Diabetic retinopathy is a primary cause of adult blindness in the US. The disease refers to a condition that affects your eye’s back area, responsible for converting light into images.

This area is called the retina and may be affected by swelling of vessels, bursting of vessels, and bleeding, making it difficult for you to see, leading to blindness. High blood sugar affects blood vessels in the retina, causing them to swell and bleed, leading to blindness if left untreated.

Stages of diabetic retinopathy

In the initial stages, diabetic retinopathy has no significant symptoms, resulting in slight, blurry visions that further develop with time. The condition has two significant steps and affects individuals suffering from type one and two diabetes. The two diabetic retinopathy stages include;

• NPDR (Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy
• PDR (Prolific diabetic retinopathy

NPDR

Non-proliferative retinopathy has three steps that are either mild, moderate, or severe. Depending on the intensity of your NPDR, a patient with diabetes will go from mild blurriness to full-blown short-sightedness or loss of vision. NPDR occurs when tiny blood vessels located in the retina bleed.

The blood vessels cause the macula, which is the yellow area in your retina responsible for the strongest vision, to swell in macular condition edema, a common cause of vision loss across diabetic patients. The condition can also get experienced by the closure of blood vessels known as macular ischemia, a condition where blood cannot reach the macular, making your vision blurry.

PDR

Proliferative diabetic retinopathy is an advanced diabetic eye disease case characterized by neovascularization. This refers to the retina growing new blood vessels. The danger with this is the bleeding blocks your vision, and especially if they bleed a lot, then your eye is completely blocked, hindering you from seeing anything.

The new blood vessels that often bleed cause scar tissues that affect the retina and macula, leading to vision loss. This stage of diabetic eye disease is severe and can cause irreversible damage.

Retinopathy treatment

Depending on how severe your eye problem is will determine which retinopathy treatment option gets enlisted. Some of the treatment options include;

1. Laser treatment

The use of laser treatment occurs in severe cases of diabetic retinopathy. The laser treatment regulates new blood vessels’ growth or seals off bleeding vessels in the retina. The use of laser treatment also shrinks blood vessels and prevents them from growing, protecting the macula, and correcting any swelling of blood vessels around the area.

During the laser treatment, a doctor can either perform photocoagulation or pan-retinal photocoagulation. Photocoagulation, which is focal laser treatment, stops or slows leakage of blood or fluid to the eye through laser burns that drain the fluid and patch the areas, preventing macular edema from worsening.

The procedure is done in one sitting and may not return your sight but goes a long way to improving them. Pan retinal photocoagulation treats abnormal blood vessels found in the retina away from the macula. The procedure causes abnormal blood vessels to shrink and scar and is done on two or three sittings to ensure positive results.

2. Medication

Anti-VEGF medication or steroids is essential to prevent swelling in the macula area and delay or slow the vision loss process. These medications are prescribed by qualified physicians and administered over a given period through injections in the eyes. The medicine is responsible for reducing the swelling in the macula preventing vessels from bursting and hindering vision.

3. Medical control

Medical control refers to lifestyle changes that work towards maintaining your blood vessels healthy. The process entails carefully monitoring and regulating blood and sugar levels to ensure no strain is placed on the blood vessels forcing them to burst.

Some ways to maintain your blood vessels’ health are by strictly following your diet and taking your diabetic medication. This medical process is likely to bring some vision back and minimize the vision loss process.

4. Eye surgery

The operation is known as vitreoretinal surgery to extract some vitreous humor and scar tissue that interfere with your eyesight. The process gets performed under local anesthesia by putting a small incision on the side of your eye and using lasers to remove these substances that may hinder your vision.

Symptoms of retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy develops over time. One can have the condition and not notice its effects. However, some of the symptoms to look out for to ensure you understand what you are dealing with include;

• Frequent instances of blurry visions
• Dark strings or spots floating in your vision also known as the presence of
  floaters
• Changing visions that range from clear to blurred
• Seeing colors as faded
• Low night vision or inability to see in dim light
• Blank or dark areas in the visual field
• Vision loss, especially the central vision used to read and drive

Causes of retinopathy

Over a long time, high sugar levels and blood vessels weaken the eye vessels, causing them to block and prevent blood flow. In an attempt to keep its supply, the retina develops other blood vessels that are weak and ill-developed to hold the blood transmission exercise leading to bleeding of fluids or blood, causing macular edema that results in blurred vision.

Detached or worn-out retina due to excessive buildup of blocked blood vessels in the area that causes pressure making it detach. The Clouding of eye vessels due to blood and fluid buildup that results in partial or total blindness depending on its severity.

Diabetic Retinopathy Testing

Some techniques used to test Diabetic retinopathy include;

1. Extensive dilation exam

An ophthalmologist uses drop medication to dilate your eyes to enable them to get a better view of your inner eye. Your doctor then examines your eye for abnormalities such as the swollen retina, swollen blood vessels, retinal detachment, irregularities in the optic vein, among others. This action provides them an accurate overview of the extent of damage and helps them properly issue medication that is likely to reverse, resolve, or manage the situation.

1. Fluorescein angiography

The process involves using dye injected into a vein in the arm that travels through your blood vessels to the eye. A unique camera takes pictures of the dye flow through your retina and knows which blood vessels are faulty or blocked. The process also helps identify abnormal growing blood vessels and showcase the extent of blood blockage experienced in the eye to help plan the proper treatment process.

1. Optical Coherence Tomography

OCT provides an opportunity for your doctor to properly examine your retina and determine your macula’s swelling level. A particular machine scans the retina and shows cross-sectional images that analyze the retina’s thickness. This process provides information that enables your ophthalmologist to understand if there is any leaking into the retina tissue.

It also allows you to monitor treatment progress by showcasing the size of swollen blood vessels and if any changes administered is efficient. This process provides detailed information that shows damage extent helping the doctor plan a proper cause of action.

Retinopathy diabetes is highly dangerous and may cause abrupt life changes. To prevent the disease from rendering you blind. Ensure you follow your doctor’s advice and carry out annual check-ups by booking an eye exam with one of our top doctors.

This procedure helps to check your eye status and identify and treat any malfunctions early. It is also essential to keenly monitor your lifestyle to ensure your blood and sugar levels are properly regulated.

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Millions of Americans must contend with cataracts, and the odds of you contracting them will only increase as you grow older. Deciding when to have surgery is something that nearly every cataract patient will have to deal with at one point or another.  Perhaps you too are wondering if and when you should have surgery. In that case, the following information will prove very helpful.

Cataracts result from a build-up of protein in the lens of your eye. This produces a cloudy coating that prevents light from passing through properly. As a result, you may notice blurry vision or require more light than normal in order to see clearly. 

People of any age can develop cataracts. In fact, babies may sometimes develop congenital cataracts while still in the womb. Even so, cataracts are most common among those age 60 or older. Furthermore, your odds of experiencing cataracts will only increase as you grow older. 

It’s possible to have a cataract in only one eye. However, most people will experience cataracts in both eyes simultaneously.  In the beginning stages, your cataracts may cause only minor issues. For example, you may have more difficulty reading fine print or experience blurred vision on occasion. Those with cataracts often struggle with poor night vision, as well.

Changing your eyeglass prescription or adding a glare-coating to an existing prescription will often alleviate symptoms. When that fails to work, you may need to consider cataract surgery instead. 

Cataracts can make your eyes especially vulnerable to sunlight. So if you spend lots of time outdoors, you may have a hard time dealing with glare unless you undergo cataract surgery. In other words, you could need surgery sooner than someone who primarily stays indoors.

As cataracts progress, they can impede your ability to see objects such as stairs. Accordingly, you could need cataract surgery if you repeatedly stumble and fall due to poor vision. 

What are the Risks of Cataract Surgery?

The ideal time for surgery varies from person to person. As such, you should consider how severe your cataracts are and then consult with an ophthalmologist when making a decision. Your physician will consider the condition of your optic nerve health as well as your overall health before recommending surgery. 

Cataract surgery is a relatively minor procedure. However, you may want to put it off if you have another type of surgical procedure planned for the near future. 

Advanced surgical procedures now make cataract surgery safer than ever before. Even so, there are a few risks you should be concerned with, including:

• Blurred vision
• Eye infection
• Inflammation and/or fluid buildup
• Extreme sensitivity to sunlight

Many of these symptoms improve on their own as the eye begins to heal. However, if you have severe or persistent symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately. Severe complications could arise if you fail to take timely action.

By far, the biggest benefit to having cataract surgery is improved vision. Many patients who undergo surgery find that they are no longer bothered by glare. Some are even able to see fine print without wearing their glasses or stop wearing glasses altogether.

Having better vision can greatly improve your quality of life. After having surgery, you might find that you are now able to drive at night or participate in activities you once had difficulty doing. Your risk of falling due to poor vision will be decreased, as well.

The fact that cataract surgery is safer than ever means that many seniors in their 80s and 90s are now considering it. So you should not feel as though you must put up with your cataracts simply because of your age. 

Prior to surgery, your ophthalmologist will take measurements of your eye. This allows your doctor to choose an artificial lens that will properly fit your eye. 

Your surgeon may request bloodwork, particularly if you have an underlying health condition. You will also be asked not to eat or drink anything for at least 12 hours leading up to your appointment. 

How Painful is Cataract Surgery?

Numbing eye drops will be placed in your eye so that you will feel no discomfort whatsoever. Once you are numb, your surgeon will make a tiny slit in your eye in order to remove the lens. Next, the cataract itself is removed through a suctioning process. 

With the cataract removed, your new, artificial lens will then be inserted. Tiny stitches are used to close the cut and permanently attach the lens to your eyeball. The entire procedure often takes less than ten minutes to perform. 

Typically, two appointments are needed if you have cataracts in both eyes. That way, one eye will have a chance to fully heal before you have surgery on the other one. 

How long does it take to heal after cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery no longer requires an extended recovery period. Consequently, there is no need to take an extended time off from work or worry about having someone help you around the house. 

It will take some time for your eye to become fully adjusted to its new lens. For this reason, you will need to have someone drive you home from your appointment. In addition, you will likely be asked to avoid driving completely for about a week or so. 

Your eye may feel sore and water more than usual for a few days. Prescription eyedrops can help alleviate your discomfort. If provided, use them exactly as directed and do not share them with any other individual. 

Some patients are given eye shields to wear while sleeping. This can provide additional protection to improve healing. If you are given an eye shield, do not stop wearing it just because your eye feels better. For maximum benefits, you’ll probably need to wear it for around a week or so. 

It’s challenging to know when it’s the right time for cataract surgery. Knowing what to expect can help you and your ophthalmologist make that decision. Keep the above information in right when coming up with a timeline that will work best for you. 

 

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Eyesight is one of the most essential senses that we possess. Our perception of the world around us is significantly diminished if our eyesight is compromised. Taking proper care of our eyes is imperative, and an awareness of how the optic system works within our bodies will help us do so effectively.

Most of us have a basic understanding of the visible structure of the eye and its function. This includes the cornea, iris, pupil, and also some parts that are not visible, which are the retina and the lens. To understand the inner workings of the entire optic system, we need to explore the function of one of its main components with which we may not be familiar, and that is the optic nerve.

What is the Optic Nerve?

The word “optic” is derived from the Greek word “optikos”, which means “related to sight.” The optic nerve is a pair, each connecting an eye to the brain. Simply put, its function is to transfer visual information from the eye to the brain. The eye receives visual information and the brain interprets it into images.

The optic nerve is the conduit for visual input, which is transferred in the form of electrical impulses, specifically from the retina at the back of the eye to the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) in the thalamus part of the brain. The LGN then transmits the information to the visual cortex of the brain, which processes the visual information and interprets it into images.

Where is the Optic Nerve Located?

The optic nerve is part of the central nervous system because of the nature of its development during the embryonic stage and its composition. There are twelve pairs of cranial nerves and the optic pair is the second, and this way it is grouped with the peripheral nervous system, of which it is technically not a part.

It is made up of nerve cells called ganglionic cells and is constructed from over a million nerve fibers. The only part of the brain or a direct extension of the brain, which is visible without surgery, is the head of this nerve. It can be observed through the eye by using an ophthalmoscope.

What are the symptoms of optic nerve damage?

Damage to the nerve may not always result in perceptible symptoms, which is why regular eye exams are necessary to ensure that the nerve is healthy or detect any early signs of damage. However, there are a few telltale signs that could alert you to possible nerve damage.  These are the most common symptoms of nerve damage. However, they could also be caused by less serious conditions, so the problematic eye will need to be tested further to pinpoint the cause.

– Pain in the eye with the movement of the eyeball.

– Pain in the brow or consistent pain in the eye even when still.

– Distorted vision such as blurring.

– Redness of the eye.

– Partial or total loss of vision.

 

A few other symptoms that could indicate optic nerve damage are:

– Abnormal size of the pupil, specifically dilation.

– Lack of reaction or abnormally decreased sensitivity to light.

– A visible bulging of the eye.

– Sudden inability to recognize finer details.

– Diminished color detection.

– Dim vision.

– Sudden appearance of blind spots.

– Appearance of extraneous visual elements like halos and rainbows.

A few symptoms of optic nerve damage may manifest in other parts of the body.

– Joint pain

– Fever

– Fatigue

– Loss of memory

– Nausea

– Neurological symptoms like forgetfulness and mental confusion

– Dizziness

– Weight loss

What are the common causes of optic nerve damage?

Glaucoma: Most common in adults over the age of 60, this affliction can lead to total blindness in its most severe form. The principal cause of glaucoma is abnormally high pressure in the eye. The fluid called aqueous humor in the eye drains out periodically. If too much fluid is being produced or the drainage system is not working as it should, pressure builds up in the eye and causes the optic nerve to gradually deteriorate.

Why Does the Optic Nerve Cause a Blind Spot?

Glaucoma is found to be genetic in many cases. Secondary conditions such as cardiac disease, hypertension and anemia can also cause it. The most common symptom is the appearance of blind spots. In several cases, the only symptom is vision loss that is so gradual as to be imperceptible.  The best prevention is periodic eye exams that include eye pressure measurements.

What Causes Optic Nerve Swelling?

Optic neuritis: Inflammation or swelling of the optic nerve causes optic neuritis. Adults between the ages of 20 and 40, women in particular are prone to this disorder. Its symptoms include pain in the eye especially with movement of the eyeball, diminished vision loss, peripheral vision loss, reduction in color perception and flashing lights.  Its main causes are multiple sclerosis and autoimmune diseases such as lupus. It can also be caused by bacterial infections and certain medications.

Stroke: A stroke blocks or reduces blood flow to certain vital parts of the body and causes damage. Optic nerve damage can be caused by a stroke or a specific type of stroke that affects the eye, called anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, where blood flow is restricted in the arteries that supply the optic nerve.

Trauma: Head and eye injuries can damage the nerve and so can certain types of vigorous exercises that can increase pressure in the eye.

Infections: Measles, chickenpox, herpes and Lyme disease.

Cancer: Tumors that develop in the region of the optic nerve, and other types of cancer as well, can cause it to deteriorate.

A deficiency of vitamin B12 is a condition that contributes to nerve damage.

In conclusion, the optic nerve is a vital element in the optic and neurological system of the human body and it directly influences the quality of your vision. It is susceptible to a variety of damage and disorders, which can be prevented by regular eye exams that include a focus on the optic nerve.  Any signs of vision impairment or eye irritation, however minor, could potentially be an indication of optic nerve damage and should be immediately examined by an ophthalmologist.  If you are afflicted by any such symptoms, schedule an appointment with a local eye doctor and they will conduct an examination and set you on your path to recovery.

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Glaucoma is a condition of the optic nerve, which is the nerve at the back of your eye that sends your vision to your brain. Traditionally, glaucoma is always thought of as the pressure in your eyes is too high. This high pressure can result in damage to the optic nerve and cause loss of vision. However, recently it has been discovered that although pressure plays a role, it doesn’t necessarily have to be high, out of the abnormal range, to cause the damage. It’s just that it is too high for your eyes, and lowering the pressure is necessary to decrease the risk of developing glaucoma. In this article we are going to answer the question of how to test for glaucoma and treatments available.

It’s very important to get your eye pressure checked to make sure the nerves of your eyes stay healthy. Glaucoma is caused by many factors and some of them are unknown. The biggest factor for glaucoma is the pressure in the eye called the intraocular pressure. That is one factor that needs to be treated and controlled. By keeping the pressure down, glaucoma can be managed.

There is also a genetic component to glaucoma. This means that if you have a family history of glaucoma, you’re much more likely to develop the disease. Also, some people with certain eye conditions or underlying health conditions in general, such as diabetes, or short-sighted people are more likely to get glaucoma.

How to test for glaucoma at home

There are several methods for diagnosing and treating glaucoma. Many people ask how to test for glaucoma at home, but we don’t recommend that. You should always visit a qualified eye care professional to do the testing. The methods that eye doctors use to test for glaucoma are much better at detecting the disease than at-home tests. Let’s discuss how an optometrist will test you for signs of the eye disease.

First, your intraocular pressure is checked. This looks at the pressure within the eye and makes sure that it’s normal. If it’s high, that increases an individual’s risk of developing glaucoma. Second, your visual field or the peripheral field of vision is tested. This test is traditionally done on each of the individual’s eyes separately and it maps out the field of vision and reveals if there’s anything going on in the eye that needs treatment.

Normally, glaucoma affects peripheral vision before it affects the central vision, which is why it’s important to test the peripheral vision. Most importantly, the optic nerve at the back of the eye is looked at in detail. When the optic nerve gets damaged from increased pressure, it will make it thinner, causing it to lose nerve axon fibers. This needs to be detected and treated to stop it from getting any worse.

Fortunately, nowadays, scanners that can scan the nerve and look at the invisible layers are available. They reveal exactly what is going on with the optic nerve as well as an individual’s risks. It also looks at your nerve and compares it to that of a healthy individual of the same age. Measurements of the wall of the eye are also needed to make sure that your wall isn’t thin, which is also an independent risk factor for glaucoma.

How to receive eye drops for glaucoma test

Little tools are also used to look within the eye or look at the drainage system so that assessments on the eye can be done accurately. Broadly speaking, there are three different categories of treatment for glaucoma. The first category is eye drops. The eye drops can work very well but applying them every day can be an inconvenience for most patients. They can also give you local and systemic side effects and in some cases stop working.

Occasionally, it is important to use a combination of eye drops to get the pressure down because all of these medications work in slightly different ways. They either increase drainage or decrease the amount of fluid the eye makes. The second category of treatment is lasers. Lasers have been around quite a while but the newer generation of lasers is very effective, safer, painless, and quick.

Some of these lasers work by removing the cells that produce the fluid in the eye. Others work by increasing the drainage system, or space within the eye, to allow the fluid to drain better and keep the pressure down. Laser procedures are considered outpatient procedures, with no downtime for the patient.

Finally, the third category of treatment is surgery. Surgery is very effective but it is invasive. The gold standard trabeculectomy operation works very well and is still one of the go-to procedures when it comes to getting pressure down and saving a patient’s sight. However, there are newer techniques that work just as well and are less invasive, quicker, and obviously kinder to the eye.

What a standard trabeculectomy can do in about 20-30 minutes, can now be done under 5 minutes with no major cut or stitches to the eye. This can be done with the newer microtube XEN procedures. There are lots of new surgical techniques in the market nowadays. However, it is still important to evaluate them all in order to look at what is suitable for each individual.

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This article will walk you through the eye dilation process and answer the question why is eye dilation necessary?  Most eye doctors feel it is really important to include a dilation with every comprehensive eye exam. Generally, after the check-in process you will be taken back to a pre-testing room, where the exam process will begin with a thorough case history. It’s helpful to have a list of medications and really know your family history quite well just to give the doctor a better overall picture of your health, and it also helps with the final diagnosis.

In most cases the exam will start off with checking your vision at distance and up close. They are going to check your pupils and your peripheral vision. From there, they are going to read your glasses if you wear them, so make sure you bring them. Also, if you’re a contact lens wearer it’s very important that you bring in either an old prescription, or if you have a box that would be helpful. During the final process the doctor is going to get you the most accurate prescription he or she can.

To check your prescription, the technician will work with what is called an auto refractor.  This is a computerized measurement of what your prescription may be.  The technician will look at your glasses and the auto refraction numbers to start your refraction process in order to come up with the most accurate prescription for you.

The doctor will verify those results once you’re in the room with a doctor, to give you the final prescription.  After the refraction process, the next step will be to check your eye pressure, and that’s where you’ll experience your first set of eye drops.   The first drop will numb your eyes so they can lightly touch the eye and measure its pressure.  It is a painless process.

After the glaucoma test is measured, the next step will be to dilate the eyes.  There is no pain in the process of dilation of the eyes because the first drop from the eye pressure test will numb your eyes.  Actually your eyes will feel numb, heavy, and sticky for about 20 minutes.

Eye Dilation Process

Most optometrists will use two sets of eye drops to dilate the pupil.  One set will help relax the focus of the eyes and keep the pupils from seeing smaller bright lights. As we know bright light will make the pupils constrict, and this drop freezes that muscles ability. They will then use a second eye drop which also extends the ability to dilate the eye muscle as well.  So basically they will use two medications to allow them a better, broader look into your eye.

Each patient will dilate at a different rate. Patients with light eyes, such as blue eyes or green eyes, are going to dilate quicker.  Patients with really dark eyes, like brown eyes or dark pigmented eyes, will dilate slower. In general, the dilation process for most patients will be between 20 and 30 minutes.

Once the drops are placed into your eyes you are often brought out to the doctor’s waiting area where you will wait for the full dilation to take effect.  Again, that process is about 20-30 minutes for a full dilation.

How Long Does Eye Dilation Drops Last in Children

With children, doctors will use a different formula for dilating their eyes. The medication is a bit stronger so the child will relax, or focus more, because sometimes children can trick doctors during the exam process. By “trick” we mean that while determining vision or prescription, children can be really good at focusing their eyes making it seem like their vision is OK, when really they need the assistance of glasses or contacts.  So this stronger medicine allows the child to relax and gives the doctor a much more accurate prescription.

Oftentimes parents don’t feel that their child needs to be dilated because they’re not at risk for certain eye diseases or conditions just based on their age.  However, it is absolutely vital, especially for a first-time exam, for the doctor to get as much information as possible to give your child the best possible prescription.  The dilation will last anywhere from 4-24 hours but usually towards the lower end.

Difference in Dilation and Not Dilating During an Eye Exam

If an optometrist did not dilate your pupils during a routine eye exam, when they went to shine a light in your eyes the pupil would constrict.  As a result of the pupil being smaller, the doctor would only be able to get about a 25 – 30 percent view of the inside of your eye.  If there’s a cataract or there’s a scar on the front window, the eye limits the doctors view even more. That’s why it’s recommended that all patients have dilated pupils when having their eyes examined.

It gives the doctor a much deeper view into the eyes and gives them a better look to diagnose cataracts.  It helps them look at the optic nerve to help diagnose glaucoma, and it helps them get a better view at the macula, where you can develop macular degeneration. It allows them to look deeper at the periphery of the retina, to look for any signs of risk factors for retinal detachments, or the rare chance of eye tumors or things of that nature.

During a routine eye exam it’s not uncommon for optometrists to discover early signs of a retinal detachment.  Even though you come in seeing 20/20 the doctor will be able to catch the detachment early enough so that it can be fixed and prevent a vision loss in the future.

Normal eye pressure is between 11 and 22 but can be very tricky.  Years ago anyone with a pressure of 20 or higher would be considered to have glaucoma. However, we know that’s not true today, because the thickness of the front window of the eye can affect the eye pressure.  Somebody with a pressure of 11 or 12 can still have glaucoma.

Someone with the pressure 25 or 26 can be found to have normal health and not have glaucoma.  So eye pressure is just one small piece of the whole picture and that’s where the dilation helps doctors look at the optic nerve.  The optic nerve is what gets damaged with the glaucoma, and so with the combination of dilation and eye pressure, doctors can help diagnose that sooner.

If you have any questions about eye dilation feel free to contact any of the eye doctors or optometrists listed in our directory and they will be glad to help you.  Or, contact your primary eye care provider. Do not rely on information in this article for medical advice.

The post Why Is Eye Dilation Necessary During an Eye Exam? first appeared on www.topeyedoctorsnearme.com

This article will walk you through the eye dilation process and answer the question why is eye dilation necessary?  Most eye doctors feel it is really important to include a dilation with every comprehensive eye exam. Generally, after the check-in process you will be taken back to a pre-testing room, where the exam process will begin with a thorough case history. It’s helpful to have a list of medications and really know your family history quite well just to give the doctor a better overall picture of your health, and it also helps with the final diagnosis.

In most cases the exam will start off with checking your vision at distance and up close. They are going to check your pupils and your peripheral vision. From there, they are going to read your glasses if you wear them, so make sure you bring them. Also, if you’re a contact lens wearer it’s very important that you bring in either an old prescription, or if you have a box that would be helpful. During the final process the doctor is going to get you the most accurate prescription he or she can.

To check your prescription, the technician will work with what is called an auto refractor.  This is a computerized measurement of what your prescription may be.  The technician will look at your glasses and the auto refraction numbers to start your refraction process in order to come up with the most accurate prescription for you.

The doctor will verify those results once you’re in the room with a doctor, to give you the final prescription.  After the refraction process, the next step will be to check your eye pressure, and that’s where you’ll experience your first set of eye drops.   The first drop will numb your eyes so they can lightly touch the eye and measure its pressure.  It is a painless process.

After the glaucoma test is measured, the next step will be to dilate the eyes.  There is no pain in the process of dilation of the eyes because the first drop from the eye pressure test will numb your eyes.  Actually your eyes will feel numb, heavy, and sticky for about 20 minutes.

Eye Dilation Process

Most optometrists will use two sets of eye drops to dilate the pupil.  One set will help relax the focus of the eyes and keep the pupils from seeing smaller bright lights. As we know bright light will make the pupils constrict, and this drop freezes that muscles ability. They will then use a second eye drop which also extends the ability to dilate the eye muscle as well.  So basically they will use two medications to allow them a better, broader look into your eye.

Each patient will dilate at a different rate. Patients with light eyes, such as blue eyes or green eyes, are going to dilate quicker.  Patients with really dark eyes, like brown eyes or dark pigmented eyes, will dilate slower. In general, the dilation process for most patients will be between 20 and 30 minutes.

Once the drops are placed into your eyes you are often brought out to the doctor’s waiting area where you will wait for the full dilation to take effect.  Again, that process is about 20-30 minutes for a full dilation.

How Long Does Eye Dilation Drops Last in Children

With children, doctors will use a different formula for dilating their eyes. The medication is a bit stronger so the child will relax, or focus more, because sometimes children can trick doctors during the exam process. By “trick” we mean that while determining vision or prescription, children can be really good at focusing their eyes making it seem like their vision is OK, when really they need the assistance of glasses or contacts.  So this stronger medicine allows the child to relax and gives the doctor a much more accurate prescription.

Oftentimes parents don’t feel that their child needs to be dilated because they’re not at risk for certain eye diseases or conditions just based on their age.  However, it is absolutely vital, especially for a first-time exam, for the doctor to get as much information as possible to give your child the best possible prescription.  The dilation will last anywhere from 4-24 hours but usually towards the lower end.

Difference in Dilation and Not Dilating During an Eye Exam

If an optometrist did not dilate your pupils during a routine eye exam, when they went to shine a light in your eyes the pupil would constrict.  As a result of the pupil being smaller, the doctor would only be able to get about a 25 – 30 percent view of the inside of your eye.  If there’s a cataract or there’s a scar on the front window, the eye limits the doctors view even more. That’s why it’s recommended that all patients have dilated pupils when having their eyes examined.

It gives the doctor a much deeper view into the eyes and gives them a better look to diagnose cataracts.  It helps them look at the optic nerve to help diagnose glaucoma, and it helps them get a better view at the macula, where you can develop macular degeneration. It allows them to look deeper at the periphery of the retina, to look for any signs of risk factors for retinal detachments, or the rare chance of eye tumors or things of that nature.

During a routine eye exam it’s not uncommon for optometrists to discover early signs of a retinal detachment.  Even though you come in seeing 20/20 the doctor will be able to catch the detachment early enough so that it can be fixed and prevent a vision loss in the future.

Normal eye pressure is between 11 and 22 but can be very tricky.  Years ago anyone with a pressure of 20 or higher would be considered to have glaucoma. However, we know that’s not true today, because the thickness of the front window of the eye can affect the eye pressure.  Somebody with a pressure of 11 or 12 can still have glaucoma.

Someone with the pressure 25 or 26 can be found to have normal health and not have glaucoma.  So eye pressure is just one small piece of the whole picture and that’s where the dilation helps doctors look at the optic nerve.  The optic nerve is what gets damaged with the glaucoma, and so with the combination of dilation and eye pressure, doctors can help diagnose that sooner.

If you have any questions about eye dilation feel free to contact any of the eye doctors or optometrists listed in our directory and they will be glad to help you.  Or, contact your primary eye care provider. Do not rely on information in this article for medical advice.

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