OPHTHALMOLOGY

Gregory Eippert, MD

Q: I have never had my eyes dilated and am very concerned about my upcoming dilated eye exam. How long does dilation last? Can it be reversed? Is it possible for eyes to be over-dilated? Can I drive afterwards? Will I be able to return to work with my eyes dilated?

A: Getting your eyes dilated for the first time can indeed be a strange feeling and knowing about dilation and what to expect can help ease your concerns.

Pupillary dilation is an essential part of a comprehensive eye exam to assess the health of your eyes and an important part of an initial exam during which baseline assessments are made for future comparison and monitoring. Dilation drops are a combination of two medicines that both opens the pupil and prevents it from contracting so the doctor can use light to look inside your eyes. When the eyes are dilated, your doctor can examine three main areas in particular: the lens which focuses light onto the retina; the retina, the light sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye; and the optic nerve which sends signals from the retina to your brain where they are interpreted as images. Many eye diseases and conditions can be detected at an early stage through a dilated examination even when no other symptoms are apparent.

If by over-dilated you are referring to duration, there is great variability based on patient sensitivity and by the type of dilation drop(s) used. On the average, dilation lasts 3-4 hours but in some patients it can last until the following day. Dilation itself cannot be reversed. Drops to reverse dilation used to be available but they are no longer on the market in the U.S.

If by over-dilated you are referring to the degree of dilation, there is no amount that is excessive. As with the duration, the degree of dilation is variable depending on the individual and type of drop(s) used.

In general, it is often safe to drive after being dilated as dilation does not affect your distance vision. However, light often seems brighter after dilation and you may experience increased glare that may make driving difficult. If you think your driving would be impaired by the side effects of dilation, it is safest to have someone drive you.

Dilation can often result in blurry vision at near. If your work involves fine detail and close reading, then it will likely be difficult to resume work until the dilation wears off. If you have a job that requires close-up work, try to schedule your eye appointment in the afternoon so that your work time won’t be affected.

Pupillary dilation is important to good eye health and should be done at an initial exam and at regular intervals as recommended by your doctor.

Gregory Eippert, MD 9485 Mentor Ave., #110, Mentor 44060 440-255-1115 www.opivision.com