Hate getting your eyes dilated? You aren’t alone. Thanks to revolutionary technology, you may get to skip getting your eyes dilated at the eye doctor at your next visit.

Looking inside the eye (retinal exam) is an essential part of a modern comprehensive eye exam. And eye dilation has been the standard way of doing this for half a century.

A relatively new retinal imaging technology allows doctors to skip dilation and take a picture of the inner eye instead. This imaging technology is called the optomap, and it has revolutionized retinal exams.

Mill Creek Family Eye Center is proud to offer the optomap to patients who want to avoid dilation. Patients still have the option of dilation if they prefer.

There are pros and cons to eye dilation and using the optomap. Read on to learn more about each clinical tactic and which is the best fit for you.

Optomap Retinal Imaging

In 2010 the Optomap was introduced to the world of optometry as an alternative to eye dilation. The optomap takes a picture of about 80 percent of the interior of the eye. It is able to get a good enough image that eye dilation isn’t necessary to do a retinal exam.

Like with pupil dilation, there are pros and cons to using the optomap.

Pros of the Optomap

When it comes to convenience and speed, the optomap trumps dilation. There is no preparation or recovery time. It’s as easy as smiling for the camera and snapping a picture.

Optomap images of the retina are often more detailed than what is seen with pupil dilation. This can lead to earlier detection of diseases or injuries. It is also better at picking up small changes in children’s eyes.

One of the main draws of the optomap is getting to skip the side effects of dilation (light sensitivity and blurry up-close vision).

Optomap images can also be saved. This makes it easy to track your retina health over the years.

Cons of Optomap

The optomap is an exceptional piece of technology, but it is not foolproof. While it does provide clear images of the back of the eye, it also only takes in about 200 degrees of the retina as opposed to the 240 degrees that can be seen with dilation.

One of the largest patient complaints about the optomap is that most insurance plans do not cover it. Some vision insurance companies will cover the optomap for people with known retinal problems, but most individuals will have to pay out of pocket for imaging services. These typically run less than $30-$40 per visit. For many, this price point is worth avoiding dilation.

Dilating Eye Drops

Did you know that prior to the mid-1970s, dilating pupils was actually illegal?

Optometrists knew they needed to get a better look in their patients’ eyes, so they lobbied and passed legislation in Rhode Island that allowed them to use dilation. Other states quickly adopted similar laws and dilation became a standard part of eye exams.

Eye drops that relax muscles in the eye and allow the pupil to open have been the widening agent for decades.

There is no doubt that retinal imaging is an important part of an eye examination. There are some pros and cons to using pupil dilation drops to examine the retina and other areas behind the pupil.

Pros of Dilating Eye Drops

Eye dilation is covered by insurance for every annual eye exam. It is also very effective. When the pupils are dilated, an eye doctor can see 90+ percent of the internal eye. This makes it easy for doctors to diagnose and monitor problems.

Eye dilation can also be used to get a more accurate prescription for glasses. If you are a new patient or a patient under 10 years old, our doctors will likely want to dilate you on your first exam.

Cons of Dilating Eye Drops

The largest con of eye dilation is the inconvenience and discomfort. When your eyes have been dilated they will remain dilated for multiple hours after your visit. Some people will have enlarged pupils for an entire day before they return to a smaller size.

When the pupils dilate they let in more light. This is important for the retinal exam but is bothersome once you have returned to your normal daily activities. You might have to wear sunglasses inside for the rest of the day or retreat to a darker room to be comfortable.

Dilation can also cause blurry vision. Like light sensitivity, blurry vision can last the rest of the day.

Lastly, eye dilation takes time. Not only do you have the time it takes for your pupils to return to normal after dilation, but you also have to wait 20-30 minutes for your eyes to fully dilate before your doctor can perform the exam.

Why Do You Need A Retinal Exam?

Whether you opt for dilation or the optomap for your retinal exam, the exam itself is very important.

Our pupils are relatively small. Despite their size, they offer a wealth of information about our eyes and overall health.

Eye Disease Detection

Glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration are common eye diseases that are diagnosed through a retinal exam. The conditions are important to catch and treat early on to halt progression.

Eye injuries and infections can also be detected and followed with a retinal exam. Early cataracts, detached retinas or vitreous, vein occlusions, and more will show up during an exam.

Other Diseases and Illness

The eyes are not only the windows to the soul, but also your overall health. High blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, high cholesterol, brain tumors, and sexually transmitted diseases can all impact the retina, optic nerve, or other parts of the backside of the eye.

If your optometrist notices something is wrong they might refer you to your primary care doctor for further testing. Blood work or a physical exam will quickly diagnose or rule out a health concern brought up by your optometrist.

Accurate Prescription

Disease detection and monitoring are the most common reasons for eye dilation, but not the only ones. Your eye doctor will use eye dilation/the optomap to get help get a more accurate prescription for your lenses.

Importance of Annual Eye Exams

Eye exams are important. They’re so important that the American Optometry Association recommends that all adults get one annually. They are also recommended for children who have eye issues or weaknesses.

A simple yearly exam can help prevent glaucoma and other serious diseases. It can also ensure your eye isn’t injured or experiencing any abnormalities and keep your prescription accurate and up to date.

It’s up to you if you want to use pupil dilation or optomap for your retinal imaging. We offer both options to eligible patients.

Schedule your next comprehensive eye exam with us today.