Dilated Eye Health Exam

An eye exam can do much more than determine your need for corrective eyewear. In fact, comprehensive eye exams that include dilation are important to help your eye doctor see the early symptoms of both vision-related and overall health problems.

When your eyes are dilated, our doctors can view a larger portion of your retina, including the blood vessels and optic nerve. This allows our doctors to see early signs of damage that could be indicators of serious conditions such as diabetes, tumors, high blood pressure, infectious disease, macular degeneration and retinal detachments.

If our doctor recommends dilation, they will put special drops in your eyes to cause your pupils to widen. The drops only take a few minutes to take effect. While you wait for the drops to work, you are welcome to browse our frame gallery or wait comfortably in our waiting area. Once the eyes are ready, our doctors will use a special magnifying lens and light to examine the retina and optic nerve.

While your eyes are dilated, they will be more sensitive to light. If you do not have sunglasses with you, we will have disposable shades available when you leave. In addition, you will find it more difficult to perform close up tasks such as reading, computer work and texting. Please consult our doctors as to how long the drops are expected to affect your vision, as this will depend on the type of drops used to dilate your eyes. Typically, the drops only last between 2-4 hours.

It is highly recommended by First Sight Vision Care and the American Optometric Association that in order to maintain good vision and healthy eyes, retinal examinations are provided to all our patients as part of the comprehensive vision exam. In addition to a dilated retinal exam, First Sight Vision Care offers our patient the latest in retinal imaging technology. Please speak with one of our patient coordinators to determine if retinal imaging is right for you.