The retina
The light-sensitive layer lining the back of the eye, and the blood vessels across it.
Dilated Eye Exam
Drops that widen the pupil. They let the back of the eye be examined, and leave near vision blurred for several hours.
- Senior Consultant Eye Surgeons
- 50+ combined years in ophthalmology
- Seven clinics in six locations islandwide
Camden (Orchard)Joo ChiatClementiBedokToa PayohJurong
Found this helpful?
What eye dilation is
Eye drops widen the pupil, so more of the back of the eye can be seen through it. That look at the back of the eye is a fundus examination.
You may also see it called a dilated eye exam, a dilated fundus examination or ophthalmoscopy. Whether drops are needed is decided at the visit.
-
A normal pupil: a narrow view of the retina
-
A widened pupil: much more of it can be seen
What a fundus examination looks at
The back of the eye, through the widened pupil.
The macula
The small centre of the retina you read and recognise faces with.
The optic nerve
Where the nerve fibres leave the eye, seen as a pale disc on the retina.
It is usually done at a slit lamp with a hand-held lens, or with a hand-held ophthalmoscope. A retinal photograph records the same view, and an OCT scan images the retina in cross-section.
What any finding means is for your eye doctor to explain.
How long the drops take, and how long they last
- The drops go in. They may sting for a few seconds.
- They take 15 to 30 minutes to work, while you wait.
- The examination takes a few minutes. The light is bright but does not hurt.
- Near vision stays blurred and bright light uncomfortable for several hours afterwards, sometimes longer.
Driving, screens and work afterwards
Plan the rest of the day around the blur.
- Do not drive until your vision is clear again. Arrange a lift, or take public transport or a taxi.
- Bring sunglasses. Bright light is uncomfortable while the pupils are wide.
- Reading and screens are harder for a few hours; distance vision is less affected.
Planning around drops? Tell our friendly staff and they will arrange the right appointment.
Dilated Eye Exam Cost in Singapore
At a consultation, whether drops are used is decided at the visit. In our eye screenings, only the diabetic retinal screening dilates, and only where necessary.
| Screening package | Retinal photograph | Price |
|---|---|---|
| General eye screening | Non-dilated | $99 |
| Diabetic retinal screening | Dilated where necessary | $99 |
| Comprehensive eye screening | Non-dilated | $249 |
Prices shown are for our community clinics at Bedok, Clementi, Toa Payoh and Jurong. All fees shown are nett, and each figure is the price of the whole screening package.
The screening packages are senior optometrist-led and every report is reviewed by an ophthalmologist.
Common questions
How long does eye dilation last?
The drops take 15 to 30 minutes to work. Near vision stays blurred and bright light uncomfortable for several hours afterwards, sometimes longer.
Can I drive after my eyes are dilated?
No. Blurred vision and glare make driving unsafe until the drops wear off, so arrange for someone to drive you, or take public transport or a taxi.
Do dilating eye drops sting?
They may sting for a few seconds when they go in. After that you will notice blur and sensitivity to light rather than discomfort.
Will my eyes be dilated at an eye screening?
Only in the $99 diabetic retinal screening, and only where necessary, at our community clinics in Bedok, Clementi, Toa Payoh and Jurong. The general and comprehensive screenings photograph the retina without dilating drops.
What is a fundus examination?
An examination of the back of the eye: the retina, the macula, the optic nerve and the blood vessels. It is usually done through a pupil widened with drops, with a slit lamp and a hand-held lens or with an ophthalmoscope.
Book an eye examination
Send us a message with what you have noticed and a time that suits, and our staff will arrange the appointment.
