Floaters and eye dilation

[picasa239]

A retina specialist dilated my eyes today to check my eye for a retina detachment or tear as I have been having flashes and a LOT of floaters .Since the dilation which is still wearing off, the floaters, one of which was a good sized black dot, are not visible.  Could the dilation have affected them, or will they be returning after my eyes return to normal.  It is a "pleasure" to be rid of that black dot that looked like a fly in my vision for the past week.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

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[Meljoanne]

After a PVD in both eyes and a retinal tear, I have lots of floaters.  When I go for an exam and my eyes are dilated, I don't notice the floaters, either!!  I consider it a brief respite but am glad when the drops wear off and I can READ clearly again, even with the company of floaters. There is much to be grateful for (but I definitely understand those pesky clouds, veils, dots, etc.!!)

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

No the dilation is not a cure for floaters and likely you will be able to see them again when your pupil returns to normal size. Most floaters do settle to the bottom of the eye or the brain "tunes them out" (neuroadaptation).

JCH MD