Which examination is performed without pupil dilation?

Retinal imaging is performed without pupil dilation because it utilizes specialized cameras and techniques that can capture images of the retina with the pupils in their natural state. This allows for quicker imaging and evaluation without the need for the pharmacological dilation of the pupils. The equipment used in retinal imaging, such as fundus cameras and optical coherence tomography (OCT), can effectively provide detailed images of the retina and optic nerve, making dilation unnecessary in many cases.

In contrast, a dilated fundus exam specifically requires dilation to give the eye care professional a better view of the interior parts of the eye, including the retina and optic nerve. A comprehensive eye exam often includes several components, one of which may involve dilation to assess the health of the eyes thoroughly. Visual field tests are generally focused on testing peripheral vision and do not require dilation, but they do not provide the same imaging capability as retinal imaging. Therefore, retinal imaging stands out as the procedure that can be successfully performed without any pupil dilation.