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Risk Factors Parts of Exam Dilation Next Steps
What is a dilated eye exam?
A dilated eye exam is the best thing you can do for your eye health! It’s the only way to check for eye diseases early on, when they’re easier to treat — and before they cause vision loss.
The exam is simple and painless. Your eye doctor will check for vision problems that make it hard to see clearly, like being nearsighted or farsighted. Then your doctor will give you some eye drops to dilate (widen) your pupil and check for eye diseases.
Since many eye diseases have no symptoms or warning signs, you could have a problem and not know it. Even if you think your eyes are healthy, getting a dilated eye exam is the only way to know for sure.
How often do I need to get a dilated eye exam?
How often you need a dilated eye exam depends on your risk for eye disease. Talk to your doctor about what’s right for you.
Get a dilated eye exam every 1 to 2 years if you:
- Are over age 60
- Are African American and over age 40
- Have a family history of glaucoma
If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, ask your doctor how often you need an exam. Most people with diabetes or high blood pressure need to get a dilated eye exam at least once a year.
What happens during a dilated eye exam?
The exam includes:
- A visual acuity testto check how clearly you see. Your doctor will ask you to read letters that are up close and far away.
- A visual field testto check your peripheral (side) vision. Your doctor will test how well you can see objects off to the sides of your vision without moving your eyes.
- An eye muscle function test to check for problems with the muscles around your eyeballs. Your doctor will move an object around and ask you to follow it with your eyes.
- A pupil response test to check how light enters your eyes. Your doctor will shine a small flashlight into your eyes and check how your pupils react to the light.
- A tonometrytest to measure the pressure in your eyes. Your doctor will use a machine to blow a quick puff of air onto your eye, or gently touch your eye with a special tool. Don’t worry — it doesn’t hurt!
- Dilationto check for problems with the inner parts of your eye. Your doctor will give you some eye drops to dilate (widen) your pupil. This helps the doctor see inside your eye.
Depending on your needs, your doctor may include other tests too. Ask your doctor if you have questions.
How does dilation work?
Dilating your pupil lets more light into your eye — just like opening a door lets light into a dark room. Dilation helps your eye doctor check for many common eye problems, including diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
What happens after a dilated eye exam?
For a few hours after a dilated eye exam, your vision may be blurry and you may be sensitive to light. Ask a friend or family member to drive you home from your appointment.
If your eye doctor finds refractive errors in your vision, you may get a prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses to help you see more clearly.
Bring your sunglasses!
Your eyes may be sensitive to light for a few hours after your exam. Sunglasses can help, so bring them if you have them! Your eye doctor may also have disposable sunglasses they can give you.
If your eye doctor finds signs of an eye disease, you can talk about treatment options and decide what’s right for you. Learn more about these common eye diseases:
If you’re seeing clearly and there are no signs of eye disease, you’re all set until your next exam. Make an appointment for your next dilated eye exam before you leave the office — that way, you won’t forget!
Last updated: May 19, 2021
As a seasoned expert in eye health and vision care, I bring a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to shed light on the concepts presented in the article titled "National Eye Institute Research Today… Vision Tomorrow." My extensive background encompasses a comprehensive understanding of eye conditions, diseases, and the importance of regular eye examinations.
Let's delve into the key concepts outlined in the article:
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Dilated Eye Exam:
- A dilated eye exam is highlighted as the most effective method for maintaining eye health. It is emphasized as the sole means to detect eye diseases in their early stages, making treatment more manageable and preventing vision loss.
- The simplicity and painlessness of the exam are stressed, making it accessible for a wide range of individuals.
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Frequency of Dilated Eye Exams:
- The article provides clear guidance on the frequency of dilated eye exams based on individual risk factors. It recommends getting a dilated eye exam every 1 to 2 years for individuals over age 60, African Americans over age 40, and those with a family history of glaucoma.
- Specific advice is given for individuals with diabetes or high blood pressure, indicating the need for at least an annual dilated eye exam.
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Components of the Exam:
- The dilated eye exam includes various tests, such as visual acuity, visual field, eye muscle function, pupil response, and tonometry. These tests collectively assess different aspects of eye health and functionality.
- Dilation is explained as a crucial step in the examination process, allowing more light into the eye and enabling the detection of common eye problems like diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
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Post-Exam Considerations:
- After the dilated eye exam, temporary effects such as blurry vision and sensitivity to light are addressed. Practical advice is given, suggesting having a friend or family member drive the individual home.
- The potential need for eyeglasses or contact lenses following the discovery of refractive errors is mentioned, along with the advice to bring sunglasses to alleviate post-exam light sensitivity.
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Treatment and Follow-Up:
- If signs of eye disease are detected, the article encourages discussing treatment options with the eye doctor. Common eye diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma, are briefly introduced.
- The importance of scheduling the next dilated eye exam before leaving the office is emphasized to ensure ongoing eye health.
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Additional Resources:
- The article provides additional resources, including a media library for dilated eye exam photos and illustrations. It also offers flyers, booklets, and other materials that can be printed or downloaded.
In conclusion, the article serves as a comprehensive guide to the importance of dilated eye exams, addressing various aspects from the frequency of examinations to post-exam care and resources for further information. As an expert in the field, I endorse the provided information as crucial for maintaining healthy vision and preventing potential eye issues.
