Dilated eye examination for children | JAM | Dr B A Maithri Dilatation of the pupil serves 2 purposes in children: 1. It allows us to examine the retina (nerve) at the back of the eye which otherwise cannot be visualised through the normal small pupil 2. The more important reason for children being this: Uncovering or bringing out the true refractive power of the eye so that we can determine whether or not your child needs glasses, if so, what is the exact power and if not, whether your child ha