Most eye exams feel quick and easy until the dilation drops come out. At Underhill Optometry, we break down why this step is still essential for patients over 20.
Many patients wonder if dilation is really necessary, especially if their vision feels fine. But the truth is: dilation allows us to detect signs of serious eye disease long before symptoms appear.
At Underhill Optometry, we dilate the eyes of every patient age 20 and older. It’s a standard part of your comprehensive exam because it lets us fully examine the back of your eye, where early signs of conditions like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration often hide.
How Dilation Works and Why It’s Important
Dilating eye drops temporarily widen your pupils so we can:
- See the retina, macula, and optic nerve clearly
- Check for internal damage caused by diabetes or high blood pressure
- Catch early changes that could affect long-term vision
Without dilation, we’d be looking through a much smaller “window,” making it harder to catch subtle but important changes inside your eye.
What to Expect After Dilation
Dilating drops start working within 15–20 minutes and affect your vision for a few hours. Here's what you’ll notice:
- Light sensitivity for about 4 hours (most intense in the first 2)
- Blurry near vision (reading or phone use may be difficult for around 2 hours)
- Normal distance vision stays mostly unaffected
We recommend bringing sunglasses and avoiding driving or reading-intensive tasks until your vision returns to normal.
Is Dilation Optional?
For most adults, dilation is not optional — it’s critical. While advanced retinal imaging can sometimes supplement dilation, it doesn’t replace it. Dilation gives Dr. Stephanie Kong the clearest, widest view of your eye’s internal health.
Some patients might only need it once a year, while others, especially those with existing eye conditions or certain medications, may require it more frequently.
Not sure what applies to you? We’ll guide you based on your health, history, and age.
Dilated Eye Exams in North York
If you’re overdue for a full vision check, or you’ve never had a dilated exam, Underhill Optometry is here to help. Our eyecare team at North York ensures that your dilation process is quick, gentle, and as comfortable as possible.
We provide:
- Annual dilated exams for patients 20+
- Clear instructions on what to expect during and after dilation
- Expert care focused on long-term eye health
Schedule your next exam today by requesting an /contact-us/appointment-request-form/. A few hours of mild blur is worth protecting your vision for years to come.