The qualitative and quantitative effects of routine dilation in primary care Optometric practice

Ms Dalia Jolly and Mr John O’Donnell

There is little published research in the UK on patients’ reactions to routine dilation and corresponding changes in quantitative measures of visual performance post-dilation. The aim of this project was to investigate the qualitative and quantitative effects of routine dilation. “Qualitative” effects were taken here to be a patient’s perception of sensitivity to light and glare, blurred vision and difficulties in judging depth. “Quantitative” was taken to mean changes in measures of contrast sensitivity, visual acuity (VA) with and without glare source, and stereopsis.

Ms Jolly was awarded an MSc following successful completion of this project. She is currently writing up her results for publication.