If you have not received an eye exam for some time, then it may be wise to make arrangement to have one completed. When you make your appointment for the exam, consider asking for a dilated exam. While it is not necessary, it is advisable, especially if you are getting older. Keep reading to learn about this sort of exam and what your eye doctor will look for.

What Is A Dilated Eye Exam?

Simply put, a dilated eye exam is an examination where the eye is inspected after the pupils are dilated. The examination starts with a few drops of a medication called Tropicamide. This medication works within about 20 minutes. It affects the small muscles within the eye that cause the pupil to open or close based on the amount of light that is present. 

The pupil is the opening in the center of the eye that sits just in front of the lens. It allows light to shine through the eye so images can be formed and transported to the brain. Opening this center hole allows your eye doctor to look inside the eye and inspect the various structures. Specifically, the retina, and optic nerve.

While dilated eye exams are not always recommended, they are something that should occur if you have a chronic disorder like diabetes, if you are over the age of 40, or if you are having eye problems outside general visual acuity issues. 

What Does The Eye Exam Detect?

The dilated eye exam can help to detect a wide variety of diseases that affect the retina and optic nerve. A few example include glaucoma, macular degeneration, retinal detachments, retinal tears. Ocular tumors may be a concern as well. This is also true of thickening or draining of the vitreous fluid that sits within the eye. 

Your eye doctor is likely to use a wide variety of tools to inspect your eyes. The most widely used tool is called the opthalmoscope, which lets the physician look directly in the eye to visually inspect the tissues. 

If abnormalities are detected, then something called a retinal camera may be used. This device takes a picture of the retina, and the tool is used to definitiviely diagnose retinal diseases. Tanometers and slit lamps may be used during the examination as well.

If your eye doctor does diagnose a disorder, then further tests and medication may be required. If your eyes are deemed healthy, then you may not need a dilated eye exam for some time. For more information, contact establishments like Advanced  Eye Care &  Surgery Center.