optometrist

Why Are Dilated Eye Exams So Important?

Northlake Eyecare Associates Dilated Eye Exam near you in Atlanta, Georgia

Having your eyes dilated during an eye exam may seem like a nuisance. But when you consider the benefits of a dilated eye exam, the temporary blurred vision and sensitivity to light that typically follow are definitely worth it.

What Are Dilated Eye Exams?

At some point during a comprehensive eye exam, your Meet Our North Atlanta Optometrists will shine a bright light into your eyes to examine the back of your eye, called the retina. The problem is that bright light causes the size of the pupil’s opening to shrink, which makes it hard for the optometrist to see a large portion of the retina.

That’s why eye doctors apply special eye drops in each eye to keep the pupils open. A dilated pupil allows for a much more accurate assessment of your eye’s structures, including the focusing lens, blood vessels and tissues at the back of the eye called the retina, as well as the optic nerve and macula.

Dilating the eyes makes it easier for your optometrist to detect the following conditions and diseases:

Cataract Surgery
Glaucoma Testing and Treatment
Overview of Diabetic Retinopathy
Macular Degeneration Treatment
Retinal tumor
Retinal detachment or retinal tears
Eye floaters

It’s important to note that many of these conditions can develop without noticeable symptoms, until they cause vision loss at which point treatment may be more challenging, making dilated eye exams all the more crucial.

The Dilation Process

First, your eye doctor will apply eye drops to each eye to trigger dilation of the pupil. Your eyes should be fully dilated about 10-20 minutes later.

Your eyes will remain dilated for 4-6 hours, and during this time you may be sensitive to light. That’s because the larger pupil allows more light than usual to enter the eye. Many patients find it more comfortable to wear sunglasses until their eyes return to normal.

Reading and using a computer may be difficult with dilated eyes, and your vision may be blurred. Some patients report feeling a tightening sensation in their eyelids, or headaches.

Dilated eye exams are a crucial part of keeping your eyes healthy. To schedule your comprehensive eye exam, call our optometry practice today!

Northlake Eyecare Associates, your Meet Our North Atlanta Optometristsfor Comprehensive Eye Exam and eye care

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At what age should one have a dilated eye exam?

You should have your dilated eye exam no matter your age. Most eye doctors will dilate a new patient at their first exam regardless of age to get a baseline of their retinal health.

Comprehensive Eye Exam

Everyone reacts differently, so it’s hard to tell. If your job requires you to focus on small print or detail, it may be challenging. Typing and writing may also be difficult with dilated pupils. To be on the safe side, book your appointment at the end of your work day, clear your schedule after your eye exam and only plan to do activities which aren’t visually demanding.

Scleral Lenses

Scleral lenses are a specialized contact lenses that make contact lens use possible for many people for the first time – and they have advantages for normal contact lens wearers as well.

A scleral lens is a larger lens that rests on the sclera or white of the eye, rather than the colored portion (or iris). The lens has many advantages which can make contact lens wear an option for those who have previously been told otherwise.

The lens, which covers a larger area than a normal contact lens, creates a pocket filled with artificial tears, fitting securely around the eye. Due to their size, scleral lenses provide sharper vision, greater durability, easier handling and a lower risk for complications.

We have a unique library of scleral contact lens solutions for you.

Patients That Could Benefit From Scleral Lenses in Atlanta

Candidates Include Patients with:

Allergies
High or complicated prescriptions that have been told they can’t wear contact lenses.
Unsuccessful history with other lenses either due to poor comfort or poor vision.
Keratoconus or any type of corneal degeneration or dystrophy, transplants, scarring or trauma or post-LASIK complications.
Dry eyes or high sensitivity to light or Steve Johnson Syndrome.

What are the 4 main benefits of a scleral lens vs. a regular lens?

Easier to insert and remove.
Improved, consistent quality of vision all day long.
Better comfort. Other lenses may dry out and get uncomfortable.
Longer lasting. With proper maintenance, they can last over a year.

Three Key Differences in the Scleral Lens Technology

The lens doesn’t touch the cornea, but rests on the sclera, or the white part of the eye, to increase comfort.
Microscopic adjustments to the lenses can be made with new advanced manufacturing technology to customize the fit of each lens to each patient’s unique needs.
Can add highly customized, unique prescriptions onto each lens to provide even better vision.

Schedule a scleral lens screening

Who Else Can Benefit from Scleral Lenses?

Legal Blindness:
It is not uncommon for someone who is legally blind from a corneal irregularity to regain great vision. This lens design provides a protective cushion of saline that can reduce pain and photosensitivity caused by other lens designs.

Sports:
Scleral lenses are great for athletes who require excellent acuity and a stable lens fit while they are physically active. They are also useful in situations where other contact lens types are not effective or appropriate, including dusty environments and contact sports.

Protective & Therapeutic:
Scleral lenses can provide hydration to the cornea in severe cases of dry eye and ocular pemphigoid. They can also help in keeping the eye hydrated in conditions where the eyelids do not close properly such as facial nerve palsy, trauma, or ptosis.