Why Should I Get My Eyes Dilated?

A common question patients ask is, "Why should I get my eyes dilated?" Dilation is part of the eye examination in which special drops are placed into your eyes. While some may find it inconvenient, it allows the doctor to get a comprehensive look inside your eye. This is particularly important if you are experiencing eye pain, vision problems, or if you have a family history of certain eye diseases or disorders.

Normally, the pupil gets smaller when light is shined into it. With dilation, the doctor uses special eye drops that keep the pupil open even when light is shined into it. This allows the doctor to get a wider view of the back of the eye, including the entire retina, the macula (the central part of the retina), and the optic nerve.

During a dilated exam, the doctor can detect various issues such as a torn or detached retina or an eye tumor. Additionally, dilation allows the doctor to diagnose and monitor common eye diseases that can lead to vision loss. Some of the diseases that can be detected include diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). For instance, signs of diabetic retinopathy include blood vessels that leak, swell, or grow abnormally in the retina. With glaucoma, the doctor checks for any damage to the optic nerve, and with AMD, they look for lipid and protein buildup or pigment changes in the macular area.

We recommend that patients get their eyes dilated at least once every two years if they have healthy eyes. However, if you have an ocular disease or any medical condition that can affect the eyes, it is recommended to have dilation every year. Each person's eyes react differently to the dilation drops. It usually takes 15 to 20 minutes for the pupils to fully dilate, and the effects typically last for about 4 to 6 hours.

Dilation usually does not affect your distance vision. However, because the pupils cannot control the amount of light entering the eyes, you may experience increased glare, especially outside. For some, this may make driving a bit more challenging. Patients are usually given dark glasses to help reduce glare. If you've never had your eyes dilated and are unsure how you will react, it's a good idea to bring someone with you to drive you home from your appointment. Once you've had it done, you'll know whether or not you can drive after the exam.