Last Updated on September 19, 2025 by Aaron Barriga
A dilated eye exam is a routine procedure used by eye doctors to get a clearer view of the back of your eyes. This process temporarily enlarges your pupils, allowing your doctor to examine your retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels for any potential issues. While the dilation can blur your vision for a bit, it is a critical step in maintaining your eye health.
In this blog, we will explore how long your eyes stay dilated, the possible side effects, and tips for managing any discomfort during the process.
Dr. Azhar I. Salahuddin is an ophthalmologist and is fellowship-trained in cornea, external diseases, and refractive surgery. Dr. Salahuddin has been performing cataract surgery for over 19 years and specializes ocular reconstruction, corneal transplantation surgery as well as vision correction through a variety of intraocular lenses. Dr. Salahuddin is board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and was trained at Boston University.
