How Long Does an Eye Exam Take? A Complete Timeline

This article is not a substitute for a professional diagnosis.

An eye exam usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. Sometimes, it takes more. It can go up to 90 minutes or longer.

This depends on your health and your eyes. It is not random. Doctors take time to check what matters. If something looks wrong, they will take longer. If everything is normal, they may finish faster.

The point is not speed. The goal is safety.

A real eye exam differs from a 5-minute vision test at the DMV. That one only checks if you can see clearly. A full exam checks how healthy your eyes are. It can even help catch problems with other parts of your body.

What Determines the Length of Your Eye Exam?

Comprehensive Exam vs. Vision Screening

A vision screening only tests your vision. It tells if you have 20/20 eyesight. That’s it. You may wonder what a comprehensive eye exam is and what it does.It checks the health of your whole eye. A screening might say you are fine even if you are not. You can have diseases and still pass a screening.

A full eye exam can catch:

Glaucoma

Cataracts

Retinal problems

Tumors

Diabetic retinopathy

You cannot see most of these problems on your own. That is why a real exam matters.

The Dilation Factor: The Biggest Variable

Dilation is when the doctor puts drops in your eyes. These drops open your pupils wide. You will need to wait 20 to 45 minutes after the drops.

This step helps the doctor see the back of your eye. They check the retina and the optic nerve. Without this, some diseases will stay hidden.

You may not like the wait. But this step could save your sight.

New Patient vs. Returning Patient

Your first visit will take longer. That’s normal.

The doctor needs to understand your eye history. They ask questions. They create a “starting point.” This is called a baseline, or a new patient premium. Every future visit gets compared to this first one.

If you have been to the clinic before, it may be shorter. They already know you.

Contact Lens Fittings

Need contact lenses? Then your exam will take more time.

The doctor must measure your eyes, which is called keratometry. They check the shape and curve of your eye.

They also check your tears. If your eyes are dry, the lenses may not feel good.

You also learn how to use contacts. The doctor shows you how to put them in and take them out. They teach you how to clean them.

What Happens During a 60-Minute Comprehensive Exam?

The First 10 Minutes: Clinical Intake & Preliminary Tests

A technician helps you first. They ask about your health and vision. They also run a few tests.

You might use a machine called an Autorefractor. It guesses your prescription.

Next is the non-contact tonometer, which does the “puff test.” A small puff of air touches your eye. It checks pressure. High pressure can mean glaucoma.

The Next 20-30 Minutes: The Core Tests with the Doctor

Now the doctor joins you.

They test your vision using a machine called a phoropter, which is full of lenses. You sit and answer, “1 or 2?” This finds your exact prescription.

Next, they use a slit lamp. This is like a special microscope for your eye. It checks the front of your eye. The doctor looks for signs of infection, dryness, or early cataracts.

The Dilation Wait (If Applicable): 20-45 Minutes

If dilation is needed, this is where you wait.

Your pupils get bigger. Your eyes feel weird. Light feels too bright. Reading becomes hard.

But this wait gives the doctor a full view of your inner eye. They look at your retina and optic nerve, which helps them find serious problems early.

The Final 10-15 Minutes: The Health Check & Consultation

After the drops work, the doctor looks deep inside your eye. This part is called the dilated fundus exam.

They check to see if anything is wrong, and then they explain everything. You hear about your eye health, and you get your new prescription.

Why Your Eye Exam is a Vital Health Check

Your eyes show more than just your vision. They show what is going on inside your body.

Through your eyes, a doctor can see:

Blood vessels

A cranial nerve (your optic nerve)

Early signs of other diseases

An eye exam can catch:

Diabetes

High blood pressure

High cholesterol

Lupus and arthritis

Brain tumors

One eye exam. Many answers.

Can I drive after my eye exam?

It depends on the results of your driver's license eye test.

If your eyes were dilated, they would feel blurry. You may see halos or glare. You may feel sensitive to light.

This lasts a few hours. So bring sunglasses. And bring someone to drive you home if possible.

How often should I get an eye exam?

Wondering how often you should get your eyes checked if you wear glasses? Here are the simple rules, according to the AOA:

Adults age 18 to 64 (no eye problems): every 2 years

Adults with glasses, diabetes, or eye diseases in the family: once a year

Adults age 65 and older: once a year

Do not skip your exam. Your eyes will thank you.

Conclusion

An eye exam is more than a routine check. It is a deep look into your health.

Here’s how often you should get an eye exam. Spending 30 to 90 minutes once a year is a smart move. It helps you see clearly. It helps you stay healthy. It may even save your life.

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