At Southside Eye Care, our goal is to help you maintain and achieve your best possible vision by focusing on each patient’s unique needs and providing attentive, high-quality care. Our experienced team, including board-certified ophthalmologists Dr. Michael Keverline and Dr. Ian Uber, along with optometrist Dr. Theodore Hallberg, uses advanced technology and skilled technicians to ensure every comprehensive eye exam supports your long-term eye health.
Why Eye Dilation Is Important
During an eye exam with dilation, special eye drops widen (dilate) your pupils. When the pupils dilate, your eye doctor can clearly examine the retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels in the back of the eye to detect early signs of conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal tears.
Because many eye diseases develop without obvious symptoms, dilation allows your doctor to identify problems before they affect your vision.
What to Expect During the Exam
The dilation process begins with eye drops placed into each eye. These drops usually take about 15-20 minutes to fully dilate your pupils. You may feel a mild stinging sensation when the drops are applied, but it only lasts a few seconds.
Once your pupils are dilated, your doctor will use specialized lights and magnifying lenses to examine the inside of your eyes. You may notice bright lights during the exam, but the evaluation is painless and typically only takes a few minutes.
How Long Dilation Last
After your exam, your pupils will remain dilated for several hours. During this time, you may experience blurred near vision and increased sensitivity to light. Many eye doctors provide disposable sunglasses to make you more comfortable when leaving the office.
Because dilation can temporarily affect your vision, it may be helpful to bring sunglasses or to have someone drive you home.
Protect Your Eye Health with a Comprehensive Eye Exam in Chesapeake, VA
Including dilation during your regular comprehensive eye exams is one of the best ways to protect your long-term vision and overall eye health. Call us today at 757-484-0101 to schedule a consultation.
