Eye doctor - how often to dilate pupils?

Question

How often should your eye's be dilated and checked by the eye doctor? Once a year? Or is it less?

Also, how long do pupils stay dilated for? I will as my doctor, but since I work on the computer, I'm wondering how long it will be before I can safely look at the screen?

Thanks!

Answer 1

We always recommend dilating your eyes every year, but at least every 2 years. Depending on your eye color. Brown/dark eyes usually take 2-3 hours and lighter eyes/blue can take longer, probably 3-6 hrs. We have a machine called the Optomap-it takes a digital picture of the inside of your eyes and it takes the place of the dilation (so it doesnt effect your vision). But your doctor may not have that. Hope this helps!!

Answer 2

Ever since I saw the film "Arabesque" (Sophia Loren, Gregory Peck, 1966), I can't bring myself to let anyone put drops in my eyes!

As such, I have done quite well without having it, even though my family's eyes have been "bad" for generations! Eye doctors would typically do a dilation every two years, but may recommend more or less often, depending on your eye's sensitivity, family background, and even your profession (a mechanic or arc welder is at far more risk for eye damage (i.e., from volatile liquids entering the eye; sparks; intense light) than, say, a computer programmer).

However, I put myself at risk for retinal damage and cataracts, et al., by not having them detected early enough. Yet, with all the other tests that are performed in a typical visit at a competent optometrist or opthamologist, even my opthamologist says that the risks are fairly low (it also bothers me that many eye doctors charge extra for it; it should be part of an exam or not; don't short-change your patients by making it seem like a car's optional accessory!).

Once dilated (enlarged), the eyes (retina) are exposed to more light than normal, because the pupils (the dark area in the center of your eye, where you "see" everything) normally contract (shrink) when exposed to light, much as a 35 mm camera's F-stop setting changes its lens' diameter (automatically, if you have such a camera, as many digital ones are, these days!).

Though the eye doctor or receptionist will tell you not to drive, it is only to avoid liability, in case you end up in an accident. Wear heavy sunglasses when going outside (some eye doctors will give patients cheap, dark glasses that will do the trick, and will even fit over prescription glasses).

Modern TV's, computer screens, and monitors, emit far less radiation than sunlight, so the chances of any prolonged damage is minimal (you may experience headaches, though, as your brain and eye are not quite in sync). There is nothing wrong with wearing dark glasses while watching TV or your computer; or, simply lower the brightness setting!

Generally speaking, the effects wear off after a half-hour to an hour.

Most sun worshippers do more damage to their uncovered eyes, even when closed, in a single season, than a typical computer user will ever do in his or her lifetime! (unless, of course, you're watching the screen from one inch away!)

However, if you are coming out of any kind of surgery - - eye or other-eyes (sorry! ) - - you should do whatever the surgeon recommends to the letter! You can live without the computer for a few hours or days, but your eyesight is irreplaceable! Better safe, than sorry! (I think I just talked myself into getting a dilation next year!) ;)

Answer 3

eye doctor dilate pupils

Answer 4

Every 2-4 years
It's stays dilated for 3 hours. So get someone to drive you home, or take a 3 hour extended lunch break.

Answer 5

It seems like a good idea, but messing with your eyes like that may not be so good. If you want to see more stars, invest in a good pair of binoculars (even cheap ones will work). Or consider getting a telescope and using low magnification so you have a wider field of view. Binoculars or a telescope will gather more light and allow you to see more stars. And they'll accomplish the task safely.