Should I get my eyes dilated at my eye doctor appointment?

Question

I am going to get my eyes checked on Monday, and I am also getting new glasses. (YAY!) But when I was at the place, the person i was talking to was talking about all of the things that will add up to the total cost when I get the glasses, exam, etc. So she mentioned her getting her eyes dilated, and how it's a good thing to do. I know that having your eyes dilated helps the eye doctor make sure everything in your eyes are okay, but I also know that it makes you really sensitive to lgith, and you have to wear sunglasses. So if I get my eyes checked, get new glasses, and get my eyes dilated, it will cost about $250. But if I don't get them dilated, it will cost just below $200.

So should I get my eyes dilated or not? Try to base your opinion off of the cost, and what would be best for me. I am 13, and if you need me to add anymore details, just give me an e-mail and I'll be sure to add those details!

Thanks in advance!

~ Natalie

Answer 1

never ask laymen about such things. do what your eye specialist tells you. dilation of eys is a must, in my opinion. but as i said earlier it is the opinion of the eye specialist which matters more.,

Answer 2

Your Optometrist is the one to determine if you need to have dilation.  Usually though, a dilation is included in a full fundus eye exam.  If your doctor feels the need to dilate your eyes, I would certainly opt for it.   $50 is a small price to pay to ensure the complete health of your eyes.  You WILL be light sensitive for about 4 hours if they use 1/2 midracyl.  Your vision wont really be affected.  Your distance will be fine, it will be your arms length distance that will be blurry.  You should be fine to see at distance.  I would suggest sunglasses due to the light sensitivity.  When your eyes are artificially dilated they are unalbe to consritct in bright light.  For comfort, bring sunglasses.  At 13 you should not really need to be dilated unless the optometrist is having trouble getting an accurate prescription reading. Why at 13 are you paying for it anyway?  Do you not live in an area that covers children, sorry, I know you are not a child, but under 18 anyway.  Speak to your optometrist.  Does your optometrist's office have a retinal camera?  If so, they can get a great photo of the back of your eye, your macula and your optic nerve, so unless you have unusually small pupils that should be sufficient.  We dont even take photos of people under 18 or dilate unless there is a problem.  The optician, and I am one, is NOT the one to make that call.  Good luck :)

Answer 3

Don't ask us...Ask your Doctor.  Have him/her tell you why they make that part of the exam.  You will be getting the straight scoop kiddo....

Answer 4

You normally have your eyes dilated to look into the back of the eye, i.e the retina. vitreous fluid etc.

I dont know your opticians reason for suggesting it be done. You should ask them if there is a reason for having it done. Or ask yourself. Apart from people wearing glasses, are there any problems in your family to do with eyes.

If you have your eyes dilated the effects normally last for a couple of hours, your vision will be blurred, you will not need sunglasses although they do stop so much light entering your eye so your vision would be less blurred if you wear them.

Personally, and this is coming from someone who has had a couple of operations due to problems with their eyes in the last couple of years, at your age if there is no reason to have it done it is not worth it.

Answer 5

There's no right answer to this.

And it's going to vary by country.

In the UK all eye examinations are free up to 16, including dilation if required.

I would not normally dilate young people in the absence of any suspicions or symptoms.  Their pupils are quite large enough to get a good view.

(But not infrequently I will have done a cycloplegic refraction at one point, which gives dialation  as a beneficial side effect... from my point of view!)

An extra £25 for dilation?  Steep, from this side of the Atlantic.

UK optometrist, retired.