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Why Do My Eyes Need to be Dilated?

Written by Envision Eyecare on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Why Do My Eyes Need to be Dilated?

 

This is a common question that we hear from patients.  A simple explanation will explain the importance and reason this process is performed as part of a comprehensive eye health exam.  The inside of eye is lined with a delicate tissue called the retina.  The retina is a crucial component of the eye which allows light to be interpreted for central and peripheral vision.  In order to evaluate the retinal health, we have to look through the pupil, which is the dark spot or opening in the center of the eye.  Pupil sizes vary depending on a variety of factors. For example, two of the most common factors affecting pupil size are age (as age increases, pupil size decreases) and medications.

 

When light is shined in the eye, the iris, or colored part of the eye constricts, which decreases the pupil size. If one thinks of the pupil as the aperture of a camera, then the smaller the pupil (or aperture) the more limited the hole your eye doctor can look through. This translates to a smaller amount of retina we can evaluate.  Typically, we can evaluate about 40% of this tissue without dilation, depending on the natural pupil size of that individual.  Dilation is necessary to assess the peripheral retina for tears, thinning, holes, or other lesions that could potentially lead to vision loss.  

 

Once performed and the retina is determined to be healthy, dilation may not need to be repeated every year.  However, certain symptoms may develop which necessitate dilating the eyes in an urgent manner such as flashes of light, new floaters, or peripheral vision loss.  Diabetics should be dilated every year.

 

Different strength dilation medications and side effects are dependent on the size of the pupil and color of iris.  The side effects of dilation are: reduced focusing ability at near, and light sensitivity that typically lasts about 3-4 hours.

 

Our goal as your eye care provider is to ensure healthy eyes, lifelong.  Performing dilation allows for completion of your comprehensive exam at the time of your annual visit.  Indications and contraindications for dilation are determined on an individual patient basis.  

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How To Prevent Eye Infections

Written by Envision Eyecare on . Posted in Eye Care & Eye Health. No Comments on How To Prevent Eye Infections

As it is with pesky infections, many types of eye infections can easily be spread from person to person. To protect yourself and your loved ones this winter, be sure to follow these tips. First of all, we cannot stress how important it is to thoroughly wash your hands! Wash your hands before touch your eyes or eyelids and especially before handling contact lenses. This is something that should be stressed to children so that it becomes habit for them.

If you are near a person that has a red eye, it can be a warning sign and you should avoid contact with your face and eyes until you wash your hands first. You can minimize the likelihood of catching common bacterial or viral eye infections by using anti-infective sprays and cleaners liberally in public areas or areas that may have been infected. Better safe than sorry! If any family members have a red eye or have a diagnosed infection, clean their bedding, pillows, and towels daily. Do not share linens with someone who has an infection. It is a good idea to wash the infected person’s linens after each time they use them. Be sure that your family members are washing their hands often.

You should definitely avoid wearing contact lenses and eye makeup if you are infected. Be sure to avoid sharing makeup or makeup tools with a potentially infected person. Another tip is to avoid sleeping in contact lenses, even if they are breathable FDA-approved type for overnight wear. Unfortunately, sleeping in your contacts significantly increases the risk of eye infections.

We’ll say it again: don’t forget to wash your hands often!

Read more about preventing eye infections and types of infections at the American Optometric Association.

Blind as a Bat and Other Animal Sight Stories…

Written by Envision Eyecare on . Posted in Uncategorized. No Comments on Blind as a Bat and Other Animal Sight Stories…

Even if you don’t understand exactly how the eye works, you understand what your human vision allows you to see. A person with healthy eyes and normal vision expects to be able to differentiate colors and shapes, to be able to focus on objects far away and close up, and to adjust to varying amounts of light both outside and inside. We have good binocular vision (both eyes seeing together) and a fair amount of peripheral vision off to the sides. We also know our vision limitations: we don’t expect to see very well in the dark, we know it takes a few moments to adjust to a very bright light or very low light, and we have to turn our heads to see anything too far to the side or behind us. But have you ever thought about how animals see? Do you wonder why your cat can navigate your house night better than you? Why fish have eyes on either side of their heads? If your dog really is colorblind? And if the old adage “blind as a bat” is really true? Well this post is here to clear up some of these questions for you. We’re hear to clear up some myths, answer some questions, and provide you with some really fun facts to impress your friends (or help you win Trivial Pursuit). :-)Read on to learn how some of our vertebrate friends see the world…

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