Healthy Living Q&A

Eye Exams: Dilated to See You

Q: Why do my eyes have to be dilated for my eye exam?

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“Dilation allows for the evaluation and detection of diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and glaucoma on the retina that cannot be seen when pupils are in their normal state,” says Ashley Huynh, O.D., an optometrist at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic’s Fort BendMedical and Diagnostic Center in Sugar Land and Clear LakeMedical Center in Webster.

“When eye drops that enlarge the pupils are placed in the eyes, patients become sensitive to light and may experience blurry vision, especially up close, for a few hours,” Dr. Huynh says. “Almost all my patients are able to drive themselves home, but if they feel uncomfortable, I advise they bring a friend to drive them.”

Dr. Huynh stresses the importance of yearly eye exams.

“It’s important to have your eyes checked at least once every year. Some diseases like glaucoma can steal sight without signs or symptoms. It’s an insidious disease causing a gradual loss of peripheral vision without the patient being aware of it. I’ve had patients who’ve lost 75 percent of their sight without noticing it.

“And sadly, the damage is irreversible.”

The disease has personally affected Dr. Huynh: Her mother-in-law is blind is one eye because of undetected glaucoma.

“This happened before I met my husband,” she says. “Otherwise I would have gotten her eyes examined.

“If it’s been a year or longer since your last checkup, I recommend you make an appointment right away.

“Vision is a precious gift. Just imagine the rest of your life without it.”