When you visit for an eye exam, you might wonder why optometrists sometimes recommends eye dilation. We have seen many recent questions asked online about the necessity of eye dialtion vs using an Optos Retinal Image. Though it might feel inconvenient, dilation is an essential part of a comprehensive eye exam that allows your doctor to thoroughly assess your eye health. Here are some of the key reasons why dilation is so important:
Dilation enlarges your pupils, allowing your optometrist to get a clear view of the retina, optic nerve, and macula. These are vital parts of your eye that help detect early signs of diseases like diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and glaucoma—conditions that can lead to vision loss if not detected and treated early.
Many eye diseases develop gradually and may not show symptoms early on. By dilating your eyes, your optometrist can catch early signs of serious conditions such as:
Early detection is key, and dilation helps us identify these problems before they progress.
Certain health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure can cause changes in your eyes. Regular dilated eye exams allow your optometrist to monitor your eye health and catch complications from these conditions before they lead to significant issues. Some systemic health conditions have been diagnosed after an optometrist noticed eye health related issues and had the patient's follow up with their primary doctor.
For younger children, dilation allows the eye to relax in order to obtain an accurate measurement of what their eye needs, utilizing a proceedure called retinoscopy. Retinoscopy helps determine the refractive error of the eye when the patient's communication is unreliable.
While Optos retinal imaging is an excellent tool and we highly recommend it for a wide-angle view of the retina, it does not fully replace the need for dilation. Dilation allows for a more detailed and thorough view of the peripheral retina, helping to detect conditions that may not be visible with Optos imaging alone. Additionally, when taking the Optos pictures, the eyelids can block some of the peripheral view. For some patients, dilation is still the best way to ensure nothing is missed during an exam.
The best and most comprehensive way to have your eyes evaluated is to have a dilated exam with an Optos picture being taken after dilation.
We’re Here for Your Eye Health
At Town Eyecare, we use the latest imaging equipment and techniques to provide a thorough eye exam. While dilation is a key part of many exams, we also offer convenient Optos retinal imaging as an alternative when appropriate. However, it's essential to understand that dilation is still necessary for a complete evaluation of your eye health.
If you have any questions about dilation or your eye health, please feel free to reach out to us. We’re here to help!
