Dilation
Frequent questions about dilation:
What is dilation?
The pupil is the opening that allows light into your eyes. Your eye doctor also looks through this opening to examine the back of your eyes. Dilating eye drops are given to allow the pupil to fully open. This allows a better examination of the back of your eyes.
Why is it important to dilate my eyes?
Many blinding eye diseases often do not have early warning signs. Some of these serious conditions are better assessed or can only be found with dilation. Early detection can help save vision.
For children, dilation may also help determine a more accurate glasses prescription.
Who should be dilated and When?
Depending on your age and risk factors, every 1-2 years is recommended for healthy eyes.
How does dilation affect me?
Dilation increases your sensitivity to light, so bring your sunglasses to your appointment. You will also experience some blurry vision, especially while trying to focus up close. Effects typically last 4-6 hours.
Your doctor can not tell you how blurry you will be, because dilation affects everyone differently. If you are unsure how dilation will affect you, or know that it impairs your ability to drive, bring someone to your appointment that can drive you home.
The pupil is the opening that allows light into your eyes. Your eye doctor also looks through this opening to examine the back of your eyes. Dilating eye drops are given to allow the pupil to fully open. This allows a better examination of the back of your eyes.
Why is it important to dilate my eyes?
Many blinding eye diseases often do not have early warning signs. Some of these serious conditions are better assessed or can only be found with dilation. Early detection can help save vision.
For children, dilation may also help determine a more accurate glasses prescription.
Who should be dilated and When?
Depending on your age and risk factors, every 1-2 years is recommended for healthy eyes.
How does dilation affect me?
Dilation increases your sensitivity to light, so bring your sunglasses to your appointment. You will also experience some blurry vision, especially while trying to focus up close. Effects typically last 4-6 hours.
Your doctor can not tell you how blurry you will be, because dilation affects everyone differently. If you are unsure how dilation will affect you, or know that it impairs your ability to drive, bring someone to your appointment that can drive you home.