"Question re: dilated exam" Posted by Lisa - Chandler, AZ on 10:56:54 10/20/99
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I have read in several places that having a dilated exam post-Lasik is important. Will someone explain why a dilated exam in addition to a regular exam is necessary? I had Lasik 19 days ago, and did not have a dilated exam at my 1 day or 1 week followup. Should I expect or ask for one at my 1 month followup? Thanks!
1. "dilated exam" Posted by Debra Tennen, MD on 18:34:35 10/20/99
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lisa,
i actually do not perform dilated exams on post lasik patients until their one year exam, unless there are special complaints. as we are not going near the retina when we do the surgery, we do not expect any changes there.
debra tennen, md
2. "Dilated Exam" Posted by Dean Hu on 20:18:25 10/20/99
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There are two reasons for a dilated exam in LASIK patients:
1) To check the retina.
2) To check refractive error (your prescription).
I agree with Dr. Tennen, in that a dilated retinal exam is really only necessary if there are specific complaints like flashes or floaters.
Regarding the refraction, a dilated exam is very useful in determining the amount of residual myopia or astigmatism after LASIK so that an enhancement will be most accurate. Although, if you're not in need of enhancement, a dilated refraction is not mandatory.
Good Luck, Dean Hu
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