Key Takeaways
- A typical eye exam takes about 30 to 60 minutes.
- Contact lens fittings, retinal imaging, and dilation drops can add time to your visit.
- Bring your current glasses, contacts, medication list, and any questions that you might have.
- Pack sunglasses and plan a ride home if you expect dilation.
- You can browse fashion-forward frames for kids and grown-ups after your exam.
The Length of an Eye Exam Can Vary
Your calendar is already full of work meetings, school pickups, and weekend plans. An eye exam can feel like one more thing to squeeze in. Knowing how long you’ll spend at Capitol Optometry can help you plan the rest of your day.
An eye exam usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes, though extra tests or a contact lens fitting can add time. A comprehensive eye exam looks at both your vision and your eye health, so every minute in the chair contributes to a clear picture of your vision needs.
How Long Does an Eye Exam Usually Take?
Many eye exams take about 30 to 60 minutes. If you’re coming back for a routine visit and not much has changed since last time, your appointment may wrap up in 30 minutes or less.
However, you should generally plan on about an hour. That gives you room for testing, questions, and a relaxed look at frames without watching the clock.
What Affects the Length of Your Eye Exam?
Your Health and Visit History
Your first visit usually takes longer than a return trip. This is because your optometrist needs some time to get to know your eyes. Your age, current symptoms, family history, and past eye conditions can shape which tests make sense for you.
Extra Tests & Services
Some add-ons can stretch your appointment a bit. Here’s what can add time:
- A contact lens fitting.
- Extra tests like retinal imaging.
- Dilation drops.
What Happens During Your Eye Exam
Vision & Prescription Checks
This part of the exam involves reading an eye chart, both up close and far away. You’ll also look through a series of lenses while your eye doctor asks which one looks clearer. Your answers will help them find the right prescription for your vision.
Quick color vision and side vision tests round out this part of the process, and each one takes just a few moments.
Eye Health Checks
In this part of the exam, one of our team members will perform tests to check things like your eye pressure. This is often done with a quick puff of air.
Your eye doctor will also take a close look at the front and back of your eyes. In some cases, this may involve dilation drops or retinal photos.
Contact Lens Measurements
If you wear contacts or want to try them, our team will take extra measurements of your eyes to help you get a comfortable fit. We’ll also check your tear film and let you test out trial lenses. If you’re new to contacts, we can share tips for putting them in and taking them out.
How to Prep for Your Eye Exam
What to Bring
A few items can help your visit move along smoothly. Pack these before you head out:
- Your current glasses, contacts, and contact lens case.
- A list of the medications and supplements you take.
- Notes on your family’s eye health history.
- Any questions you want to ask your optometrist.
Plan Ahead for Dilation
Bright light can feel harsh after dilation, so toss a pair of sunglasses in your bag if you’re expecting dilation. It also helps to arrange for a ride home.
What Happens After Your Eye Exam?
After Dilation
Your pupils may stay dilated for up to 6 hours. For a few hours after your visit, you may also notice these changes:
- Your vision looks blurry.
- Bright light feels uncomfortable.
Hold off on driving and screen time until your vision clears.
When Your New Glasses & Contacts Arrive
Glasses often take about 7 to 10 business days, and contacts usually arrive in about 1 week. In the meantime, trial lenses can go home with you the same day.
Find Frames That Fit Your Style
Once your exam wraps up, you can try on fun, fashion-forward frames at our optical boutique. Our optical team can share frame fit tips to help your glasses feel comfortable through a long workday or a busy recess.
We offer stylish options for kids and grown-ups alike, so your whole family can pick out new looks in one trip.
Plan Your Visit with Capitol Optometry
An eye exam fits into about an hour of your day, and a little prep can help the process go smoothly. Whether you need a routine checkup, a contact lens fitting, or a fresh pair of frames, our friendly team at Capitol Optometry is ready to help. Book your appointment with our eye doctor in Sacramento today.
