Taking charge of your eye health is a great way to help maintain your overall well-being as you grow older.
Part of this means undergoing regular eye exams with a trained eye doctor who can diagnose any vision problems before they progress.
Knowing what to expect from a proper eye exam can make the process much more comfortable. From double vision to astigmatism and cataracts, confronting vision changes head-on can help you preserve your eyesight and enjoy a greater quality of life through every decade.
Here, we break down the length of a typical eye exam, what your eye doctor may test for, and how the right diagnosis can help you enjoy better eyesight, no matter your age.
Key takeaways:
- Vision screenings and comprehensive exams can help diagnose vision problems before they progress.
- The length of an eye exam depends on several factors, including age, whether pupil dilation is necessary, specialized testing, and unique patient needs.
- A visual acuity test can measure how clearly an individual can see, specifically the sharpness of their vision. This test alone can help you determine whether corrective lenses may be necessary.
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How long does an eye exam take?
Scheduling a comprehensive eye exam during a visit with an optometrist is a great way to establish a baseline for your eyesight or be prescribed the perfect pair of contacts or lenses.
How long an eye exam takes can depend on several factors, including the individual tests your eye doctor may perform, as well as whether you will need to have your eyes dilated or to be fitted for glasses or a corrective contact lens.
Typically, a comprehensive vision exam to measure the health of the eye will take 30 minutes to an hour. These exams can take even longer based on individual needs. Some of these may include:
Age
Eye tests for children may require less time than screenings for adults.
Dilation
Dilating the eye can require patients to spend more time in the exam room. An eye doctor may dilate the eyes to improve their view of the eye’s internal structures, allowing for a more thorough examination. This can be useful in examining certain eye conditions, such as retinal detachment and glaucoma, among other conditions.
Patient needs
Certain patients with a previous medical history or other risk factors may require a more thorough eye exam. This can include patients with a history of diabetes or high blood pressure, which can affect eyesight.
A doctor may ask about current medications to determine the best course of action to address your eye issues, especially if they require a different type of prescription medication.
Specialized testing
Specialized testing may be needed to diagnose certain eye conditions, which can extend the time it takes to conduct an eye exam. These specialized tests may delve into specific areas, such as the retina and visual field. Some examples of specialized eye tests include visual field tests, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), and Fluorescein Angiography.
Specialized testing can help your doctor determine whether your current prescription lenses are effective or whether an updated prescription is needed.
Comprehensive exam vs screening
While screenings and comprehensive exams both examine the eye, there are some key differences between the two. These include:
Scope of examination
An eye screening, typically performed by a doctor or optometrist, is a quick check of your visual acuity. These exams can serve as a useful tool in helping individuals determine whether they will need a proper prescription for glasses or contacts.
During a screening, your eye doctor may identify and diagnose signs of potential problems like astigmatism, nearsightedness, farsightedness, and other eye conditions. Screenings often use an eye chart, focusing on visual clarity at different distances, as well as peripheral vision.
After a basic vision test, you may be referred for a more in-depth examination by an eye care professional. However, a screening does not take the place of a comprehensive eye exam. This is because screenings are often not thorough enough to detect subtle vision issues or eye diseases.
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Comprehensive eye exam
A comprehensive exam, on the other hand, entails a thorough evaluation of both your visual acuity and your overall eye health, including parts of the eye like the cornea, iris, retina, and optic nerve.
These exams, which are performed by an optometrist, are able to more closely assess how the eyes work. They can help diagnose more serious eye diseases like glaucoma, macular degeneration, or cataracts.
After an eye exam, an optometrist may suggest a variety of solutions to correct your sight. These may include prescription eyewear or contact lenses.
Retinal examination
Other eye tests, such as a retinal examination or diabetic eye exam, can serve as important preventative screenings for individuals with diabetes. During this test, a doctor may use eye drops to dilate the eye. This test can help diagnose diabetic retinopathy, which is a condition where blood sugar levels can damage the retina’s blood vessels.
Detecting diabetic retinopathy early can help prevent loss of eyesight. These exams can help measure the progression of the condition and guide proper treatment.
Conclusion
Your eye health is too important to ignore.
The best way to determine if you are dealing with any eye issues is to schedule a comprehensive exam with a skilled optometrist.
During your visit, a trained specialist can look for signs of eye issues and diagnose problems before they become more serious. Whether eyeglasses or contact lenses, finding the right treatment options for your eye issue can help you regain clearer eyesight and help you enjoy a greater quality of life.
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Oculus Eyecare is Seattle’s premier optometry practice and optical boutique for those looking to see and be seen in a new way. Located in South Lake Union on Denny Way, Oculus Eyecare offers comprehensive eye care services and exams for individuals and families in Seattle. Click here to schedule an appointment or a personal styling session. To stay connected and learn more, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X/Twitter.