How Long Does an Eye Doctor Appointment Take?

Did you know that an estimated 12 million people in the US live with impaired vision? Of that number, two in three have poor eyesight due to untreated refractive errors.

Those figures are concerning, but many vision problems are treatable. However, to begin treatment, one must see an eye doctor first.

Thus, if you’re having eyesight problems, it’s best to see a doctor ASAP. It won’t take long anyway.

So, how long does an eye doctor appointment take then? What can you expect during one?

We’ll answer all those questions in this guide, so read on.

So, How Long Does an Eye Doctor Appointment Take?

An appointment with an eye doctor usually takes half an hour to one and a half hours. Longer if the specialist discovers a potential problem during the initial exam. In that case, you may have to undergo other tests to diagnose or rule out eye conditions.

What Happens During an Eye Doctor Appointment?

First, an eye doctor or a staff member will ask you about your medical and eye health history. Tell them about your vision problems and related symptoms like headaches. It’s also wise to bring up your family’s vision history and diseases like diabetes.

It’s vital to let your eye doctor know about diabetes, as it can lead to diabetic eye disease. It’s a group of eye conditions that often affect people with this endocrine disease. It includes cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic macular edema, and the most common, diabetic retinopathy.

Note that diabetic retinopathy already affects 7.7 million people in the US age 40 or older. It’s a leading cause of blindness, so inform your eye doctor if you have diabetes or if it runs in the family.

After talking about your family and health history, you’ll likely sit for a visual acuity test. It involves reading the letters off an eye chart using one eye at a time and then both.

If you have a refractive error, such as myopia or hyperopia, expect to undergo a refraction test. Your eye doctor uses a computerized refractor to conduct this exam.

Another procedure your eye doctor may perform is a pupil reaction test. It involves shining a small penlight toward your eyes to see how your pupils react.

Once you’re through all necessary tests, your eye doctor discusses the exams’ results. For example, you might learn that you need corrective lenses or medicines like eye drops.

How Often Should You Get One?

If you’re under 40 and have no vision woes, you might be okay getting an eye check-up every two years. Your eye doctor will advise you about this after your first appointment.

If you have diabetes or it runs in the family, it’s vital to get your eyes checked once or twice a year. Do the same if you have other chronic conditions like high blood pressure. As you’d need more appointments, the best eye doctor for you is one who’s close to your home or office.

Likewise, set an appointment with an eye specialist once or twice a year if you’ve had eye trouble in the past. The same goes if you now have to wear corrective lenses.

Start Scheduling Regular Eye Doctor Appointments

And there you have it, the guide answering the question, “how long does an eye doctor appointment take?”

You’ve learned it can take about half an hour; longer if you have vision problems. But even if it takes more than an hour, that’s nothing compared to the risk of losing your eyesight. So, be sure to see an eye doctor ASAP and continue setting an appointment once or twice a year.

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