Name of the Procedure:

Dilated Macular Exam (DME)

• Common Names: Eye Dilation Test, Dilated Eye Exam
• Medical/Technical Term: Dilated Ophthalmic Examination

Summary

A Dilated Macular Exam is an eye examination where the pupils are dilated (enlarged) using special eye drops, allowing the doctor to thoroughly examine the back of the eye, particularly the macula. This helps in documenting the presence or absence of macular thickening, geographic atrophy, hemorrhage, and assessing the severity of macular degeneration.

Purpose

• Conditions Addressed: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic macular edema, and other macular conditions.
• Goals: To diagnose, monitor, and manage macular conditions by identifying changes or damage in the macula.

Indications

• Symptoms such as blurred or distorted vision, central vision loss, and difficulty seeing in low light.
• Patients with diagnosed or suspected macular conditions, such as macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy.

Preparation

• Patients may be advised that their vision will be blurry for several hours after the exam, making it necessary to arrange transportation.
• No fasting or major medication adjustments are typically required.
• Previous diagnostic reports or images may be reviewed as part of the assessment.

Procedure Description

1. Application of Eye Drops: Special drops are used to dilate the pupils.
2. Waiting Period: Patients usually wait 15-30 minutes for their pupils to dilate fully.
3. Examination: The ophthalmologist uses a slit lamp or an ophthalmoscope to examine the macula.
4. Documentation: The presence or absence of macular thickening, geographic atrophy, hemorrhage, and the level of macular degeneration severity is recorded.
   • Tools Used: Slit-lamp microscope, ophthalmoscope.
   • Anesthesia/Sedation: None required.

Duration

The entire process, including waiting time for pupil dilation, typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes.

Setting

The procedure is performed in an ophthalmologist's office or an outpatient clinic.

Personnel

• Ophthalmologist (Eye Specialist)
• Ophthalmic Assistant or Technician

Risks and Complications

• Common: Temporary blurriness of vision, light sensitivity.
• Rare: Allergic reaction to eye drops, increased eye pressure.

Benefits

• Early detection and monitoring of macular conditions.
• Informed management and treatment planning. Benefits are typically realized immediately as the results aid in making timely clinical decisions.

Recovery

• Post-Procedure Care: Wear sunglasses to protect eyes from bright light; avoid driving until vision returns to normal.
• Recovery Time: Vision usually returns to normal within a few hours.
• Follow-Up: Follow-up appointments as determined by the ophthalmologist.

Alternatives

• Other Options: Standard undilated eye exam, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT).
• Comparison: While less invasive, these alternatives may not provide as much detailed information on macular conditions.

Patient Experience

• During Procedure: Slight stinging from eye drops; otherwise, painless.
• After Procedure: Blurry vision, light sensitivity. Pain management typically not needed as the procedure is largely discomfort-free.
• Comfort Measures: Sunglasses are provided post-exam for comfort against light sensitivity.