Freehold Eye & Vision Care

What is a Dilated Exam?

A dilated exam is a diagnostic procedure in which medication is instilled into the patient's eyes in order to enlarge the pupils.  This allows the health of the entire retina (tissue lining the inside of the eye) to be assessed.  In the non-dilated state, only the central portion of the retina and the optic nerve can be seen.  Examining the entire retina is important in detecting certain diseases that may only show up in areas not usually seen during a regular examination.

Who should have a dilated exam?

A dilated fundus exam is recommended for all patients but is especially important for those with certain risk factors such as:

• any patient with moderate to severe nearsightedness.  These patients are at a higher risk for retinal tears which could lead to a retinal detachment.
• any patient with systemic disease especially diabetes or hypertension
• any patient with a family history of ocular disease such as cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, retinal detachments
• any patient with complaints of flashes or floaters

What are the side effects of a dilated exam?

The medication used to dilate to pupils takes four to six hours to wear off completely.  However, after two hours, the patient usually notices a lessening of the side effects.  During this period of time, the patient's vision will be sensitive to outdoor light and blurry for reading.  It is recommended that the patient brings sunglasses or disposable sunglasses will be provided.  If the patient has never been dilated before, it is suggested he/she not drive afterwards.  

What if I do not want to have a dilation the day of my eye exam appointment?

That is not a problem.  Dr. LoBocchiaro can still perform a comprehensive eye exam, determine your prescription and evaluate the health of the front of your eyes and the central part of the inside.  You can reschedule the dilation for a more convenient time. 

Hypertension and Your Eyes

Retinal Changes Associated with Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

• Narrowing and tortuous (full of twists and turns)  blood vessels
• Weak and leaky blood vessels which      cause retinal swelling and bleeding
•  Blocked blood vessels causing tissue destruction and vision loss 

It is important for patients diagnosed with Hypertension to have routine dilated eye examinations in order to monitor the retina for these conditions.  The sooner they are diagnosed, the easier they are to treat.  Another benefit of monitoring the blood vessels for changes associated with hypertension is that it gives the treating physician information as to the control of the blood pressure between office visits.

Diabetes and Your Eyes

Retinal Changes Associated with Diabetes

• Retinal bleeding   
• New leaky blood vessel growth
• Swelling in the macula (the area of detailed vision) which causes vision loss

It is important for patients diagnosed with Diabetes to have routine dilated examinations in order to monitor the retina for these conditions.  The earlier they are detected, the easier they are to treat.  If they are left to progress, they will ultimately lead to permanent and irreparable vision loss.  Circulation problems in the retina can lead to blindness from Diabetes.