Dilated Eye Exam in Fort Myers
Do you really need to have a dilated eye exam when you visit your eye doctor in Fort Myers every year? The simple answer is yes, especially if you are over the age of 40. By dilating your eyes, your doctor can diagnose problems such as cataracts, glaucoma, diabetes-related eye problems, macular degeneration, tumors, and even high blood pressure.
According to the National Eye Institute (NEI), approximately 35 million Americans over age 40 have glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration or cataracts, and this number is expected to rise to 56 million by 2030. Dilated eye exams can significantly reduce the risk of vision loss or blindness associated with these and other eye diseases.
Elmquist Eye Group has been serving Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and communities in and around Lee County for over 25 years. We are proud to offer a unique blend of expert eye care and a passion for providing the best service to our patients.
Dr. E. Trevor Elmquist and his associates, Dr. Kate Wagner and Dr. Nina Burt, provide complete eye care services. Dr. Elmquist is an experienced board certified ophthalmologist, and Drs. Wagner and Burt are board certified optometrists. In our state-of-the-art facilities, we offer a complete range of services, from routine eye exams for glasses and contact lenses to laser-assisted cataract surgery.
Common Questions about Dilated Eye Exams
What is a dilated eye exam?
Dr. Elmquist, Dr. Wagner or Dr. Burt will place eye drops in your eyes so that he/she can see the entire inside of your eye. The drops enlarge your pupils and cause them to open wider (dilate). This gives the doctor a better view of the lens, optic nerve, macula and retina, much like opening a door to see inside a room instead of looking through the keyhole.
Who needs a dilated eye exam?
A thorough dilated eye exam is particularly important for people with risk factors, such as diabetes, or with moderate to high myopia, or who have a sudden increase of floaters (which may indicate a retinal tear). It allows your doctor to check for common vision problems and eye diseases that may have no noticeable symptoms or warning signs. If there are any signs of problems or disease, the doctor will have a better chance of detecting them by seeing the entire inside of the eye.
Will dilating my eyes affect my vision?
The dilating drops we typically use at Elmquist Eye Group last, on average, four to six hours before they wear off. Pupil dilation often lasts longer in people with light-colored eyes, and a child’s eyes may stay dilated for 24 hours. Everyone’s eyes react differently, but most people experience light sensitivity and blurred vision following the dilated eye exam. For this reason, we ask that you make arrangements for a friend or family member to drive you home after your examination.
Even if you think you can see well, a dilated eye exam is important for the long-term health of your eyes. If you live or work in Fort Myers, call Elmquist Eye Group at (239) 936-2020 to schedule an appointment for this important examination.