Medically reviewed by Dr. Ben Wild
From the FYidoctors Ottawa - McLeod St
How Long Do Dilated Pupils Last?
After an eye exam involving dilating drops, the effects can last from 4 to 24 hours before your pupils return to their normal size. The duration varies based on the type of drops used and your individual reaction to them. While your pupils are dilated, you might experience increased light sensitivity and blurry vision, especially when focusing on close objects. It's advisable to wear sunglasses and consider having someone else drive to ensure safety and comfort. If you have any concerns about the dilation duration, discuss them with your optometrist for personalized advice.
What is Pupil Dilation?
Pupil dilation is the enlargement of the black center of the eye, known as the pupil. Normally, pupils adjust their size in response to the amount of light entering the eye; they get smaller in bright environments and larger in dimmer settings. Pupils can also change size due to emotional factors, such as fear or excitement.
During an eye exam, your doctor will use dilating drops to widen your pupils, allowing a better view of the back of your eye. This lowers the chances of missing eye diseases or other conditions that could affect your vision. So while the temporary blurriness might be a bit annoying, dilated pupils play a key role in maintaining your eye health.
Why Do Pupils Get Dilated During an Eye Exam?
During a comprehensive eye exam, your optometrist will use special dilating drops to widen your pupils. These drops, such as tropicamide or phenylephrine, work by temporarily relaxing the muscles that control your pupil size. Cyclogyl is sometimes used to relax the eye muscles to get a more accurate glasses prescription, but it also causes pupil dilation. This allows more light to enter your eye, giving your doctor a better view of the internal structures, including the retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels.
- Check for signs of eye diseases like glaucoma, macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy
- Assess the health of your retina and optic nerve
- Evaluate your overall eye health and vision
- In some cases, it allows the doctor to obtain a more accurate glasses prescription.
While the dilation process can cause some stinging, the drops can cause your pupils to widen substantially, making your eyes more sensitive to light. You may also experience blurry vision, particularly when focusing on close objects. These effects are temporary and typically last a few hours, depending on the type of drops used and your individual response.
How Long Does Pupil Dilation Last?
The duration of pupil dilation can vary depending on several factors, but typically, it takes between 4 to 36 hours for your pupils to return to their normal size. This wide range is due to individual differences, such as iris colour, in how quickly your eyes respond to the dilating drops and the specific type of drops used.
What Factors Affect the Duration of Dilation?
- Type of dilating drops: Some drops, such as tropicamide, tend to wear off more quickly, while others, like atropine, can have longer-lasting effects. Your optometrist will choose the most appropriate drops based on your specific needs and the purpose of the examination.
- Individual response: Everyone's eyes react differently to dilating drops. Some people may find that their pupils return to normal size within a few hours, while others may experience prolonged dilation lasting up to a day. Blue irises tend to be related to longer pupil dilation.
If you have concerns about how long your pupils will remain dilated after an eye exam, don't hesitate to discuss this with your optometrist. They can provide personalized guidance based on the specific drops used and your individual response.
How to Manage Life with Dilated Pupils
After your eye exam, you may find that everyday activities become a bit more challenging with dilated pupils. One of the most common issues is increased sensitivity to light, which can cause discomfort or even temporary vision impairment. To protect your eyes and ensure a more comfortable post-exam experience, it's essential to wear sunglasses when you step outside or enter brightly lit areas.
Another important consideration is driving. Until the effects of the dilation drops wear off, it's advisable to avoid getting behind the wheel. Your vision may be blurry, and your eyes may have difficulty adjusting to changes in light, making it harder to see clearly and react quickly to potential hazards on the road. If you must travel after your appointment, consider arranging for a ride from a friend, family member, or ride-sharing service to ensure your safety and the safety of others.
If you have any concerns about managing your daily activities with dilated pupils, don't hesitate to discuss them with your optometrist during your appointment. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific needs and the expected duration of your dilation.
What Should You Avoid After Having Your Pupils Dilated?
In the hours following your eye exam, it's crucial to take extra precautions to protect your dilated pupils from potential harm. One of the most important things to avoid is exposure to bright or artificial lights, as your eyes will be much more sensitive than usual. This increased sensitivity can lead to discomfort, headaches, or even temporary vision impairment.
Additionally, it's best to steer clear of tasks that require sharp visual focus until your pupils return to their normal size. Reading, working on a computer, or using your smartphone can strain your eyes and cause further discomfort. If you must engage in these activities, try to take frequent breaks and rest your eyes periodically.
Did You Know? Some people's pupils may stay dilated for up to 24 hours after their eye exam, depending on factors like age, eye color, and the type of dilating drops used.FAQ
How long does it take for dilated pupils to go down?
Can I drive after my eyes are dilated?
How do you get rid of dilated pupils fast?
What not to do after eye dilation?
How long is too long for eyes to be dilated?
When to worry about dilated pupils?
What happens if your pupils are dilated for too long?
What to do if eye dilation doesn't go away?