dilated eye exam

dilated eye exam

A dilated eye exam is when an eye doctor uses special drops to widen the pupils so they can see the back of your eye more clearly. The drops usually take about 15 to 30 minutes to work, and the actual examination of the retina and optic nerve commonly lasts 5 to 15 minutes. After the exam, your pupils may stay large for several hours, making your eyes sensitive to light and causing blurry near vision. Because of this, people often bring sunglasses and plan not to drive for a while after the visit. This exam is important because it lets the doctor check for conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic changes, and retinal tears that might not show symptoms early on. Detecting problems early often means treatment can start sooner and reduce the risk of permanent vision loss. The length of the whole appointment depends on whether other tests are done, like visual field testing or imaging. Knowing how long the process takes helps you prepare, arrange transportation, and understand post-visit care needs. Overall, a dilated eye exam is a simple but powerful tool for protecting your long-term vision.