What to expect and how to prepare for your eye examination
The following are a few special considerations for your visit to the Mission Eye Clinic for a full optometric eye examination:
- A full eye examination takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes with a routine dilated fundus examination. The exam itself without a dilated fundus exam typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. The time required will vary somewhat depending on a patient's particular needs.
- In order to have a more thorough internal evaluation of your eyes, it is our clinic's policy to recommend we conduct a routine dilated fundus examination (examination of the internal eye through pupils dilated with eyedrops) on all new patients (teenagers and adults). In addition, a regular dilated fundus examination is indicated in many situations including high amounts of nearsightedness, monitoring of peripheral retinal degenerations, new flashing lights or floating spots, and diabetes. Incertain cases, a cycloplegic examination (checking your eyeglass prescription after eyedrops to relax your focusing and dilate your pupils) must be conducted.
- A dilated fundus examination will require the use of an eyedrop which takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes to take effect. After the pupils are dilated, an internal evaluation of your eyes are conducted. This internal evaluation takes a few minutes after which your full eye examination is usually complete. When you leave the clinic the eyedrops typically affect your vision temporarily for 3 to 6 hours (although the maximum effect is usually experienced after 30 to 60 minutes after the eyedrop instillation). During this 3 to 6 hour period, significant light sensitivity is usually experienced. So we recommend you BRING SUNGLASSES if you have them. Typically your vision after is blurry at near but fairly clear at distance. However, this usually depends on your eyeglass prescription and whether or not your eyeglasses themselves are up-to-date. For most patients, driving afterwards is no problem if you have sunglasses. However, because we cannot guarantee that your vision will be adequate or that you will feel comfortable enough to drive, we recommend that you: a) be prepared to wait until the effect of the eyedrop diminishes, b) have someone to call to pick you up if required, or c) even better, bring someone to drive you.
- If a cycloplegic examination is required the effects of the eyedrops are very similar to those described above for the dilated fundus examination. However, any blurriness experienced typically lasts up to 12 hours and any light sensitivity up to 24 hours.
- Please also bring the following items: a) any prescription eyeglasses that you wear, b) a list of medications and allergies, and c) your B.C. Care Card if you have B. C. provincial health care coverage.
- If you require new prescription eyeglasses or lenses after your eye examination, we are able to provide high quality professional eyeglass dispensing services at an excellent price. At the Mission Eye Clinic we have a large dispensary with a great selection of frames and our own in-clinic edging lab. In order to help in the selection of lens and frame options to meet your fashion, function, and financial needs, we recommend that if possible you: a) pre-determine any available extended health insurance optical benefit amounts, and b) bring along the "fashion consultants" that you require (such as a spouse or friend(s))!
