Comprehensive eye exams are a key part of keeping your vision clear. They allow a trained professional to check your eyes, vision, and surrounding area thoroughly. They’re extremely effective for early detection of problems like cataracts, vision issues, and even diabetes. But how do you prepare for an eye exam? Can you wear makeup?
To prepare for your eye exam, you should try to avoid wearing makeup. A little bit is okay, but too much can hide signs of underlying problems like discoloration or irritation. Even if makeup is part of your daily routine, try to keep it light.
What to Expect From Your Eye Exam
A comprehensive eye exam is about more than vision. It’s about taking a few minutes and prioritizing your eye health. Your optometrist will be looking for signs of underlying problems that could affect your overall health.
Typically, your exam will start with your optometrist asking a few questions. These will cover a few topics, including:
- How long it’s been since your last eye exam
- Your family history of eye conditions or serious diseases
- Any unusual symptoms you’ve recently experienced
Next, they’ll check how clearly you can see using a series of different tools. They’ll measure everything from your depth perception to visual acuity. These tests aren’t just checking eyesight—they’re identifying how well your eyes work as a whole and whether you have any subtle symptoms you may not have noticed.
How Long Does an Eye Exam Take?
Your eye health and vision are priorities from the moment you walk in the door. Typically, your exam should take between 20-60 minutes, though this does vary depending on:
- The tests required for your age and overall health.
- Whether you have any unusual symptoms or concerns.
- The need for additional testing, like imaging or pupil dilation.
If you’re preparing for your first visit or returning after a long time, you may want to allow for extra time. Eye exams are a valuable way to gain insight into your overall health, and the peace of mind they bring can’t be overstated.
Tips for Preparing for an Eye Exam
Preparing ahead for an eye exam is simple. It’s a great way to make your visit hassle-free, and it makes things easier for both you and your optometrist.
First, try to avoid makeup if possible. If you’re going to wear any, keep it to a minimum—especially around the eyes. Makeup hides signs of irritation or discoloration that could be early signs of underlying health problems. The more natural you are, the easier it is for your optometrist can assess your eye health.
It also helps to:
- Bring your glasses, contacts, or prescription details with you.
- Write down any vision symptoms or questions beforehand.
- Bring a list of conditions and health risks in your family tree.
Staying prepared helps your visit go smoothly.
How Often Should You Have an Eye Exam?
Your age, health, and vision needs determine how often you should schedule an exam. Regular eye exams are important, so try to follow these guidelines:
- Children should have their first eye exam at around 6 months of age, then once per year until they turn 18.
- Adults aged 18-64 should have 1 eye exam every year, or more often if an individual has diabetes, hypertension, or an autoimmune disease.
- Adults aged 65+ should have 1 eye exam every year, or more often if diagnosed with an eye condition.
- People with diabetes should have 1 eye exam every year, and more often if experiencing symptoms of diabetic retinopathy or other vision issues.
If you experience anything unusual, it helps to visit your optometrist. Your vision is a priority, so don’t put it at risk. Early detection of conditions like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration makes treatment much easier.
Signs It’s Time for Your Next Eye Exam
Sometimes, you may experience unusual symptoms. If this is the case, try to visit your optometrist as soon as you can. Even minor changes in your vision can be a sign of a serious eye condition developing, so watch out for:
- Difficulty seeing clearly, especially at night.
- Frequent headaches or eye strain.
- Blurry or double vision.
- Irritated, dry, or red eyes.
- A noticeable change in your general vision clarity.
- Tunnel vision.
- Floaters or flashes.
If you ever notice significant pain or discomfort, treat it as an emergency. Don’t put your eyes at risk—instead, visit an eye care professional.
Book Your Next Eye Exam Today
Keeping your eyes healthy doesn’t have to be complicated. Eye exams are an essential part of a well-rounded healthcare plan, so make sure you’re regularly visiting our team at Eye Lab. We’re ready to thoroughly check your eyes and vision, so book an appointment with us today! Let’s work together to keep your vision clear.
