One of the question we hear most often is:  “Why does Dr. Margolis need to dilate my eyes for an eye examination?�  Your eye examination starts with a thorough investigation of the:

1.     External surfaces of the eye - Lids, lashes, conjunctiva, sclera and the cornea                 

2.     Anterior (back chamber) using a high powered microscope and a very bright light Dr. Margolis moves in for a closer look at the iris and crystalline lens.

When you stand outside on a bright sunny day your lens becomes smaller, just like the shutter on a camera.  It becomes smaller and allows less light to enter.  Also, your pupil becomes smaller when Dr. Margolis shines the bright light in your eyes and this makes it very difficult for him to peer inside.  That’s where the dilating drops come in.

There are two principles for dilation drops: 

1.    They either stimulate the iris muscle that opens the pupil (the dilator)

2.    Or prevent action of the iris muscle that closes the pupil (the sphincter)

After the dilation drops take effect Dr. Margolis can get a much better view of your retina, optic nerve and vessels in the back of the eye.  Dr. Margolis has been able to diagnose hypertension and diabetes with some patients just with a dilated eye examination.  A lot of ocular diseases such as Macular or Retinal Degeneration are only diagnosed by a full dilated exam. So even though we all highly dislike being dilated at our some of our exams, it is very important to assist in maintaining your eye care at MargolisVision.

P.S. Don’t forget to bring your sunglasses, as your eyes will be sensitive to sunlight after having your eyes dilated.  Don’t worry if you forget your sunglasses, we have some fashionable disposable sunglasses for you upon check-out. 

Thank you for entrusting MargolisVision with your eye care needs