What process involves giving patients drops to enlarge their pupils for a better view of the retina?

The process of giving patients drops to enlarge their pupils is known as dilation. This procedure is essential in ophthalmology because it allows for a better view of the retina and the internal structures of the eye, making it easier for healthcare professionals to assess conditions like retinal detachments, diabetic retinopathy, and other eye diseases.

Dilation is typically achieved using mydriatic eye drops, which temporarily relax the muscles of the iris and widen the pupil. This alteration in pupil size enhances the ophthalmologist’s ability to examine the various layers of the retina without obstruction from the pupil size.

Other options like refraction, pupilometry, and tonometry serve different functions. Refraction is a test to determine the correct prescription for glasses or contact lenses. Pupilometry measures the size of the pupils and their reaction to light but does not involve any procedure to enlarge them. Tonometry is associated with measuring the intraocular pressure in the eye, which is critical for glaucoma screening, but it does not pertain to pupil enlargement. Therefore, dilation is the correct term for the process of using drops to achieve a wider view of the retina.