Haven't Had an Eye Exam in Years? What to Expect When You Come Back
Haven't Had an Eye Exam in Years? What to Expect When You Come Back
Life gets busy. You moved, your eye doctor retired, your glasses seemed fine, or a few years simply slipped by. Whatever the reason, you are far from the only one, and there is no judgment when you come back. Here is what to expect so your return visit feels easy.
Why It Is Worth Coming Back Now
Vision changes gradually, so it is easy to adapt without noticing. Many adults find that near vision gets harder in their 40s, and prescriptions can shift at any age. More importantly, some eye conditions, like glaucoma, often have no early symptoms. A comprehensive exam is how they are caught before they affect your sight. Our guide on how often to schedule an eye exam explains the recommended timing by age.
What Happens During Your Visit
Your doctor will start by asking about your health, medications, family history, and any changes you have noticed. From there, the 21-point examination at Harvey & Lewis checks how clearly you see, determines your current prescription, measures your eye pressure, and looks closely at the health of your eyes. Your doctor may recommend dilating drops or imaging to get a better view of the back of the eye. For a step-by-step look, read what really happens during your eye exam.
What to Bring
Bring your current glasses, your contact lens boxes or prescription if you wear contacts, a list of your medications, your insurance cards, and a photo ID. If you have your old records or remember your last eye doctor's name, that helps too, but it is not required to book.
Frequently Asked Questions About Returning for an Eye Exam
How long is too long between eye exams?
It depends on your age and health, but many adults are advised to have an exam every one to two years, and more often if you have diabetes, glaucoma risk, or wear contacts. Harvey & Lewis recommends a yearly exam for the best vision and eye health. If it has been several years, it is a good idea to schedule soon.
Will my prescription have changed a lot?
It might. Prescriptions often shift over time, and many people notice that reading up close becomes harder in their 40s. Some patients are surprised by how much clearer things look with an updated prescription. Your doctor will walk you through any changes and what they mean for glasses or contacts.
Do I need my old eye records before I book?
No. Old records can be helpful, especially if you have a history of an eye condition, but you do not need them to schedule. If your previous eye doctor retired or you moved, you can ask that practice for a copy of your records. Your new doctor will establish a fresh baseline at your first visit either way.
Will my eyes be dilated?
Possibly. Dilating drops widen your pupils so your doctor can see the back of the eye more clearly, which is especially useful if it has been a while since your last exam. Dilation can make your vision blurry and light-sensitive for a few hours, so bring sunglasses and consider having someone drive you home.
Can I switch to Harvey & Lewis if my eye doctor retired?
Yes. Many of our patients come to us after their longtime eye doctor retired or after moving to the area. You can request a specific doctor or simply choose the location closest to you. Browse our Meet the Doctors page to learn about our affiliated doctors of optometry.
Ready to get back on track? Request your eye exam at one of our nine Connecticut locations, including Downtown Hartford, Hartford Hospital, West Hartford, Glastonbury, Canton, Enfield, Berlin, Farmington, and Cheshire.
