Dilated Fundus Exam or Extended Ophthalmoscopy (DFE)
A dilated fundus exam or extended ophthalmoscopy is very important and will be done eventually on all patients in the practice. Topical diagnostic eye drops are instilled in the patient’s eyes and the drops enlarge the pupils allowing the doctor a better view into the eye. Without pupillary dilation, the view is like looking into a room through a keyhole. When the pupils are dilated it is like opening a set of double doors, a greater peripheral view is achieved and thus a more comprehensive peripheral retinal evaluation can be obtained. Patients may need to bring a driver for this procedure as the drops cause blurry vision and light sensitivity which can sometimes last for several hours.
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