Is a sight test painful?

Going for a sight test can be unnerving if you don't know what to expect. The good news is that a sight test is not painful.

Rest assured, an eye test is a comfortable and non-invasive procedure that poses no cause for concern.

If you have concerns about your eyesight during or after your sight test, you should tell the Optician.

What happens at an eye test?

Once the optician has checked your details and had a chat with you about your medical history and any symptoms you’ve been experiencing, you will be asked to read different sized letters from an eye test chart wearing different lenses.

The Optician will then use a tonometer to measure your eye pressure (sometimes known as 'the glaucoma test’). This is a more comfortable alternative to the puff of air test you may have had in the past. You may feel a slight tickle during this bit, but it is not painful.

Then, they will check the health of your eyes using an ophthalmoscope. This involves shining a light into your eye. In some cases, the optician may dilate the pupils for a clearer view of the back of the eye. This might cause very slight discomfort, but it subsides quickly.

The Optician may turn the lights off for this bit. It's common for your eyes to take a few moments to readjust once the lights in the room come back on. However, your vision should return to normal shortly.

They’ll then work out your prescription. To do this, they will look at your eyes using a retinoscope and ask you some questions to further refine the prescription.

Read more about what happens at a home eye test

How long does an eye test take?

Here at OutsideClinic, we don’t have set appointment slots for our home eye tests, but they tend to take about an hour from start to finish. This includes the time it takes for the Optician to confirm all your details at the start and explain the results to you at the end.

What about if I’m anxious about having an eye test?

If you feel anxious about going to get an eye test at an Optician’s, you may want to consider having an eye test at home.

Being in a clinical setting can be intimidating for some people. Testing your eyes at home allows you to be in a familiar and comfortable environment, which can help reduce anxiety. We can also give advice tailored specifically for the home.

At home, you have complete privacy, which can alleviate concerns about being observed or judged during the test.

Here at OutsideClinic, we make sure that our home eye tests are as comfortable as possible.

We have flexible appointment slots, so the test can be performed at your own pace. And you can even have someone sit with you during the test if it would make you feel more comfortable.

We always explain each step to the patient, ensuring everyone is informed and at ease.

What’s the risk of missing an eye test?

Skipping regular eye tests can pose significant risks to your eye health and overall well-being.

These tests serve as essential preventative measures, as they allow the Optician to detect early signs of various eye conditions, such as glaucoma, cataracts, or retinal issues, which, if left undiagnosed, can lead to irreversible vision loss.

In many cases, early intervention can prevent or slow down the progression of these conditions, preserving your vision and quality of life.

Therefore, it simply isn't worth the risk to neglect regular eye tests. Prioritising these examinations is an investment in your long-term eye health and can help you maintain optimal vision for years to come.