Do I have to have my eyes dilated ?
A dilated eye exam is necessary to fully evaluate the health of your eyes. Without dilating your eyes, the doctor may not be able to identify potentially sight threatening conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts or retinal detachment. Dilating your eyes opens up the pupil allowing for a wider field of view into the back of your eye. Think of it like looking through a keyhole versus opening the door. You wouldn't buy a house without looking inside would you?
Undilated View
|
Dilated View
|
Dilation of your pupil is achieved by instilling drops designed to relax the muscles in the colored part of your eye (iris). These drops wear off after about 3-6 hours but may last longer, especially if you have lighter colored eyes. While your eyes are dilated you may experience some light sensitivity and blurry vision, especially up close. It is recommended that you bring a driver with you if you do not feel comfortable driving with your eyes dilated. Sunglasses can help with light sensitivity while you are dilated.
A dilated eye exam is the standard of care as recommended by the American Optometric Association (AOA). Dilation is strongly recommended for patients with a history of cataracts, high blood pressure, high prescriptions, and patients older than 65. However, dilation is mandatory for all diabetic patients, patients with a history of glaucoma, and children 12 and under.
Optomap Retinal Imaging:
While we prefer to dilate all our patients, we understand this may not always be convenient for you. Therefore, we are pleased to offer you the option of having an Optomap retinal photo taken of the back of your eyes. This includes high-definition imaging of the retina, optic nerve, macula and blood vessels. This service is not covered by any insurance and has an out-of- pocket fee. Certain patients such as those with diabetes, glaucoma, or certain other eye diseases are not eligible for this service. Additionally, and depending on the findings, you may still need to be dilated after a photo is taken for the doctor to further evaluate any potential conditions. Please keep in mind that while the Optomap provides an excellent quality image of the back of the eye It does not fully replace a dilated eye exam.
A dilated eye exam is the standard of care as recommended by the American Optometric Association (AOA). Dilation is strongly recommended for patients with a history of cataracts, high blood pressure, high prescriptions, and patients older than 65. However, dilation is mandatory for all diabetic patients, patients with a history of glaucoma, and children 12 and under.
Optomap Retinal Imaging:
While we prefer to dilate all our patients, we understand this may not always be convenient for you. Therefore, we are pleased to offer you the option of having an Optomap retinal photo taken of the back of your eyes. This includes high-definition imaging of the retina, optic nerve, macula and blood vessels. This service is not covered by any insurance and has an out-of- pocket fee. Certain patients such as those with diabetes, glaucoma, or certain other eye diseases are not eligible for this service. Additionally, and depending on the findings, you may still need to be dilated after a photo is taken for the doctor to further evaluate any potential conditions. Please keep in mind that while the Optomap provides an excellent quality image of the back of the eye It does not fully replace a dilated eye exam.
Optomap Ultra Wide Field Photo
CLICK HERE TO ORDER CONTACTS!
|
|