Get A Dilated Eye Exam
Let’s Take a Closer Look
What Is a Dilated Eye Exam?
During an eye exam, our eye doctors may use various techniques and tools to assess the health of your eyes and the quality of your vision. One standard procedure that our eye doctor perform is called a dilated eye exam, which involves using special medicated eye drops to enlarge your pupils temporarily.
Why Does Your Eye Doctor Dilate Your Eyes?
There are several reasons why an optometrist or ophthalmologist might recommend a dilated eye exam. Some of the most common reasons include the following:
To Check for Eye Diseases: Dilating your eyes allows your eye doctor to get a better look at the back of your eye, including the retina and optic nerve. This can help them detect and monitor a variety of eye diseases and conditions, such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma. Although our Optomap Ultra-Widefield retinal camera can capture up to 82% of the retina, it still misses that final 18%.
To Check for Other Health Issues: Your eye doctor may also use a dilated eye exam to check for other health issues, such as high blood pressure or diabetes (Type 1, Type 2 or Gestational). These conditions can affect the blood vessels in your eyes, which can be visible during a dilated eye exam.
To Check Your Vision Prescription: Dilating your eyes can also help your eye doctor get a more accurate reading of your prescription for glasses or contact lenses. By temporarily relaxing the muscles in your eye that control the size of your pupil, the drops used in a dilated eye exam can give your doctor a more accurate measurement of your refractive error. A dilated eye exam is commonly done in children to measure their prescription accurately or when children may undergo Myopia Management Treatments.
To Capture Better Images: Sometimes, our imaging machines cannot capture a clear, accurate image without dilating your eyes.
What to Expect During a Dilated Eye Exam?
If your eye doctor recommends a dilated eye exam, here's what you can expect:
Eye Drops: Before your exam, your eye doctor or their assistants will put drops in your eyes to dilate your pupils. It usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes for the drops to take effect.
Possible Stinging Sensation: When the drops are administered, some people experience a mild stinging sensation, although this typically subsides quickly.
Bright Light and Magnifying Lenses: Your eye doctor will then use a bright light and a magnifying lenses to examine the inside of your eye. You may be asked to look in different directions while the exam is taking place.
Blurry Vision: During the exam, your vision will be blurry, and your eyes may be light-sensitive. You may also have trouble focusing on objects up close or in the distance.
Driving Home: Some people may not feel comfortable driving home after a dilated eye exam, and it's usually recommended to have a driver. However, if you have dark sunglasses on and feel comfortable, you can safely drive home. Alternatively, you can take public transit or arrange a ride-service.
Recovery Time: The effects of the eye drops used in a dilated eye exam can last several hours, so you may need to arrange for someone to drive you home after your exam.
Potential Allergic Reactions: In rare cases, individuals might have an allergic reaction to the eye drops, which could include redness, swelling, or more severe symptoms. Please contact your eye doctor as soon as possible and describe your symptoms. Often no treatment is required, but we will need to note this on your file.
Headaches: Some patients report a headache after dilation, likely due to the increased light sensitivity and the effort required to focus with blurred vision.
Dizziness or Disorientation: Especially in brightly lit environments, the increased light sensitivity and blurred vision can cause temporary dizziness or a sense of disorientation.
Alberta Health Care Covers Dilated Eye Exams.
If you require a dilated eye exam, this service is usually covered by Alberta Health Care. However, it's important to tell the doctor and our staff about any recent visits to other eye care providers in the previous 12 months.
Are Dilated Eye Exams Safe?
Yes, a dilated eye exam is generally considered safe and effective for most people. However, there are some situations in which your eye doctor may recommend against it. For example, patients with certain medical conditions or medications may have a higher risk of complications from a dilated eye exam. In addition, people with an allergy to one of the medications used may also be at a higher risk.
Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should use caution, as the effects of the eye drops used in a dilated eye exam on a developing fetus are not well-understood. A dilated eye exam, however, may still be required in patients with diabetes, eclampsia, or sudden vision loss. In addition, your eye doctor will use special punctal occlusion techniques to help minimize the amount of systemic absorption.
Are Dilated Eye Exams Safe For Kids?
Yes, children can safely have their eyes dilated. However, children are at a higher risk of side effects, including flushing of the skin, increased heart rate, or neurological changes such as hallucinations or unusual behavior. Therefore, children should be monitored for 1-2 hours after inserting the eye drops, have access to clear liquids like water, and monitored for signs of side effects. We also ask that you do not let you child fall asleep for 2 hours after the process.
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Alcaine 0.5% eye drops are a topical anesthetic used to numb the eye before specific eye procedures, such as eye examinations, dilated retinal exams, foreign body removal, eyelid procedures, or surgery. In this blog post, we'll discuss how Alcaine 0.5% eye drops work, how quickly they start working, how long they last, and some common side effects of their use.
How Alcaine 0.5% Eye Drops Work
Alcaine 0.5% eye drops contain the active ingredient proparacaine hydrochloride, a local anesthetic that blocks nerve signals in the eye. This numbing effect reduces the discomfort or pain caused during eye procedures, making them easier and more comfortable.
How Quickly Do Alcaine 0.5% Eye Drops Work?
Alcaine 0.5% eye drops start working almost immediately upon application, with most patients experiencing numbness in the eye within 30 seconds to 1 minute after instilling the drops. The onset of action is relatively quick, which means that the patient can be ready for the procedure quickly.
How Long Do Alcaine 0.5% Eye Drops Last?
The numbing effect of Alcaine 0.5% eye drops usually lasts 10-15 minutes, enough time for most minor eye procedures. However, the duration of action may vary from person to person, depending on the individual's response to the medication and the dose used. A stronger anesthetic or additional doses of Alcain 0.5% may be required for more lengthy procedures.
Common Side Effects of Alcaine 0.5% Eye Drops
While Alcaine 0.5% eye drops are generally considered safe and well-tolerated, some people may experience side effects. Some of the most common side effects include:
Eye irritation or redness
Blurred vision
Eye discomfort or itching
Increased sensitivity to light
Eye swelling or discharge
Headache
Dry Eye Like Symptoms
In rare cases, Alcaine 0.5% eye drops can cause serious side effects, such as corneal ulceration or allergic reactions. Due to the high likelihood of abuse, Alcaine 0.5% is rarely prescribed and is intended only to be used under the supervision of an eye doctor.
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Mydriacyl 1% eye drops are a medication used to dilate the pupil. An ophthalmologist or optometrist often prescribes them for various reasons, including during an eye exam to help diagnose certain conditions or before eye surgery to help the surgeon see inside the eye more clearly.
How do Mydriacyl 1% eye drops work?
Mydriacyl 1% eye drops contain the active ingredient, tropicamide, a medication known as an anticholinergic. When applied to the eye, the drops work by blocking the action of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine, which is responsible for causing the muscle in the iris (the coloured part of the eye) to contract. By blocking this action, Mydriacyl 1% eye drops cause the iris to dilate, or widen, which allows more light to enter the eye.
How long do Mydriacyl 1% eye drops take to work, and how long do they last?
The onset of action for Mydriacyl 1% eye drops is relatively rapid, with maximum dilation usually occurring within 20 to 30 minutes of application. The duration of action is typically around 4 to 6 hours, although this can vary from person to person.
What are some common side effects of Mydriacyl 1% eye drops?
As with any medication, there is a risk of side effects when using Mydriacyl 1% eye drops. Some of the most common side effects include:
Blurred vision
Sensitivity to light
Redness or irritation of the eye
Dry mouth
Increased heart rate
Flushing of the skin
These side effects are usually mild and temporary and should subside once the impact of the medication wears off. However, more serious side effects can occur in some cases, such as an allergic reaction or an increase in intraocular pressure (the pressure inside the eye). If you experience any unusual or severe side effects, you should seek medical attention right away.
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Cyclogyl 1% eye drops are a medication used to dilate the pupil. An ophthalmologist or optometrist typically prescribes them for various reasons, including during an eye exam to help diagnose certain conditions or before eye surgery to help the surgeon see inside the eye more clearly.
How do Cyclogyl 1% eye drops work?
Cyclogyl 1% eye drops contain the active ingredient, cyclopentolate, which belongs to a class of drugs called anticholinergics. When applied to the eye, the drops work by blocking the action of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine, which is responsible for causing the muscle in the iris (the coloured part of the eye) to contract. By blocking this action, Cyclogyl 1% eye drops cause the iris to dilate, or widen, which allows more light to enter the eye.
How long do Cyclogyl 1% eye drops take to work, and how long do they last?
The onset of action for Cyclogyl 1% eye drops is relatively rapid, with maximum dilation usually occurring within 20 to 30 minutes of application. The duration of action is typically around 4 to 6 hours, although this can vary from person to person.
What are some common side effects of Cyclogyl 1% eye drops?
As with any medication, there is a risk of side effects when using Cyclogyl 1% eye drops. Some of the most common side effects include:
Blurred vision
Sensitivity to light
Redness or irritation of the eye
Dry mouth
Increased heart rate
Flushing of the skin
These side effects are usually mild and temporary and should subside once the impact of the medication wears off. However, more severe side effects can occur in some cases, such as an allergic reaction or increased intraocular pressure (the pressure inside the eye). In addition, some patients (especially smaller children) may feel tired or lethargic and develop behavioural changes. If you or your child experiences any unusual or severe side effects, you should immediately seek medical attention.