Here are some of the most common ones: Medications There's a wide variety of things that can cause dilated pupils. Anisocoria is benign and affects about 20 percent of the population. But typically, dilated pupils don’t respond normally to light.Ī large pupil that is completely unresponsive to light is called a "fixed" dilated pupil.ĭilated pupils aren't the same as anisocoria, which is a common condition where both pupils react normally to light but differ in size by about a half millimeter or more. To some degree, pupil size tends to get smaller with age.Ī dilated pupil sometimes can still react to light - that is, get smaller in bright light or when a light is shined at the eye. Generally, normal pupils range in size from 2.0 to 4.0 millimeters (mm) in bright light, and 4.0 to 8.0 mm in the dark. In dim lighting, your pupils dilate (get larger) to allow more light in. In bright light, your pupils constrict (get smaller) to prevent too much light from entering your eyes. The size of your pupils is controlled by muscles in the colored part of your eye (iris ) and the amount of light reaching your eyes. With a dilated eye exam, your optometrist can identify early signs of an eye condition or disease.Ī dilated pupil allows your eye doctor to easily view and examine all the internal parts of your eye, including the retina, optic nerve and lens.Dilated pupils are pupils that are larger than normal in size. In fact, it may even affect your vision and prevent an accurate reading of your eyes. Pupil dilation is generally not necessary to obtain an accurate optical prescription. These imaging techniques provide the vital information your eye doctor needs to ensure your eyes are healthy. Thanks to advanced medical technology, digital retinal imaging and OCT devices are now widely used in place of pupil dilation. Q4: Which conditions can be diagnosed with pupil dilation?Ī dilated eye exam can facilitate early detection of many different eye conditions - even before symptoms appear.Įarly detection of these conditions is essential to preserving your vision, as vision loss often occurs before symptoms are noticed.Ī dilated eye exam can also identify possible signs of high blood pressure and other vascular conditions. Some people complain of headaches or general fatigue for a few hours after the pupil dilation. Most eye doctors recommend bringing a pair of sunglasses to your appointment, as well as someone who can drive you home.Īfter the pupil dilation, the effects on your vision usually last for 4-6 hours, so it is usually recommended not to return to office afterwards, read or use a digital screen, During this time, you may experience headaches, fatigue and mild ocular discomfort. The effects of pupil dilation generally last for a couple of hours. Sensitivity to bright light and sunlight.Pupil dilation has a distinct effect on each individual - eyes that are lighter in color, such as green, blue or hazel, usually dilate faster than darker eyes.Īfter 15-30 minutes, you may notice the following symptoms that indicate complete dilation of the pupils: Q3: How will pupil dilation affect my vision? Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor near you for an annual eye exam or if you notice any changes in your vision. SEE RELATED: The Importance of Pupil Exams Sit back and try to relax, this sensation will pass in a couple of minutes as your eyes begin to dilate.Īn allergic reaction to dilating eye drops is rare, but inform your eye doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms: Upon insertion of the dilating eye drops, you may experience mild burning or stinging. In this way, your eye doctor can easily identify early signs of cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration, as well as other eye conditions and diseases. Pupil dilation facilitates a clear view of the internal parts of your eye, enabling a thorough examination of the lens, retina and optic nerve. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about pupil dilation so you can know what to expect at your next eye exam. This gives your doctor a better view of all your inner ocular structures and enables an easier examination of the retina and optic nerve located in the back of your eye. It is surrounded by the colored iris, the muscular membrane responsible for controlling the amount of light that enters the eye.ĭuring an eye exam, your eye doctor may insert dilating eye drops into your eyes to widen your pupils. The pupil is the black circle in the center of your eye. Having your eyes dilated during an eye exam can reveal essential information about your general health and facilitate early detection of eye disease. Pupil dilation creates a clear view to the back of your eye.
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