Have you got an eye exam coming up and not sure how much time to set aside? Whether you are going for a routine check-up or finally updating those old glasses, it’s natural to wonder: how long does an eye exam take?
Here’s a breakdown of the eye exam time frame from start to finish so that you know what to expect and can plan ahead.
So, How Long is an Eye Exam?
On average, a comprehensive eye exam takes around 30 minutes to an hour. However, this time might stretch a bit longer if you need extra testing, such as dilation. So, how long is an eye exam with dilation? Possibly up to 90 minutes! But don’t worry. The actual testing doesn’t feel that long. A lot of that time includes prep and waiting for drops to kick in.
What Happens During an Eye Exam?
Eye exams aren’t just about reading letters on a chart. There are a few important steps your eye doctor takes to check both your vision and overall eye health. Here’s what usually happens.
Patient History (About 5–10 Minutes)
Your visit usually starts with a few questions, nothing too complicated. The doctor (or assistant) will ask about your vision issues, general health, medications, and family history. It helps them figure out what to look for during the rest of the exam.
Preliminary Checks (Roughly 10–15 Minutes)
These are quick tests to check how your eyes are doing overall:
- How well your eyes work together (binocular vision)
- How your pupils react to light
- How good your depth perception is
They are painless and quick, but help spot early issues.
Main Testing Phase
Here’s where the real work happens. It includes something called a refraction eye exam, which helps determine your prescription.
- Refraction Eye Exam (30–60 Minutes)
This is the part where you look through a machine and say, “Better 1 or better 2?” a bunch of times. It includes:- Retinoscopy – The doctor shines a light to get a rough idea of your prescription.
- Visual Acuity – You read letters off a chart.
- Refraction – The real fine-tuning where they figure out what lenses help you see well.
- Slit-Lamp Test (Takes 5–10 Minutes)
This one looks intimidating, but it’s just a microscope with a light. It helps the doctor check the front of your eye for anything unusual. - Dilation (Can Take 15–30 Minutes)
If needed, the doctor might use drops to dilate your pupils. This lets them get a good look at the back of your eye. The drops take about 15 minutes to kick in, and then the check itself only takes a few more minutes.
Also Read – How Long Does Eye Dilation Last & What to Expect After Your Dilated Eye Exam?
Discussion and Wrap-Up (5–10 Minutes)
At the end, your doctor will go over what they found, talk about your prescription (if you need one), and answer any questions.
Also Read – What Not to Do Before an Eye Exam? Tips for Preparing for an Eye Exam
Eye Exams in Fresno at InSight Vision Center
At InSight Vision Center here in Fresno, we make your eye exam experience as smooth and personalized as possible. We use modern tools to get accurate results. We take the time to explain everything in a way you’ll actually understand.
Whether it’s your first eye check or you are a regular visitor, we are here to help you see clearly and stay healthy.
Quick Recap
A full eye exam usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, give or take. Dilation adds a little more time, but the process is smooth and well worth it for your long-term eye health.
If you are near Fresno and it’s time to check on your vision, InSight Vision Center is here to help. We’ll walk you through everything—and make sure you leave with the clearest view of the world.
Dr. Azhar I. Salahuddin is an ophthalmologist and is fellowship-trained in cornea, external diseases, and refractive surgery. Dr. Salahuddin has been performing cataract surgery for over 19 years and specializes ocular reconstruction, corneal transplantation surgery as well as vision correction through a variety of intraocular lenses. Dr. Salahuddin is board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and was trained at Boston University.
