A dilated exam can aid the evaluation of cataracts. The vitreous is the clear, almost gelatinous substance that fills the main chamber inside the eyes. It, too, can become clouded and obscure vision by scattering light before it reaches the retina. Through a dilated fundus evaluation, the first signs of cloudiness may be seen so treatment can begin before vision is compromised. Depending on its size and location, the person may not have any symptoms in the early stages.
Good outcomes are dependent on early detection and repair.
A dilated eye exam may be the only means of detection in many cases. The optic nerve is the bundle of nerves that transmits signals from the retina to the brain. When it becomes damaged or swollen from disease, sight is lost because the brain may not receive all of the necessary signals. The optic nerve can be better observed through the dilated pupil and evaluated for its health. Because the disease is often asymptomatic, many people lose much of their sight before it is diagnosed.