At Six One Six Vision Center, we believe in providing our patients with the best eye care possible. One of the ways we ensure our patients’ vision health is through dilated eye exams.
If you’re considering this type of exam and have questions, keep reading to learn more about what a dilated eye exam can do for you and your vision health.
What is a Dilated Eye Exam?
A dilated eye exam is a type of comprehensive eye exam that uses special drops to open (dilate) the pupil of the eye. This lets your eye doctor see more clearly inside your eyes and better understand how well your eyes are working.
What Conditions or Diseases Can It Detect?
Dilated eye exams are important for detecting many different types of diseases and conditions in the eyes, such as:
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an optic nerve disorder caused by high pressure inside the eyeball due to fluid buildup. A dilated eye exam can help detect early signs of glaucoma before it progresses into advanced stages with irreversible vision loss.
Early detection through regular exams is key to successful eyecare treatment with medications or surgery, if needed.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects older adults, primarily those over 50 years old, when damage occurs to the central parts of their retina known as the macula, which helps focus light onto our retinas so we have clear sharp images.
Dilated Eye Exams can help detect AMD earlier on in its progression, allowing doctors to prescribe certain treatments, such as vitamin supplements, at early stages to prevent further sight loss from this condition.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that affects people with diabetes and can cause vision loss. It happens when there is too much glucose in the bloodstream and it hurts the tiny blood vessels in the retina.
During a dilated eye exam, your optometrist will be able to spot any signs of diabetic retinopathy before it gets worse. If needed, they will be able to suggest treatments like laser therapy or surgery.
Other Conditions
In addition, a dilated eye exam can also detect other conditions such as cataracts, detached or torn retinas and dry eyes.
It can also help identify risk factors for vision problems like nearsightedness or farsightedness.
What Happens During a Dilated Eye Exam?
During a dilated eye exam, your optometrist will first examine your eyes using special lenses and lights to look for any signs of disease or abnormalities in the structure of the eye.
Then they will put special drops into each of your eyes, which will temporarily cause them to become larger (dilated) so that a more detailed examination can be done inside the back part of the eyeball.
How Often Do I Need It?
Dilated Eye Exams should generally be done once every two years if you are between 18 and 60 years old with no known underlying health issues related to vision. If, however, you have existing medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease, etc., you might need to get these exams yearly instead.
Also, people who wear glasses or contact lenses should get an eye exam once a year to make sure their prescription is up to date and to keep their eyes in good health overall.
Have Your Dilated Eye Exam With Six One Six Vision Center in Eagle, ID
If you want to learn more about dilated eye exams or you’re ready to have one, call Six One Six Vision Center in Eagle, ID. Our expert optometrists will provide you with the best eye care possible. Contact us at (208) 514-1858 or fill out our online form.
