Top 10 scenarios

when doctors need to

study retinal scans

and/or perform

a dilated examination

“I’m having unusual visual symptoms like reduced vision, “floaters” or flashes of light.”

“I’ve never had my eyes dilated.”

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“I am a cancer survivor.”

EXAMINATION VIA OPTOMAP or DILATED PUPIL

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Retinal scans and/or dilation of pupils enable the doctor to view and evaluate the internal structures of your eye:  lens, vitreous, central and peripheral retina, blood vessels, optic nerve, macula and fovea.  

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The Doctors request that all our patients have a digital retinal scan to establish a baseline for the current and ongoing assessment and management of the health of your eyes. 

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WHAT TO EXPECT: 

• a painless flash of light

• no contact directly with the surface of your eye

• child-friendly instrument

• undilated pupils, usually

• view the scan during your discussion with your doctor

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The scans become part of your health record to compare with future scans and to monitor disease progression.  Optomap scans typically do not require dilation.

Dilating your pupils, however, is sometimes necessary to further evaluate internal eye health or to achieve an adequate view.

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​If your doctor recommends that your eyes be dilated in addition to the retinal scan, please be advised that you may experience blurred vision when reading and sensitivity to light for about four hours.  We have complimentary “sunglasses”.   

If necessary, dilation can be scheduled for a follow-up visit within 2 weeks. 

“This is my first time as a patient in your practice.”

“I hit my head pretty hard recently.”

“My glasses prescription is moderately strong.”

“I am over the age of forty.”

“My last dilated eye examination was more than two years ago.”

“I, or family members, have vision-impacting health conditions: diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.”

“I trust my optometrist when he or she says I need to have it done.”