If you need a fast eye exam, you might be asking yourself how to have one quickly. If your glasses shattered, you misplaced your contact lenses, or your vision is hazy, you want a quick fix. Here's how you can have an eye exam without waiting around.
When to Get an Eye Exam
Getting your eyes checked regularly helps keep them healthy and your vision clear. How often you should go depends on your age, health, and whether you have trouble seeing.
Children need their first eye examination when they are around six months old, then at age three, and again before school starts. Then it's a good idea to have their eyes examined every one or two years. If you're 18 to 39 and don't have any eye issues, every two years is fine. When you reach your 40s, your vision can begin to change more, so having it checked every year or two is a good idea.
If you're 65 or older, an annual eye exam catches any problems early. If you have medical problems such as diabetes or high blood pressure, it is necessary to have your eyes examined annually since these can impair vision. And if you use eyeglasses or contacts, an annual visit ensures your prescription is correct for you.
If you have health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure, it's important to get your eyes checked every year because these can affect your vision. And if you wear glasses or contacts, a yearly check-up makes sure your prescription is still right for you.
Also, consult an eye doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:
Signs You Need an Urgent Eye Exam
Sometimes vision problems come on suddenly and need to be treated right away. Get an eye exam as soon as you can if you have:
- Blurry vision or difficulty seeing clearly
- Frequent headaches or eye strain
- Trouble seeing in dim illumination or at nighttime
- Sudden flashes of light or floating particles
- Double vision or difficulty with focusing
- Pain, redness, or irritation of the eyes
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Sudden loss of sight (immediately seek emergency help)
Types of Eye Exams
Knowing what type of eye exam you need can help save time and ensure you get the right care.
Standard Vision Test:
This test checks how well you can see things up close and far away and looks for common vision problems like nearsightedness or farsightedness.
Comprehensive Eye Exam:
This exam checks your vision, measures eye pressure, and looks for eye diseases like glaucoma or cataracts.
Contact Lens Exam:
This exam checks the health of your eyes and finds the right contact lenses for you, making sure they fit well and feel comfortable.
Pediatric Eye Exam:
This exam is designed for children to check how their vision is developing, ensure their eyes are properly aligned, and detect any early signs of eye problems.
What to Bring to Your Eye Exam
To make things go faster, bring:
➢ Your current glasses or contacts
➢ A copy of your most recent eye prescription (if you have one)
➢ Vision insurance information (if you have it)
➢ A list of medications (some impact vision)
➢ A note of any eye problems you’ve had
How to Prepare for Your Eye Exam
Follow these simple tips to make your exam smooth:
Give your eyes a break from screens before your appointment. Do not consume coffee or energy drinks as these have a direct impact on your eyes. Wear sunglasses in case your eyes become sensitive after the test. Prepare for eye drops that allow the doctor to examine your eyes more effectively.
How to Get an Eye Exam Quickly
Walk-In or Same-Day Eye Clinics
You can get an eye check-up without an appointment at many optical stores that have eye doctors available for walk-ins or same-day visits.
To avoid long waits, call ahead because even walk-in places can be busy. Try going in the morning on a weekday when it's usually quieter. If one store is full, check another nearby—they might be able to see you sooner!
Online Eye Exams
If you just need to update your prescription, an online eye test can be a quick and easy option. Some companies even offer vision tests you can take from home.
How It Works:
- Take a test using a smartphone or computer.
- A licensed physician interprets your test.
- You receive a prescription in 24 hours.
Limitations:
- They do not screen for eye diseases.
- They are ideal for adults with stable vision.
Urgent Care or Retail Clinics
If you experience eye pain, redness, or sudden change in vision, you can go to an urgent care center. They can examine for infections and refer you to a specialist if necessary.
You should consider this option if you have an eye infection like pink eye or a stye, if your eyes are swollen or irritated, or if your vision suddenly changes. For serious vision problems, it's best to go to the emergency room.
Independent Optometrists
Smaller local eye clinics are often more flexible than big chain stores and may be able to see you the same day.
To get an appointment fast, try calling a small clinic instead of a big store. Let them know it's urgent—some doctors might squeeze you in. Also, ask if they have spots open in the evening or on weekends.
Telehealth Appointments
Some eye doctors offer online consultations where they can discuss your symptoms and give advice. While this doesn’t replace a full eye exam, it can help you decide if you need to see a doctor in person.
During a virtual visit, you'll talk to an eye doctor over video. If your prescription hasn’t changed, they might be able to refill it. If they think you need further testing, they’ll recommend an in-person visit.
Check With Your Insurance Provider
Your vision insurance can help you find an eye doctor with quick availability, and some plans even offer online eye exams.
To get started, check your insurance provider’s website for eye doctors they cover. Call a few offices to see if they have open appointments. Also, ask if your insurance includes virtual eye exams, which might be a faster option.
University or Teaching Clinics
If you reside close to a university with an optometry school, they might provide low-cost and quick exams at their student clinics.
Advantages:
- Less expensive than private clinics.
- Usually available same-day or next-day.
- Thorough exams that test general eye health.
Disadvantages:
- Takes longer because students are practicing.
- Restricted hours according to school schedules.
How Long an Eye Exam Takes
The length of your eye exam depends on the type of test you need. A basic vision test usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes. A comprehensive eye exam or a contact lens check-up takes a bit longer, around 45 to 60 minutes. For children, a pediatric eye exam typically lasts between 30 and 45 minutes.
Preventative Issues Uncovered during Exams
Annual exams discover and diagnose many eye diseases including:
- Nearsightedness (Myopia): Trouble seeing at distance.
- Farsightedness (Hyperopia): Trouble seeing close-up objects.
- Astigmatism: Blurry eyes due to abnormal eyeball shape.
- Presbyopia: Prescribed age to read objects up close.
- Glaucoma: Increased pressure inside of eyes ruining eyesight.
- Cataracts: The blockages inside of one's lenses and resulting poor sighted vision.
-
Macular Degeneration: Blind spot which affects in-sight for visual objects in alignment with focal spot.
Final Tips for Getting an Eye Exam Quickly
To get your eye exam done quickly, call ahead to check for open spots and try to be flexible—early mornings and weekdays usually have the shortest wait times. Having your insurance details ready will help speed up the paperwork. If you need glasses or contacts, ask if they offer same-day prescriptions. Avoid busy times like evenings and weekends to cut down on waiting.
Taking these steps can help you get a fast eye check-up and keep your vision healthy. If you’re having any eye problems, don’t wait—get checked as soon as possible!