Why are dilation drops used during an eye exam?

Dilation drops are used during an eye exam primarily to enlarge the pupils, which allows for a more comprehensive examination of the internal structures of the eye. By widening the pupils, eye care professionals can gain better visibility of the retina, optic nerve, and other critical components of the eye. This enhanced view is essential for diagnosing various conditions such as retinal tears, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.

The use of dilation drops is particularly important because the pupil's size can greatly affect the ability of the examiner to see details within the eye. When the pupils are adequately dilated, it also helps to assess the overall health of the eye more effectively, making it a key component of a thorough eye exam.

The other options, while related to eye care, do not accurately describe the primary purpose of dilation drops. For instance, dilation does not address inflammation, change eye color, or numb the eye; rather, it focuses on improving the visibility of the internal eye structures.