dilatsioon

Dilatsioon refers to the process of widening or expanding something. In a medical context, it is most commonly used to describe the dilation of the pupil, the opening in the center of the iris of the eye. This dilation can occur naturally in response to low light conditions or be induced pharmacologically using eye drops.

The dilation of the pupil is controlled by muscles within the iris. The sphincter pupillae muscle constricts the pupil, making it smaller, while the dilator pupillae muscle expands it, making it larger. This change in pupil size regulates the amount of light that enters the eye, optimizing vision in different lighting environments.

In medicine, pupil dilation is a crucial step in various eye examinations. For instance, it allows ophthalmologists to get a clearer view of the retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels at the back of the eye, which helps in diagnosing conditions like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration.

Beyond ophthalmology, the term "dilation" can be applied more broadly. In physics, it can refer to the expansion of a material due to heat. In geology, it can describe the stretching of the Earth's crust. However, in common usage, especially in a health-related context, pupil dilation remains the most frequent association. The process is generally safe, although temporary blurred vision or light sensitivity can occur after medically induced dilation.