If you’ve ever had your eyes dilated for an eye exam, you might remember the feeling. It may have been hard to read your phone, or bright light may have made you squint for hours afterward. The good news is that eye care has evolved, and you now have options that can make your visit to Cherry Creek Eye Physicians & Surgeons more comfortable.
Most patients don’t need their eyes dilated during routine eye exams. At Cherry Creek Eye, we pride ourselves on being technology-focused, including retinal imaging, which provides detailed information without the discomfort of a dilated exam.
Modern Eye Exams: Dilation Isn’t Usually Needed
When you visit an eye doctor today, you can often skip the traditional dilation drops that leave you with blurry vision and light sensitivity.
The Benefits of Optomap
Using a technology called Optomap, the eye doctor can capture ultra-wide images of most of your retina (the back of your eye), helping to provide a clear view without any drops. In many cases, this removes the need for a dilated exam.
This often means you can drive yourself home, return to work, and use your computer or phone normally after your appointment. At our practice, our eye care team can help you choose between Optomap imaging and traditional dilation based on your preferences and eye care needs.
When Eye Doctors Do Need to Dilate Your Eyes
If you have new visual symptoms like sudden flashes of light or many floating spots, dilation gives your eye doctor a different view of the back of your eyes that can aid in the diagnosis of your condition.
- Suspected retinal detachment, holes, or tears
- Complex diabetic eye changes
- Specific refractive problems
- Pediatric eye exams
How Eye Pressure Checks Work Without Drops
Your eye pressure screening also gets easier with modern technology. The iCare device measures your eye pressure without the numbing drops that older methods often required, making glaucoma screening more comfortable.
How the iCare Works
The device gently touches your eye for just a moment to get an accurate pressure reading. You likely won’t feel any discomfort, and the results are available immediately during your visit.
This method works for most patients and provides reliable screening for glaucoma, which is 1 of the leading causes of vision loss. Your eye doctor can spot pressure changes early and recommend if treatment is needed.
What Happens If You Need a Dilated Exam
In the cases that your eye doctor determines that dilation is medically necessary, the process is straightforward and painless. The eye drops take about 15–30 minutes to work, during which time you can relax in the waiting area.
The Dilated Eye Exam Process
Once your pupils are dilated, the eye doctor may examine the back of your eye using special lights and lenses. You might notice some brightness from the lights, but the examination itself is typically comfortable.
After the Dilated Eye Exam
After your exam, your vision may remain blurry for 1–2 hours as the drops wear off. Bright lights can make you feel uncomfortable, so bringing sunglasses is a good idea to protect your eyes when you leave the office.
Insurance Coverage and Cost Information
Understanding your insurance coverage helps you make informed decisions about your eye exam options. Optomap retinal photos are typically an out-of-pocket expense for routine vision exams, but medical insurance may cover them when you have an active retinal medical diagnosis.
Different Types of Insurance and Their Impact
The coverage depends on whether you’re using vision insurance or medical insurance for your eye exam. Vision insurance does not cover Optomap imaging.
Coverage for Dilation
Though coverage does vary between providers, traditional dilation is usually included as part of your comprehensive eye exam and covered by both vision and medical insurance when medically necessary. It is always a good idea to check your coverage to understand your specific benefits.
Make Your Eye Exam Comfortable
At Cherry Creek Eye Physicians & Surgeons, we strive to make eye care accessible and convenient for you and your family. The technology we provide often means you can get a thorough eye examination that fits your busy schedule. Contact us today to schedule your eye exam and discuss which type of examination method can work for your needs.