filled with dots in different sizes, colors, and brightness. The circles also contain a number depicted in a different color among these dots. Some people may not be able to detect the “hidden” number, which can indicate a type of color blindness.
Visual acuity is the overall sharpness of your vision at near and far distances.
To test your distance vision, your doctor may have you read from an eye chart across the room that includes different-sized letters in a series of lines. Distance vision is usually tested from 20 feet away and can indicate whether or not you have 20/20 or best-corrected vision.
To test your near vision, your doctor may have you read from a small, hand-held eye chart that also includes various-sized letters on different lines. Near vision is typically tested from 16 inches away.
You may be asked to cover one eye at a time during both near and distance vision tests. This helps your doctor understand how well you see out of each eye.
To determine an accurate prescription for your eyeglass lenses, your doctor will have you look at eye charts through an instrument called a phoropter. A phoropter contains different lens powers. You’ll look through a series of lens options as you read from the eye charts.
This test, also called a refraction, is used to understand the amount of nearsightedness or farsightedness you may have. It also helps determine whether you have astigmatism or presbyopia (age-related farsightedness).
You may be familiar with the refraction as the test in which you are asked, “Which is clearer, choice one or choice two?”
Your side or peripheral vision may also be tested during your eye exam. A visual field test may be used for this portion, allowing your doctor to check for blind spots in your peripheral vision. This test may also help your doctor check for signs of certain conditions that can cause blind spots, such as glaucoma.
An ocular motility assessment is used to understand the ability of your eyes to track moving objects. During the test, you’ll be asked to follow an object (such as a pen or a light) with only your eyes. Your doctor will evaluate how smoothly and accurately your eyes follow objects as they move in various directions.
Your depth perception helps you see things three-dimensionally. It’s made possible by the way your eyes work or “team” together. This concept is also called stereopsis.
During an eye exam, you may be given a stereopsis test to ensure you have proper eye teaming. You’ll put on a pair of 3D glasses and look at a specific chart to measure the near stereo vision. One of these objects should appear closer to you than the others (in other words, it should appear to be three-dimensional).
Correctly identifying the closest circle or image indicates if you have adequate binocular depth perception.
The structures at the front of your eye include the conjunctiva, cornea, iris, lens, and eyelids. Using a tool called a slit lamp microscope (or biomicroscope), your eye doctor will examine each structure to make sure it is in good health.
A slit lamp exam can help detect eye conditions such as corneal ulcers or scratches, cataracts, and more.
The structures at the back of your eye include the retina and optic nerve. To get a good look at them, your doctor may dilate your pupils with special eye drops. These drops need about 20 or 30 minutes to activate, and then your doctor will be able to see into the back of your eyes.
Viewing the retina and optic nerve allows your doctor to check for disease or damage that could impact your vision. In some cases, changes in these structures can also indicate systemic health problems like multiple sclerosis, diabetes, high cholesterol, and glaucoma, among other conditions.
Your eyes will be very sensitive to light after dilation, so be sure to bring sunglasses to your appointment. If you forget, you can ask the office for a pair of disposable sunglasses before you leave.
It’s important to note that eyeglass prescriptions differ from contact lens prescriptions. If you wish to wear contact lenses in addition to glasses, you’ll also need a contact lens exam and fitting. This is usually not part of a comprehensive eye exam. You’ll need to request a contact lens exam and fitting to get an updated prescription.
Your eye doctor will usually write your vision prescription for eyeglasses during your exam. You’ll be given this information before you leave the appointment.
As soon as you have your prescription, you can enter it into a form when ordering glasses online from FramesDirect.
Our U.S. customers can expect to receive non-prescription eyewear in about 4-7 business days, and prescription eyewear in about 11-14 business days.
If you have any questions, we’re here to help. A licensed optician can walk you through the process and direct you toward the best pair of glasses and lenses for your style and vision needs. We can also help you choose the right size frame, suggest lens features, and help with additional concerns.