Eye Health Check: Dilation vs Photos
May 24, 2024
The terms "dilation" and "fundus photos" refer to different procedures used for examining the interior of the eye, particularly the retina and other structures. Typically, at Infinity Eyecare of Denver, we suggest doing one or the other every year. Many patients think that their eye exam is just to receive a prescription for glasses or contacts, but the comprehensive exam is so much more than just the Rx, a large part of the exam is to check the eye health. This is just one part of the exam to make sure the insides of your eyes are healthy. The purpose of both is to get a better view of the retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels in the back of the eye. These are important to monitor because changes or symptoms in the eyes can help diagnose conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, retinal detachment, and glaucoma. Other things may be going on inside the eye that could also indicate other problems going on in the body that have secondary impacts to the eyes such as brain tumors, aneurysm, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer etc. Here’s a detailed comparison of the two:
Dilation
Dilation involves using special eye drops to widen (dilate) the pupils. This allows a more comprehensive examination of the interior structures of the eye.
Procedure:
Fundus photography involves taking detailed photographs of the retina, the optic disc, the macula, and the posterior pole (the back part of the eye). At Infinity Eyecare of Denver, we had a machine that takes pictures of the eyes and in most cases can replaces dilation!
Procedure:
A special camera, called a fundus camera, is used to take high-resolution images of the interior surface of the eye. The doctor takes 3 photos on each eye. The process is very easy for patients to do (even kids!). The doctor or technician instructs you to follow a green light and will count down when the photo will be taken. The machine then merges the photos together for each eye to have a full emcompasing, HD photo of the inside of the eye.
Pros:
Come get an eye exam at Infinity Eyecare of Denver to discuss more! Take care of your eye health today and call us at 303-777-1400 to book an appointment!
Go Back Dilation
Dilation involves using special eye drops to widen (dilate) the pupils. This allows a more comprehensive examination of the interior structures of the eye.
Procedure:
- Eye drops are administered to the patient to dilate the pupils.
- It takes about 20-30 minutes for the pupils to fully dilate.
- Once dilated, the eye doctor uses a slit lamp with a special lens, to examine the retina, optic nerve, and other parts of the inner eye.
- Provides a wide field of view of the retina and other internal structures.
- Essential for a thorough examination and diagnosis of many eye conditions.
- Is no additional charge to your copays or exam fees.
- Causes temporary blurred vision and light sensitivity. We typically tell patients that the drops can last 5-8 hours but varies patient to patient.
- The light sensitivity can cause some uncomfortableness and burliness, making it difficult to drive, read or look at a computer screen. Particularly those with lighter color eyes tend to have more sensitivity.
- Adds time to your exam, since the drops take time to activate and widen your pupils, it typically can add 20-30 minutes to your exam.
Fundus photography involves taking detailed photographs of the retina, the optic disc, the macula, and the posterior pole (the back part of the eye). At Infinity Eyecare of Denver, we had a machine that takes pictures of the eyes and in most cases can replaces dilation!
Procedure:
A special camera, called a fundus camera, is used to take high-resolution images of the interior surface of the eye. The doctor takes 3 photos on each eye. The process is very easy for patients to do (even kids!). The doctor or technician instructs you to follow a green light and will count down when the photo will be taken. The machine then merges the photos together for each eye to have a full emcompasing, HD photo of the inside of the eye.
Pros:
- Usually takes around 5 minutes so it speeds up the exam quicker than dilation
- Provides permanent, high-resolution images that can be reviewed later and compared to over time. As the saying goes, “a picture is worth a thousand words”!
- Less invasive than direct examination and can be done quickly.
- Useful for patient education and for tracking disease progression over time. Dr. B can easily show the patient in the photos what he is looking at, what needs to be monitored or if there are any concerns that need to be addressed.
- Photos can be superimposed on to each other for a quick comparison of any changes year over year!
- Easy transferable to other doctors that may need your photos such as an Ophthalmologist, Specialist or primary care doctor.
- It is really cool to see the inside of your eye!
- Quality of images can be affected by small pupils, often common in older adults, or other obstructions.
- Photos are not recommended for those who suffer from photophobia or epilepsy. The doctor will discuss other options with you.
- This is typically an additional fee to your other copays if you have insurance or are paying out of pocket.
Come get an eye exam at Infinity Eyecare of Denver to discuss more! Take care of your eye health today and call us at 303-777-1400 to book an appointment!