In clinical practice, we often encounter parents who believe that dilated eye exams are necessary when going to the ophthalmology department, and some parents who refuse to dilate their children’s eyes for fear of hurting them. In fact, it is up to the doctor to decide whether or not to do a dilated eye exam. There are two types of dilated eye exams that are generally needed: one is for children with poor vision; the other is for children with strabismus. This test will reveal the child’s refractive error and the presence of amblyopia. Some children with strabismus and refractive problems may have their strabismus reduced or even disappear when they wear nearsighted or farsighted lenses, avoiding surgery, which is why dilated pupils are necessary. There are two types of dilated eye examinations: one is rapid dilatation, in which the pupil is dilated with drops every five minutes, with a 20-minute break after six consecutive drops, and the examination takes about an hour. This type of pupil dilatation has a short duration of effect and does not affect the child’s studies or daily life. It is generally suitable for optometry for older children and myopic children, etc. Another type of slow dilatation is the atropine ophthalmic ointment, which is prescribed by the doctor and given to the child at home, three times a day for three consecutive days, followed by an optometry on the fourth day. Slow dilatation can paralyze the muscles that control pupil contraction, and the results of optometry will be more accurate. This is suitable for younger children and children with strabismic amblyopia. During the period of dilatation, the child will show presbyopia, and will be able to see things in the distance but not in the near distance, but will be able to move around and go to school normally. However, you should be careful to wear a hat with a brim when you go out during the astigmatism period, so that the sun does not shine directly on the pupil area and you do not do things like reading or drawing at close range.