Question out of curiousity about dilating eyes?

[nikki_dash]

Hi all!

I've been taking my Grandad to the optometrist a few times this year because he complains of some new vision problems, and every time the optometrist does the photographs with his pupils dilated.  They never see anything wrong with him.  

But yesterday when we went to a new optometrist, he was given the photographs BEFORE they dilated his eyes, and the photographs looked a little different this time even though it's only been 1 week since his last appointment.  The optometrist said it's probably nothing serious but he is referring him to an ophthalmologist soon which is really good news!  

Anyways, I'm really curious to know that if  * not * dilating the pupil makes a difference? In other words, could a dilated pupil cover up something that is important when looking at eye photography? Could something be missed on the photographs simply because of a dilated pupil? I know that they dilate the pupil to see it better, but could the opposite ever happen where by dilating it, it's covering up a problematic area of the eye?

Hope this question makes sense!! :) Big thanks.

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

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[nikki_dash]

Hi Dr:
haha oh ok thanks so much! Yeah, he is getting referred to an opthalmologist. Sorry if the question sounded silly, but I was just really curious about that! And plus I don't know much about eye stuff.
Thanks again!! :) Hugs

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

There are some eye photographs that can be taken without dilating the pupil. HOWEVER to take eye photographs each time and every time in not usual and customary and may be a revenue enhancement procedure for the optom.

Consider seeing an eye MD ophthalmologist.

JCH MD