If you’ve been putting off that eye exam—whether it’s your first or your fifteenth—we’ve got you covered. At Malaya Optical, we believe eye care should feel simple, not stressful. So we’ve rounded up the most common questions about eye exams and answered them all right here.
Whether you’re wondering what happens during the appointment, how to prepare, or how to read your prescription, this guide breaks it down.
Common Eye Exam Questions—Answered
1. How often should I have an eye exam?
For most adults, every 1 to 2 years is recommended. If you wear glasses or contacts, have existing eye conditions, or a family history of vision issues, yearly exams are ideal.
2. How long does an eye exam take?
Usually 30 to 45 minutes, depending on whether it’s a routine check or if you need more specialized testing.
3. Will it hurt?
Not at all! Eye exams are completely non-invasive and pain-free. Some tests may feel slightly uncomfortable (like the air puff test), but nothing painful.
4. Can I drive after the exam?
If your pupils are dilated, you might experience blurry vision and light sensitivity for a few hours. It’s a good idea to bring sunglasses and avoid driving right after unless your optometrist says it’s safe.
5. What’s the difference between a sight test and a full eye exam?
A sight test checks only your prescription. A full eye exam, like the ones we do at Malaya Optical, looks at eye health, detects early signs of disease, and checks how well your eyes work together.
What Tests Are Done During an Eye Exam?
A comprehensive eye exam is more than just reading letters off a chart. Here’s what you can expect:
Visual Acuity Test
That classic letter chart helps measure how well you see at various distances.
Refraction Test
This determines your exact lens prescription by switching between different lenses (“Which is better, 1 or 2?”).
Eye Muscle Test
Checks how well your eye muscles are working together—important for focusing and tracking.
Eye Pressure Test (Tonometry)
Often a quick puff of air (non-contact) or a gentle touch to measure pressure inside the eye—a key test for glaucoma.
Pupil Response and Retinal Exam
Your optometrist will shine light to check how your pupils respond and may dilate your eyes to examine the back of your eyes (retina and optic nerve).
Visual Field Test
Checks your peripheral vision to screen for blind spots or neurological issues.
How to Prepare for an Eye Exam
No stress, but a little prep helps:
- Bring your current glasses or contact lenses
- List of medications (some affect vision)
- Know your family’s eye health history
- Jot down any symptoms you’ve noticed (blurry vision, floaters, eye strain, etc.)
- Arrive early if it’s your first time—you’ll need to fill out a few forms
How to Understand Your Exam Results
After the exam, your optometrist will explain everything clearly—but here’s a cheat sheet:
Your Prescription
Looks like this:
OD -2.00 SPH | OS -1.75 SPH
- OD (right eye), OS (left eye)
- Minus = nearsighted, Plus = farsighted
- Other abbreviations: CYL (astigmatism), AXIS (angle of astigmatism), ADD (for reading)
Eye Health
You’ll hear about:
- Retina health
- Eye pressure
- Lens clarity (checking for cataracts)
- Signs of diseases like glaucoma or macular degeneration
We’ll go over every detail and answer all your questions, so nothing gets lost in translation.
Time for a Check-Up? Come See Us at Malaya Optical
Our qualified optometrists are here to give you a thorough, comfortable exam with personal attention. Whether it’s your first visit or your annual check-in, we make it easy and stress-free.
Book your appointment online or stop by Malaya Optical today—your eyes will thank you.