Yearly eye exams are an important part of keeping your eyes healthy and your vision crisp! One of the most important tests you can have is the dilated exam. While it can cause a minor inconvenience, it’s vital to ensuring your eyes stay in top shape.
How long that inconvenience lasts depends on several factors. Every person’s eyes react differently to the medications used to dilate the eye. Read on to learn more about dilated eye exams and how long your dilated eyes will last.
How a Dilated Exam Works
A dilated exam is a simple test with a big payoff. Your vision care professional will place a drop or two of medication in each eye. It will take between 20 and 30 minutes for your eyes to dilate fully, so you’ll wait while it works. As you do, you’ll notice your vision grows blurry and your eyes become sensitive to light.
There’s no need to worry! These side effects are common to eye dilation and will wear off after time passes. Once your eye doctor sees your eyes have dilated fully, they’ll conduct the exam. It’s just like the usual types of examinations, only now, your doctor can see deeper into your eye. You’ll need someone to drive you home after the exam.
Why Dilated Eye Exams Are Important
Under normal conditions, your pupils dilate and contract according to the levels of light in the area. This constriction prevents your eye doctor from seeing deep into your eye to check for issues.
When your doctor examines your dilated eyes, they’re looking for health concerns such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. These issues require prompt attention if found. That’s why you should choose to undergo a dilated exam every year.
How Long Do Dilated Eyes Last?
In most cases, dilation drops last between four and six hours. People with lighter-colored eyes may find it lasts a bit longer than it does for people with darker-colored eyes. Children’s eyes often stay dilated for up to 24 hours.
Your Annual Eye Exam Awaits at Valley Eyecare Center!
With the year heading towards its final days, now’s the perfect time to take advantage of all your vision insurance benefits! Schedule your annual exam at Valley Eyecare Center by calling (602) 955-2700. You can also contact us online
