How to Prepare for an Eye Exam
Is an eye exam on your calendar? Whether you're seeing the optometrist for an updated prescription or have a vision problem, the following steps can help you ensure a smooth visit.
Make a List
Before you leave home, make a list of everything you need to share with the eye doctor, including:
- Your Symptoms (If Applicable): Jot down details about changes in your vision, including how long you've been experiencing the symptoms, and how they affect your eyesight.
- Your Medical and Vision History. Include any chronic conditions and diseases. Note any new diagnoses or symptoms. Updated medical history is particularly important, as diabetes, high blood pressure, and other chronic diseases and conditions may cause vision problems. Your optometrist will also want to know if you've had eye surgery or an eye injury, or if you or anyone in your family has had an eye disease, such as age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, or diabetic retinopathy.
- Your Medications. Medication side effects can affect vision in some cases. List all medications you take, including over-the-counter and prescription medications. Don't forget to mention vitamins and supplements.
- Your Questions. Wondering if you should switch to a different contact lens brand, why you see halos around lights, or if your prescription can be added to safety glasses? Preparing a list of questions in advance makes it easier to remember everything you'd like to discuss with the optometrist.
Bring Your ID and Vision Insurance Card
Although the office staff will probably request your insurance information before you visit, you may still need to bring your insurance card or insurance information with you. Don't forget to also bring your driver's license or another form of identification.
Checking your insurer's coverage amounts for exams, frames, eyeglass lenses, and contact lenses in advance can be helpful, as coverage amounts vary depending on the plan.
Check the Portal
You may be able to save a little time by completing patient information and other forms on your eye doctor's online patient portal. If you can't access the portal or you forget this step, don't worry. You can fill out the forms when you arrive at the office. Please arrive a little early if you need to fill out forms.
Pack Your Eyewear
Bring your prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses with you to your appointment. Checking your current glasses or contact lenses can help your optometrist determine if they're adequately correcting your vision.
Vision changes can be subtle, yet still affect your eyesight or cause headaches. That's why the American Optometric Association recommends comprehensive vision exams every two years from 18 through 64, then annually from age 65 on. If you wear eyeglasses or contact lenses or have an eye disease, you'll need to see the eye doctor every year.
Remove your contact lenses and put them in their case before your visit. If you forget, you can remove the lenses at the office before your exam. Bring your contact lenses in their original packaging if you're a new patient.
Block Off Enough Time for Your Appointment
Eye exams usually last 30 minutes or longer. The visit may take longer if:
- Your Eyes Are Dilated
- You Choose New Eyeglass Frames After You See the Optometrist
- You Try New Contact Lenses
- Your Visit Includes Additional Testing
Don't Forget Sunglasses
Your optometrist may dilate your pupils as part of your eye examination. Dilating drops widen your pupils, making it easier for your eye doctor to see the back of your eye, which includes the retina, blood vessels, and optic nerve. Dilation makes your eyes a little blurry and sensitive to bright light for a few hours. Sunglasses will improve your comfort until your pupils return to their normal size.
Ask a friend or family member to drive you home, take public transportation, or use a rideshare service if your vision has been too blurry to drive in the past after dilation.
Do you need to schedule an eye exam? Contact our office to make your appointment.
Sources:
American Optometric Association: Comprehensive Eye Exams
https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/caring-for-your-eyes/eye-exams
All About Vision: What to Expect During a Comprehensive Eye Exam, 11/14/2024
https://www.allaboutvision.com/eye-care/eye-exam/what-to-expect/
American Academy of Ophthalmology: What Are Dilating Eye Drops, 12/5/2025
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/drugs/dilating-eyedrops
Glaucoma Research Foundation: The Eye Exam Demystified