What You Need To Know About Eye Dilation During An Eye Exam

Health & Medical Blog

Eye health can tell you a lot about your overall health. When you get an eye exam, one of the best ways to see inside the eyes and determine how healthy they are is through dilation. Dilation is a way for an eye doctor to see all the structures of the eye more clearly. If you need an eye exam, it is beneficial to have your eyes dilated. Here are some things you need to know.

Why You Should Have Your Eyes Dilated

When your eyes are dilated, the eye doctor can better see through the pupil and into the eyeball. If the eye is not dilated, the pupil will get smaller as the doctor shines light into the area. Once the dilation eye drops are placed into the eyes, the pupils will remain larger and the doctor can better examine the eye.

When the eyes are dilated, the doctor can better examine the retina in the back of the eyeball. The retina is difficult to see without dilation. Proper examination of the retina can help the doctor see if you are at risk for serious eye issues, such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, or tears of the retina.

What You Can Expect During Eye Dilation

Once you agree to have your eyes dilated for your eye exam, your doctor will explain the process to you. If you are wearing contact lenses, you will need to remove them. The doctor will add a few drops to your eyes. You then will sit for several minutes in a dark room. It will take time for your eyes to fully dilate. Once they are dilated, the doctor will proceed with your eye exam. They will shine a light directly into your eyes and move the light around to get the best view of the eye structure. Once the exam is over, you can replace your contact lenses if you wear them. You can expect to have some blurry vision or light sensitivity. This can last for several hours, and you should plan to have someone else drive you home after your exam. You may also want to have a pair of sunglasses on hand to help you deal with any sensitivities you may experience. After a short period of time, your pupils will return to their normal function.

Do not be fearful of having your eyes dilated for an eye exam. The process does not hurt at all and offers so many benefits. For more information on eye health exams, contact a company like EyeSight Healthcare, PLLC.

Share

15 July 2022