Why Do I need My Eyes Dilated?


Dilation of the Eye allows the examiner to view much larger area of the retina compared to a Non- Dilated Exam. It also enables the examiner to view the various components of the inside of the eye in a stereo view, which has proven to be very helpful in detecting abnormalities that require extra attention.

Dilation has proven very critical in detecting some retinal conditions such as retinal holes and tears. The wide dilated pupil also allows the examiner to detect retinal stretch marks and retinal thinning. Such degenerative changes of the retina especially retinal tears, if left untreated, can lead to retinal detachment which requires more invasive care. Treatment of retinal tears or holes includes sealing these tears with a laser or freezing probe.

Diabetic patients should have a dilated retinal exam every year to screen for diabetic retinopathy. The longer one has had the disease, the higher is the risk for such problems which if detected early, and treated can preserve sight. Diabetic retinopathy has become one of the leading causes of blindness. The emerging standards of care for Diabetics include taking digital retinal images of the retina. Such images can reveal very early changes such as micro-aneurysms sooner than the traditional instruments.

Patients who are at risk of getting Macular Degeneration due to family history of the disease, or been told that they started to show early macular changes, should definitely consider dilated eye exam and digital retinal imaging to document the macular changes and monitor them over time.

Dilated exams are definitely more helpful in detecting retinal and neurological conditions that can go undetected and untreated, and lead to more serious implications. Here are some retinal images showing examples of certain conditions:

Diabetic Retinopathy showing hemorrhaging and exudates   Macular Degeneration showing macular bleed and underneath an OCT Macular scan showing retinal details   Optic Nerve head showing damage due to Glaucoma
 
Retinal Tear Swelling of the Optic Nerve   Choroidal Melanoma Nerve  


If you would like to know more information or would like to make an appointment you can use the online form or call us today!

Dr. George Zaibaq
December 2008



  George Zaibaq, OD

  Steven J.Garza, OD

  Dana Howard, O.D





    Archives:

Privacy Policy © 2007 - 2010 Dr. George Zaibaq & Associates - Eye Trends Meyerland Plaza & Sugar Land Town Square Web Application by RabahOnline.net
Best viewed with Internet Explorer 7, FireFox and Safari browser