The retina
The light-sensitive layer lining the back of the eye, and the blood vessels across it.
Eye Dilation
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
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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, fundoscopy or ophthalmoscopy. Whether drops are needed is decided at the visit.
The same kind of drops are used before the operation for a cataract.
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A normal pupil: a narrow view of the retina
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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.
The eyes are usually dilated to look for changes from diabetes, glaucoma or a tear in the retina, or to check new floaters or flashes.
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 usually take 20 to 30 minutes to work, sometimes longer, 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.
Where can I do a Dilated Eye Exam in Singapore?
Seven clinics, at six addresses. The screening package prices above are for our four community clinics.
The Straits Eye Centre @ Camden
Camden Medical Centre
1 Orchard Boulevard, #06-07/08 & #12-04
Singapore 248649
- Nearest MRT
- Orchard Boulevard (TE13)
- Directions
- Open in Maps
The Straits Eye and Myopia Clinic @ Camden
Camden Medical Centre
1 Orchard Boulevard, #12-04
Singapore 248649
- Nearest MRT
- Orchard Boulevard (TE13)
- Directions
- Open in Maps
The Straits Eye Centre for Kids & Adults @ Parkway East
Parkway East Medical Centre
319 Joo Chiat Place, #03-03
Singapore 427989
- Nearest MRT
- Eunos (EW7)
- Directions
- Open in Maps
The Straits Eye Community Clinic @ Clementi
Blk 443 Clementi Avenue 3, #01-69
Singapore 120443
In Clementi New Town Centre
- Nearest MRT
- Clementi (EW23)
- Directions
- Open in Maps
The Straits Eye Community Clinic @ Bedok
211 New Upper Changi Rd, #01-743
Singapore 460211
In Bedok New Town Centre
- Nearest MRT
- Bedok (EW5)
- Directions
- Open in Maps
The Straits Eye Community Clinic @ Toa Payoh
Blk 185 Toa Payoh Central, #01-320
Singapore 310185
- Nearest MRT
- Toa Payoh (NS19)
- Directions
- Open in Maps
The Straits Eye Community Clinic @ Jurong
21 Jurong Gateway Rd, #02-07
Singapore 608546
In CPF Jurong Office Building
- Nearest MRT
- Jurong East (EW24/NS1)
- Directions
- Open in Maps
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.
Common questions
How long does eye dilation last?
The drops usually take 20 to 30 minutes to work, and can take longer. 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.
Do dilating eye drops have side effects?
The expected ones are blurred near vision and sensitivity to light until the drops wear off. Some people get a mild headache. Tell the staff about any reaction to eye drops you have had before.
Can dilating drops raise the pressure in the eye?
Rarely. In an eye with a narrow drainage angle, the drops can set off a sudden rise in pressure, called acute angle closure. Tell the staff if you have been told your angles are narrow. If severe eye pain, redness, blurred vision with haloes around lights, or a headache with nausea or vomiting comes on after the drops, go to A&E straight away.
Can I wear contact lenses after eye dilation?
You may be asked to take them out before the drops go in. They can usually go back in once the examination is over, but bring your glasses in case.
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.
Can the retina be checked without dilating drops?
In part. A fundus photograph can be taken without drops, as in our general and comprehensive eye screenings at our community clinics in Bedok, Clementi, Toa Payoh and Jurong. Widening the pupil lets more of the retina, towards its edges, be seen.
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.