What to Do When You Have Problems With Your Vision

If you work on computers all day and well into the night like I do, you probably have some issues with your eyes. I used to have 20/20 vision until a few years ago. I couldn't see the small print on my computer screen, even after I adjusted the monitor's settings. Sometimes, everything would appear blurry or out of focus. Eventually, I sought help from an eye doctor. The doctor diagnosed me with computer vision syndrome and prescribed eyeglasses to correct it. Now, I rest my eyes as much as possible when I work. I wanted to help other people with their vision problems, so I started this blog. My blog offers many tips on how to improve your eyesight, as well as what to do when your vision fails. Good luck with your vision problems and thanks for stopping in.

How Often Should You Have Your Pupils Dilated

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Pupil dilation is an optional part of most eye exams that is usually offered to patients at their optometrist appointment. Some people may have it done just because, but do you need to have it done, and how often should this procedure be done? If you aren't sure, read on for information to use as a guide, as well as information about what pupil dilation is used for.

Who Should Have Pupil Dilation?

Anyone that is over the age of 60 should have a pupil dilation exam done yearly. This is because as you age, you are more susceptible to eye diseases such as glaucoma and macular degeneration. If you are younger than age 60, but have been diagnosed with diabetes, you should have a pupil dilation exam. This is because your eyes and your vision could be greatly affected by diabetes. If you have a family history of glaucoma or macular degeneration, you should also have pupil dilation at least every two years.

What Is Pupil Dilation?

Pupil dilation is when eye drops are placed in your eyes by your optometrist to increase the size of your pupils. Increasing the pupil size allows more light into the pupil and allows the optometrist to be able to see further in the eye, so they can view the back of the eye. This view will allow the optometrist to see if there are any issues such as glaucoma or macular degeneration, or any retinal damage, in addition to any problems with the optic nerve at the back of the eye. It gives the optometrist a better view so they can properly see any issues and treat the issue before your vision worsens permanently. 

The pupil dilation only takes a few minutes to begin working and it may make your eyes feel dry or even heavy. Your pupils will get large until you see more of the pupil than you will see iris (the eye color). You will feel the effects of the dilation for about 4 - 6 hours after receiving the eye drops and it can make your vision blurry. Your eyes will also be sensitive to light after receiving dilation. If you plan to have your pupils dilated, you should have someone drive you to your eye exam, as you may have issues seeing.

Talk to your optometrist at your eye appointment about having your pupils dilated and whether or not it is needed---given your age and health history.

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26 July 2019