Eye Exam Appointments: What to Expect and What to Bring

Booking the right kind of exam

When you book, say why you are coming: a routine check, new glasses, a contact lens fitting, or a specific problem. Contact lens fittings are often a separate service from a basic eye exam, so ask. Check whether your vision insurance covers the provider and the type of exam.

The National Eye Institute (NEI) says how often you need a dilated exam depends on your risk of eye disease, and suggests talking to your doctor about what’s right for you. NEI adds that most people with diabetes or high blood pressure need a dilated eye exam at least once a year.

What happens during the exam

NEI describes these common parts of a comprehensive dilated eye exam:

1. Visual acuity test — reading letters up close and far away.
2. Visual field test — checking your side (peripheral) vision.
3. Eye muscle function test — following a moving object with your eyes.
4. Pupil response test — seeing how your pupils react to light.
5. Tonometry — measuring eye pressure with a quick puff of air or a gentle touch; NEI says it doesn’t hurt.
6. Dilation — eye drops widen your pupils so the doctor can check the inside of your eye for conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration.

Your doctor may add other tests depending on your needs. If you need glasses or contacts, you will get a prescription.

Plan for dilation

NEI says that for a few hours after a dilated exam your vision may be blurry and you may be sensitive to light. It suggests:

• asking a friend or family member to drive you home;
• bringing sunglasses (some offices give disposable ones).

If you need to go back to work or drive, ask when you book whether dilation will be done at this visit.

What to bring

• Your current glasses and/or contact lenses (and the contact lens box or prescription if you have it).
• A list of medicines and any health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
• Vision and medical insurance cards and photo ID.
• A list of questions — for example about screen use, headaches or changes you have noticed.

Before you leave

NEI suggests making your next dilated exam appointment before you leave the office so you don’t forget. If you are buying glasses, ask for a copy of your prescription.