Dilated Exam

Not every patient needs to have a dilated examination. When dilation is necessary this is what you can expect.

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Drops will be placed in each eye to enlarge the pupil (the black portion in the center of the eye's iris). This allows the optometrist to look at the inside of the eye. You will be asked to wait for your eyes to respond to the drops and the pupils to fully dilate. Then your eyes will be examined for signs of any health problems. Dilated eyes allow the optometrist to look at the peripheral area of the inside of the eye.

CATARACT - is a clouding of part or all of the lens inside the eye, resulting in blurred or distorted vision. GLAUCOMA - is a disease in which the internal pressure in the eye builds up because of problems with the out-flow or drainage of fluid within the eye, damaging the optic nerve and causing partial or total loss of sight. MACULAR DEGENERATION - is the loss of central vision as a result of changes, often related to aging, in the macula - that portion of the retina responsible for sharp, clear central vision.