Which statement about dilation for GDX or HRT imaging is correct?

• A. Dilation is always required.
• B. Dilation is never required.
• C. Dilation is required only in pediatric cases.
• D. Dilation is not universally required; it depends on protocol.

Answer: (D)

Dilation is not universally required; it depends on protocol and the individual patient. Imaging devices like GDX and HRT can often capture usable scans through an undilated pupil, especially when the pupil is sufficiently large and the eye is cooperative with fixation. Some protocols, however, call for dilation to ensure a larger, more stable pupil, which can improve image quality, alignment, and the reliability of measurements. Pediatric exams tend to need dilation more often due to smaller pupils and cooperation considerations, but even in adults the need for dilation varies based on the clinic’s protocol, the patient’s pupil size, media clarity, and the ability to obtain a high-quality image.