How to Prepare for Your Dilated Eye Exam

If a dilated eye exam is on your schedule, you might wonder what to expect. Maybe it’s your first one, or perhaps it’s been a few years since your last. Either way, a little preparation can make the experience much smoother. The good news? It’s simple, and it helps protect your vision. 

Dilated exams play a key role in spotting serious eye problems early. By learning what to expect, you can feel more confident and relaxed during your visit. In Santa Monica, California, board-certified ophthalmologist E. Joseph Nadji, MD, and our team provide expert care and support for your dilated eye exam. 

Understand what dilation does

During a dilated eye exam, we put drops in your eyes to widen your pupils. It allows Dr. Nadji to see the back of your eye. He can examine your retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels to check for early signs of eye conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.

When he puts the drops in, you might feel a slight sting, but the sensation fades quickly. Most people find the process painless, although it may feel slightly unusual.

Set aside enough time for the visit

You should plan for a longer appointment than usual. The drops usually take 15-30 minutes to dilate your pupils. Dr. Nadji then takes extra time to examine your eyes in detail.

Expect your visit to last 60-90 minutes. Avoid rushing so he can do a thorough job.

Bring sunglasses for comfort

After your pupils dilate, your eyes are more sensitive to light. Bright sunlight or even indoor lighting might cause discomfort. You can protect your eyes and feel more at ease by wearing sunglasses when you leave the clinic.

Choose a dark pair that offers full coverage. Polarized lenses work especially well to reduce glare and light sensitivity.

Arrange for someone to drive you

You may find it harder to see clearly right after the exam. Some people feel comfortable driving, but many notice blurry vision or trouble focusing. If you’ve never had dilation before, ask a friend or family member to drive you.

You can also book a rideshare or take public transportation. That way, you won’t need to worry about safety on the road.

Expect short-term changes in vision

After dilation, you can develop blurry vision. For a few hours, you might struggle to read, check your phone, or do close-up tasks. Your pupils slowly return to their normal size as the drops wear off.

Most people recover within 4-6 hours. Just plan to relax and avoid tasks that require sharp focus.

Talk with your doctor during the exam

Use your time with Dr. Nadji to ask questions and share any concerns. If you've noticed symptoms like floaters, flashes of light, blurry vision, or eye strain, be sure to mention them. He can offer guidance and suggest your next steps if needed.

You can take an active role in protecting your vision. Open communication always helps improve care.

Keep regular eye exams on your schedule

Most adults should get a dilated eye exam every 1-2 years. Dr. Nadji may recommend more frequent visits if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of eye disease. These routine exams help detect issues before they become serious.

Call the office or schedule an appointment online today to receive personalized assistance with your eye care from Dr. Nadji.