Keys to know how and why the pupil dilates in ophthalmological studies

• This is how the new antigen tests for flu and Covid work

• Doubts Hematomas and bruises, when and why to go to the doctor

• Dermatology Myths and medical realities that hide behind the hated dark circles

• Tips Everything you need to know about the pulse oximeter, that device that measures your oxygen without leaving home

If we look at our eyes in front of a mirror, hitting the face well, we will see a

.

That point is actually a hole through which light passes to the internal structures of the eye.

Around it we will see the colored part of the eye, the iris, and if we lower and raise the intensity of the light in the room we will observe how this structure dilates or contracts depending on said intensity.

This

allows that when we are in darkness, more

, and causes it to contract when there is a lot of light intensity to protect it.

But sometimes it is necessary to be able to control this mechanism at will, especially when we want to explore the inner part of the eyes.

Why does the pupil dilate in the consultation?

To be able to

that are behind the pupil.

In a healthy eye, the pupil contracts and dilates naturally and involuntarily, so we must keep it artificially dilated for a while so that it does not impede the examination by contracting.

How does the pupil dilate?

It is painful?

To achieve this, we must

to be explored (it can be one or both).

Normally in about 20 or 30 minutes the pupil is already sufficiently dilated, although sometimes it is necessary to repeat the application of the drops until the expected result is achieved.

It is

at all, at best you may feel a little itching or stinging in the eye when depositing the drop, although

to have a dilated pupil.

How long does it take for the pupil to return to normal?

This will depend on the type of drug used, but the usual thing is that

.

During this time, and until the pupil returns to normal,

so you should not drive.

And if you try to read it will be in vain, since the eye will not be able to focus properly.

It is recommended that you go accompanied to the consultation

if your pupils are going to dilate or there is a possibility that it will happen.

Do not forget to bring

as

is very common, especially on sunny days.

What structures are observed thanks to this dilation?

The retina, the macula, the optic nerve, the blood vessels

present in the back of the eye... And seeing all this is essential to diagnose eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, vascular problems in the retina, macular degeneration... and the more than well-known waterfalls.

Do children also dilate their pupils?

It is common for children to have their pupils dilated in order to know and assess graduation properly, especially when it is their first visit to the ophthalmologist and

.

In these cases, the pupil dilation is much greater and different eye drops are used, so

.

Do not panic.

Conforms to The Trust Project criteria

Know more

• Overwhelmed Nurse