Retinal examination without dilated drops in Frankfurt: State-of-the-art preventative care
- Tudebon
- October 7, 2022
A retinal examination without dilating drops is the modern gold standard in ophthalmological screening and offers you the highest level of comfort, safety, and precision at our Frankfurt practice. Previously, a thorough examination of the fundus (back of the eye) inevitably involved dilating the pupils with medication – and thus hours of glare sensitivity and a ban on driving. At Dr. Mareen Schmidt's ophthalmology practice in the Westend district, we rely on state-of-the-art wide-angle scanning technology, which provides a comprehensive Retinal examination without a wide field of view In the vast majority of cases, this makes it possible to easily integrate important preventative care into your everyday life.
Why is regular retinal examination so important?
The retina is the eye's „film“—a highly complex layer consisting of millions of light-sensitive photoreceptor cells.1 Retinal diseases often develop gradually and unnoticed, but can lead to severe and irreversible vision loss. Only regular, careful examinations can detect these changes early.
A retinal examination is crucial for the early detection of:
- Macular degeneration (AMD): Changes at the point of sharpest vision.
- Diabetic retinopathy: Damage to blood vessels caused by diabetes.2
- Retinal changes in high blood pressure.
- Retinal holes or tears: Especially in cases of high myopia, which can be a precursor to retinal detachment.
- Tumors in the back of the eye.
Early detection of these diseases is key to successful treatment and preserving your eyesight.
The classic method and its disadvantages: The „drop-off“ method“
The traditional examination method involves administering eye drops that dilate the pupil (mydriasis). This was the only way for the doctor to obtain a sufficient view of the back of the eye and the periphery of the retina. While this method is tried and tested, it has significant disadvantages for patients:
- Unfitness to drive: After the examination, you will not be allowed to drive a vehicle for several hours.
- Severe glare sensitivity: Bright light is perceived as very unpleasant and disturbing.
- Blurred vision: Reading and working nearby will be limited for some time.
- Long waiting time: The drops need to take effect for about 20-30 minutes, which will prolong your stay at the doctor's office.
Retinal examination without dilated drops: Modern wide-angle technology
The modern Retinal examination without a wide field of view Our Frankfurt practice utilizes a revolutionary technology: ultra-wide-angle scanning. This procedure works like a digital panoramic photograph of the back of your eye.
For a few seconds, you will look into a device that scans your retina with harmless laser light. Within an instant, a high-resolution digital image is created, depicting up to 200 degrees of your retina in a single shot. This is a far larger area than can be seen during a conventional examination without pupil dilation. Dr. Mareen Schmidt can immediately analyze this image on the monitor, magnify it, and reliably detect even the smallest changes.
The advantages of retinal examination without dilated drops in comparison
The following table highlights the key advantages that our modern system offers you. Retinal examination without a wide field of view offers.
Feature | Classical examination with wide-drop | Retinal examination without a wide field of view |
unfitness to drive | Yes, for several hours. | No, You will be able to drive again immediately. |
Glare sensitivity | Yes, very pronounced for several hours. | No, no impairment. |
Duration of the examination | Longer, due to the waiting time for the drops. | Very fast, the recording only takes a few seconds. |
documentation | Medical drawing and description. | High-resolution digital photo for precise comparisons of trends. |
Patient comfort | Often perceived as unpleasant. | Fast, contactless and very comfortable. |
Scope of the presentation | Good overview, but dependent on cooperation. | A comprehensive panorama that also captures the periphery well. |

Frequently asked questions about retinal examination without dilating drops
Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions about this modern preventive medical examination.
Is a retinal examination without dilating drops just as good as one with drops?
For most preventive examinations and screening purposes, the Retinal examination without a wide field of view This provides an excellent and often even more comprehensive overview of the retina than a conventional examination. Digital documentation also allows for superior monitoring of disease progression. Only in very specific cases or when a therapeutic intervention is planned might dilating drops be necessary in addition.
Does the test work for every patient?
In the vast majority of cases, it works Retinal examination without a wide field of view No problems. In patients with a very small pupil or advanced lens opacity (cataracts), image quality may be limited. In these rare cases, it may be necessary to further dilate the pupil to ensure a reliable assessment.
Is a retinal examination without dilating drops painful?
No, the Retinal examination without a wide field of view It is completely painless. You will feel nothing except a brief, harmless flash of light, similar to a photograph. The entire process is contactless and only takes a few seconds, making it a very comfortable examination method.
How long does the examination take?
The actual recording for the Retinal examination without a wide field of view The procedure takes only a few seconds per eye. The entire appointment, including preparation and the subsequent discussion of the images with Dr. Mareen Schmidt, is usually completed within 15-20 minutes. This makes the preventative care extremely time-efficient and easy to integrate into daily life.
Will my health insurance cover the costs of this modern examination?
The Retinal examination without a wide field of view Ultra-wide-angle technology is a modern, private medical service.
Why is retinal examination without dilated drops so important for nearsightedness?
In nearsighted people, the eyeball is longer, which leads to a stretching of the retina.4 This increases the risk of developing thin spots, holes, or tears in the peripheral retina. Retinal examination without a wide field of view It enables an excellent representation of these peripheral areas and is therefore an ideal method for preventative care in cases of high myopia.
Can the examination also detect glaucoma?
Yes, indirectly. The high-resolution recording at the Retinal examination without a wide field of view It also provides a very detailed image of the optic nerve head. An experienced ophthalmologist like Dr. Mareen Schmidt can already detect early signs of glaucomatous damage here. However, for a complete glaucoma diagnosis, additional measurements such as intraocular pressure and an OCT scan of the optic nerve are necessary.
How often should I have this examination performed?
We recommend regular Retinal examination without a wide field of view As part of your general eye exam. For healthy adults without risk factors, an interval of two years is often sufficient. If risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or high myopia are present, annual checkups are strongly recommended.
Is there a risk of radiation exposure during the examination?
No, with the Retinal examination without a wide field of view A harmless, visible laser light with very low energy is used. There is no X-ray or UV radiation whatsoever. The examination is completely safe and can be repeated as often as necessary, even in children or during pregnancy.
Why should I have the retinal examination without dilating drops performed at your practice in Frankfurt?
At Dr. Mareen Schmidt's practice, you benefit from the combination of state-of-the-art technology and the highest level of professional expertise. We take the time to show you the high-resolution images of your retina and explain the findings clearly. Retinal examination without a wide field of view With us, it's more than just a photo – it's an important part of a comprehensive, personal health consultation.
See your retirement planning in a new light.
The Retinal examination without a wide field of view This technology revolutionizes eye exams, making them easier, faster, and more comfortable than ever before. There's no longer any reason to postpone that important fundus examination. Take advantage of this modern technology at our Frankfurt practice. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Mareen Schmidt for your comprehensive and thorough eye exam today.

Overview
Ophthalmologist Frankfurt -
Dr. med. Mareen Schmidt &
Dr. med. Sebastian Schmidt-
Make an appointment now
- Short-term appointments available
- BDOC seal of approval
- 10,000+ intraocular interventions