Besides avoiding driving, other precautions you should take after having your eyes dilated include:
- Don’t hang out in the sun: You should never look directly at the sun as it can damage your eyes.
- Don’t stare at digital screens: Blue light emitted from electronic screens can contribute to digital eye strain.
How long should I rest my eyes after dilation?
Everyone’s eyes react differently to the dilation drops. It usually takes 15 to 30 minutes for your pupils to open completely. Most people are back to normal within about 4 to 6 hours. But for you, the effects could wear off more quickly, or they could last much longer.
Can I use my phone after eye dilation?
Working on your phone or computer will likely be more difficult after eye dilation, as your eyes are more sensitive to light and less able to focus. If you must look at a digital screen, consider wearing blue-light protection glasses to reduce eye strain.
How can I get my dilated eyes to heal faster?
For some patients, dilation can last longer than 6 hours, but it’s not common. There is no real way to make eye dilation go away faster, so it’s best to sit tight, wait it out, and try not to stress! If you are concerned about the amount of time it’s taking for dilation to pass, contact your eye doctor.
Are there any side effects of eye dilation?
Side effects of dilation include:
- light sensitivity.
- blurry vision.
- trouble focusing on close objects.
- stinging right after the drops are put in.
Is it safe to drive with dilated eyes?
In most cases, the average patient will be able to drive immediately after an eye exam. Your vision is slightly blurred after dilation but it does not affect them much. Of course, eye dilation affects every person differently.
What happens if you don’t wear sunglasses after dilation?
Wearing sunglasses, even indoors, can help until the effects of the medication wear off. Blurred vision and light sensitivity make driving unsafe, so it’s best to have someone pick you up from your appointment. Allergic reactions to eye dilation drops are uncommon, but they can happen.
Do I need to wear sunglasses indoors after dilation?
It may take several hours for the effects of the dilating drops to wear off. Your vision will likely be blurry, and you may have trouble focusing on near objects. If light bothers you, you may need to wear dark glasses (or sunglasses) for a short time.
Can eye dilation last 3 days?
Sadly, there is no hard rule for how long your eyes stay dilated. We tell patients it can last for three hours on average, but it could be very different for you. The truth is that length of time can vary from 45 minutes for one lucky person, to all day long for another, and occasionally even into the next day.
How long do blue eyes stay dilated?
By and large, dark-colored eyes have shorter dilation periods, typically for two to four hours, while light-colored eyes may stay open for up to eight hours.
What color of eyes dilate the most?
People with light colored (blue, green, hazel) eyes will dilate faster than people with darker (brown) eyes. Why is dilation necessary? A large pupil allows the doctor to examine the inside of the eye in order to diagnose and treat eye diseases.
Can eye dilation drops make you sick?
Dilating drops can also provoke allergic reactions, angle closure attacks, and systemic reactions such as increased blood pressure, arrhythmias, tachycardia, dizziness, and increased sweating.
Can dilating eyes cause headaches?
The common side effects of pupil dilation are light sensitivity and blurred vision. Eye irritation and reddening, headache, and pain in the brow are also known side effects.
Can sunlight damage your eyes after dilation?
Sunlight or any bright light may not harm your eyes when they’re dilated, but it can make them feel uncomfortable. Bring a pair of sunglasses for the ride home to cut down on the glare. Chill out. If you’re not in a hurry after your exam, take a little time in the doctor’s waiting room to let the drops wear off.
Why do you need glasses after dilation?
Once your eyes are dilated, there is an increase in light sensitivity because the pupil is large and more light is coming through, so bring your sunglasses, or your ophthalmologist may provide some disposable shades for your use. You may also experience blurry vision, particularly if you are trying to read.
Can I drive with sunglasses after dilation?
Many patients do drive themselves after having their eyes dilated, but it is important to remember that you will be sensitive to light, and your vision may be somewhat blurry. You should wear dark sunglasses after your exam.
Why do you have to wear shades after eye dilation?
The dilation drops paralyze the muscles that shrink the pupil and freeze it in a state of dilation so in order to prevent discomfort and promote better functionality it is recommended to wear dark sunglasses.