We often hear that a detailed ophthalmological examination is required at least once a year. By this examination we mean a pupil enlargement examination or a subspecialty examination. It looks scary, but it is completely painless and useful for ophthalmologists to check the condition of the internal structures of the eye, such as the optic nerve, retina, macula, as well as the correct diopter. This is a key step in preventing and treating eye conditions that can potentially lead to vision loss. What is the purpose of the subspecialty examination? With a basic ophthalmological examination, the ophthalmologist can only determine the diopter, measure the eye pressure, determine the visual acuity and examine the anterior segment of the eye (eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea, pupil and lens), and thus prescribe glasses for you, if they are needed. However, a narrow pupil examination has a limited view of the back of the eye, which is very important for clear vision. Therefore, dip drops are used to dilate the pupils. Initially, you may experience a slight tingling sensation when you first drop them, but the discomfort is usually minor and short-lived. Pupil dilation is also done to determine the correct diopter or the eye does not have hidden diopters (refractive errors), which is also called cycloplegic refraction. The drops temporarily paralyze the muscles that help the eye focus and accommodate light, allowing the doctor to determine the correct diopter and prescribe the correct prescription for glasses. Used in: children, patients interested in laser diopter correction and patients after the age of 40 (age diopter).

Normal pupil and dilated pupil

With a basic ophthalmological examination, the ophthalmologist can only determine the diopter, measure the eye pressure, determine the visual acuity and examine the anterior segment of the eye (eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea, pupil and lens), and thus prescribe glasses for you, if they are needed. However, a narrow pupil examination has a limited view of the back of the eye, which is very important for clear vision. How long does it take to dilate the pupils? Once the drops are applied, it usually takes 20-30 minutes for the pupils to fully dilate, depending on your reaction to the medication. The ophthalmologist then examines you with a light microscope.

Rear segment check

How does it feel to have dilated pupils? Initially, your eyes are sensitive to light because the pupil is larger and receives more light rays into the eye. After the examination, it would be good to wear sunglasses. You will have blurred vision and difficulty reading, but it is not scary. However, in such cases, it is recommended to come with an escort and not drive after the examination. How long does it take for the pupils to return to their original shape? The pupils usually take 2-4 hours to narrow. In some patients this may take longer. What conditions can be diagnosed with this examination?

  • Glaucoma
  • Macular degeneration
  • Diabetic retinopathy
  • Retinal ablation
  • Ocular tumor
  • High blood pressure
  • Refractive errors

How do I know which appointment to schedule? The basic ophthalmological examination is an examination that examines the anterior segment of the eye (control of diopters, allergies, irritations, dry eyes, foreign body in the eye) and is recommended for people with already known eye diseases, as a regular check-up. The subspecialty examination is a more detailed examination and consists of anterior segment examination, as well as diopter determination (new diopter, diopter change, hidden diopter examination) and examination of the posterior segment of the eye (fundus and optic nerve). This examination is recommended for people who have not been to an eye examination before, as well as for people who have not had an examination for a long time, and have obvious changes in vision. Of course, at the scheduled examination, if the ophthalmologist determines the need for another type of examination or additional examinations, they will tell you so that you will not make a mistake in making any examination.

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