Having your eyes dilated during an eye exam may seem like a nuisance. But when you consider the benefits of a dilated eye exam, the temporary blurred vision and sensitivity to light are definitely worth it.

What Are Dilated Eye Exams?

During a comprehensive eye exam, your optometrist will shine a bright light into your eyes to examine the back of the eye, called the retina. The problem is that bright light causes the pupil to shrink, making it hard for the optometrist to see a large portion of the retina.

That's why eye doctors apply special eye drops in each eye to keep the pupils open. A dilated pupil allows for a much more accurate assessment of your eye's structures, including the focusing lens, blood vessels, and tissues at the back of the eye (the retina), as well as the optic nerve and macula.

Dilating the eyes makes it easier for your optometrist to detect conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, retinal tumors, retinal detachment or retinal tears, and eye floaters. Many of these conditions can develop without noticeable symptoms until they cause vision loss, making dilated eye exams all the more crucial.

The Dilation Process

Your eye doctor will apply eye drops to each eye to trigger dilation. Your eyes should be fully dilated about 10-20 minutes later and will remain dilated for 4-6 hours. During this time you may be sensitive to light, and reading or using a computer may be difficult. Many patients find it more comfortable to wear sunglasses until their eyes return to normal.

Q&A

At what age should one have a dilated eye exam?

You should have a dilated eye exam regardless of your age. Most eye doctors will dilate a new patient at their first exam to get a baseline of their retinal health.

Will I be able to return to work after a dilated eye exam?

Everyone reacts differently. If your job requires you to focus on small print or detail, it may be challenging. To be on the safe side, consider booking your appointment at the end of your work day.

To schedule your comprehensive eye exam, call Dayton Optometric Center in Kettering, Ohio at (937) 228-2020 today.