We Are Open For Business. Click to Learn More. Book Appointment. Dilating the Eyes: How and Why Optometrists Do It Dilating the eyes involves adding a small amount of liquid to each eye, using either an eyedropper or a spray. Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness for people over the age of 60 , but it can affect anyone at any age, even with no family history.
However, numerous conditions can increase your risk of cataracts, including diabetes and specific medications. Age-related macular degeneration AMD : as you get older, a part of your retina called the macula becomes weaker. The macula controls your central vision. AMD is a leading cause of vision loss for people older than Diabetic retinopathy: this diabetic complication occurs when high blood sugar damages your retina.
If left untreated, it may eventually cause blindness. Detached retinas: in rare cases, the retina at the back of your eye can pull away from the blood vessels that feed it oxygen and vital nutrients. Early retinal detachment often causes flashing and large floaters in your vision, but if left unchecked, it can lead to blindness as well.
However, regular eye exams with dilation drops are still necessary to detect cancer in the eye early and prevent it from spreading. Side Effects of Dilation Dilating the eyes rarely produces side effects, although your pupils will stay enlarged for 4 to 24 hours after your exam.
Mild allergic reactions to dilation eye drops include: Swelling near the eyes Redness near the eyes More severe allergic reactions to dilation eye drops can include: Dry mouth A flushed face Is Dilation Always Necessary? When your eye doctor is deciding whether or not to dilate your eyes, they will consider the following: Your age: eye diseases appear more frequently in older people.
Thank you! Your eye doctor may choose to dilate your eyes during your eye exam. This is true whether you have an annual eye exam or whether it has been a while since you visited an optometrist.
There are several factors that help determine whether the optometrist dilates your eyes. One reason that your optometrist may dilate your eyes is your age. The possibility of developing age-related macular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma increases with advancing age.
How often do I need to get a dilated eye exam? 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. What happens during a dilated eye exam? The exam includes: A visual acuity test to check how clearly you see. Your doctor will ask you to read letters that are up close and far away. A visual field test to 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. Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization and proceeds from Web advertising help support our mission. Mayo Clinic does not endorse any of the third party products and services advertised.
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See more conditions. Request Appointment. Eye dilation: Necessary with every eye exam? Products and services. Is it necessary to have my eyes dilated during every eye exam? Answer From Alaina L. Softing Hataye, O. With Alaina L. Thank you for Subscribing Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information.
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