What does dilation do

We also describe the potential side effects of eye dilation drops and how to manage them. The dilated eye exam is a medical exam that checks for eye conditions and diseases in their early stages. Before the eye dilation test begins, the eye doctor — either an ophthalmologist or an optometrist — will administer the dilating eye drops. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology , eye dilation then takes effect within 20—30 minutes.

However, people with blue or green eyes will experience dilation faster than people with brown eyes. While the dilated eye exam may be over rather quickly, the dilation itself continues. During this time, a person may experience the following effects of eye dilation:. The duration of eye dilation can vary widely.

According to the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus , the average dilation lasts from 4 to 24 hours. However, doctors may recommend avoiding driving while the eyes remain dilated, especially if the person has not experienced the effects before.

Where possible, people should arrange for a friend or family member to drive them home after their eye exam. Eye dilation can cause several side effects. The most immediate effect is stinging, which generally occurs when the eye dilation drops come into contact with the eyes. In some cases, doctors may apply numbing drops to the eye beforehand to prevent the stinging sensation.

In very rare cases, a person may experience an allergic reaction to the eye dilation drops, which may result in red and swollen eyes. More severe allergic reactions could produce the following symptoms:. Wearing sunglasses: People can take a pair of sunglasses along to their eye appointment to wear after the eye exam.

Wearing these will help protect eyes that are light-sensitive due to pupil dilation. Most eye doctors provide temporary sunglasses for their patients. Avoiding close work: Close work, such as reading and focusing on a computer screen, can be difficult during eye dilation.

People whose jobs involve these tasks should arrange a few extra hours off work, where possible. Eye dilation can sometimes result in a temporary condition called cycloplegia. Eye yoga is not likely to cure any eye conditions, but it could help you manage eye strain and help you focus.

Dry, itchy, red eyes can make it difficult to work or see, but natural remedies like rose water may improve your symptoms. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Ann Marie Griff, O. Side effects Purpose Tips Eye health Takeaway Duration Getting your eyes dilated is an important part of any complete eye exam.

What are the side effects of eye dilation drops? Why is eye dilation important? Tips for managing eye dilation side effects. Eye health tips. The takeaway. Read this next. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. Medically reviewed by Timothy J. Legg, Ph. Standard Ophthalmic Exam. Learn about what to expect during a glaucoma eye exam. Two very common retinal diseases, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration AMD , are diagnosed and monitored by examining the retina through a dilated pupil.

Learn about what to expect during a macular degeneration eye exam. In addition to macular degeneration and glaucoma, there are many other conditions that require pupil dilation, such as detection of a retinal tear or detachment, or an ocular tumor, just to name a few.

As part of a comprehensive eye examination, pupil dilation is very important at revealing the status of your optic nerve and retina, and is critical to preventing and treating eye conditions that could potentially lead to vision loss. Yvonne Ou, MD, is a board certified ophthalmologist who specializes in glaucoma, including medical, laser and surgical therapies; cataract evaluation and treatment including combined cataract and glaucoma surgery; glaucoma filtering and implant surgery; and newer procedures.

Back to Expert Advice. Expert Advice. The Undilated Eye Exam One of the first parts of a comprehensive eye exam is a test of your vision, and perhaps a measurement to determine an eyeglass prescription, both of which require that your eyes remain undilated. The Dilated Eye Exam The view to the back of the eye is limited when the pupil is not dilated. Glaucoma The optic nerve can be seen through an undilated pupil, but for optimum viewing a dilated pupil is required. Macular Degeneration Two very common retinal diseases, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration AMD , are diagnosed and monitored by examining the retina through a dilated pupil.

Other Conditions In addition to macular degeneration and glaucoma, there are many other conditions that require pupil dilation, such as detection of a retinal tear or detachment, or an ocular tumor, just to name a few. The National Eye Institute generally recommends that starting at age 60 everyone should have an annual, comprehensive, dilated eye examination.

If you are African-American, the recommended age of having a dilated eye exam is 40 years old, because of the higher risk of glaucoma.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology has specific recommendations for diabetic patients. It is recommended that Type 1 diabetics have their first eye exam within five years of diagnosis. Type 2 diabetics, should have their eye exam at the time of diagnosis.