The Optos retinal imaging system takes a wide-field photo of the retina without dilation to allow doctors to screen for and/or monitor changes to retina and eye health from visit to visit. The photo takes only half a second for each eye, and patients experience nothing more than a completely painless flash of light. Having a retinal image scan can be done without the dilating eye drops that can leave the patient blurry-eyed for several hours. Please understand that there are certain situations/conditions where the Optos imaging will not suffice (such as new floaters) and your doctor might recommend a dilated examination.