Does anyone here know anything about eye checks? Usually mine are fine. However today it was really painful. The doctor checking my eyes shone such a bright light right at them, I couldn't keep them open for her. It isn't usually like that. She seemed confused about why I was so uncomfortable. So my question is, could this be dangerous? We are always told not to look at bright lights due to possible eye damage.
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Bright lights to examine eyes?
- Thread starter Lizzie
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Robster65
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I would assume that, since it was a doctor checking you, presumably with an opthalmascope ( I think ?), that it will be fine and maybe your eyes were tired or feeling a bit more sensitive for some other reason.
If you're worried further, I would go to an optician and have them checked, which you should get for free every 2 years I think.
Rob
If you're worried further, I would go to an optician and have them checked, which you should get for free every 2 years I think.
Rob
We get a retinal scan every year and a free eye test every year.
Copepod
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I can't imagine that an instrument designed for looking into eyes could do any harm. I've only ever heard warnings about not looking directly into the sun eg when an eclipse occurs.
Was the room dark, as that would mean your pupils had to dilate further to accommodate the same bright light than if the room were ligher.
Personally, I can never keep my eyes open in a bright light, which means eye examinations take a bit longer.
Was the room dark, as that would mean your pupils had to dilate further to accommodate the same bright light than if the room were ligher.
Personally, I can never keep my eyes open in a bright light, which means eye examinations take a bit longer.
It's a relief that you guys seem to think it would do no damage. I was worried as the doctor seemed a little inexperienced and it was so much more difficult and painful than it usually is, she didn't seem to be able to get a good look. When the consultant came across he looked with no problem and it was not uncomfortable, despite my eyes having been stressed out by the doctor.
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splorp
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Ah yes, the curse of going outside after the eye drops of doom! Luckily my hospital don't bother using the drops, but my optometrist does (I go to both the hospital and said optometrist for check ups every six months).
Said optometrist always tries to sell me a fancy new pair of sunglasses whenever I'm in there. Given she usually succeeds, the whole brightness thing isn't then a problem.
Anyway, back the OP - bright lights shouldn't do your eyes any damage, unless they were focussing the sun into your eyes (which I suspect they weren't).
Said optometrist always tries to sell me a fancy new pair of sunglasses whenever I'm in there. Given she usually succeeds, the whole brightness thing isn't then a problem.
Anyway, back the OP - bright lights shouldn't do your eyes any damage, unless they were focussing the sun into your eyes (which I suspect they weren't).
Ah yes, the dilating drops (not too bad) then the anaesthetic drops (sting like hell) ..... wait for anything between 15 mins and 3 hours (my personal record) and then sit in a dark room while somebody in a white coat shines the most amazingly bright light into your now sensitive eyes.
As others have alluded to, the torture is administered under controlled conditions and so the only "damage" is the intense discomfort, the tears, the dancing yellow dots afterwards.... oh, and the absolutely blinding headache (for me) when the dilating drops finally begin to wear off some 4-6 hours later.
Do you know what, I don't think I've seen this on the thread about the 5 best things yet!
As others have alluded to, the torture is administered under controlled conditions and so the only "damage" is the intense discomfort, the tears, the dancing yellow dots afterwards.... oh, and the absolutely blinding headache (for me) when the dilating drops finally begin to wear off some 4-6 hours later.
Do you know what, I don't think I've seen this on the thread about the 5 best things yet!
splorp
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I also really enjoy the test which involves puffing air onto your eyeball - I love that sensation!
KateR
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margie
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Hi Ann do not fret - the air puff is what you have at the opticians and not part of the retinal screening process.
Although the drops dilate your pupils and make them more sensitive to light, if you take your sun glasses with you - that will make a great deal of difference to you.
Sheilagh1958
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I was told in November when I went for my first retinal screening that as a diabetic we are entitled to a free eye test every year.🙂
Robster65
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Robster65
Senior Member
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It may have been when they first introduced the eye test fee that it was 2 years (you could go when you liked, but they'd charge if less than 2 years)and I just never got updated. Or I've completely mis-remembered. Either option happens quite regularly. 🙄
Rob
Rob
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