Dilated fundus examinations

A dilated fundus exam is when drops are used to enlarge the size of the pupil so that your eye doctor can get a better view of the retina and the back of the eye.

This type of examination is typically performed on patients with small pupils, ocular diseases such as diabetes, and patients with risk factors or symptoms of retinal detachment.

Symptoms of retinal detachment include:

• Sudden flashes of light
• Floater, or tiny black specs in your vision
• Sudden loss of side or central vision

After the examination, patients may experience light sensitivity and reduced ability to focus on near objects. Therefore, it is recommended that patients bring a pair of sunglasses to wear while driving home or have a friend or family member drive them home afterwards.