Dilated pupils how long last

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Written by tucsonoptometr on November 10, Posted in Treatment. Dilating the eyes causes the pupil to increase in size. This is beneficial for optometrists because it enables them to conduct a complete inspection of your eye health. Primarily the retina and optic nerve. It allows eye doctors to help you in identifying and preventing any possible eye conditions. While dilating the eyes makes your pupils bigger for your eye doctor to see. To learn more about the process of eye dilation and how long it takes to wear off, continue reading.

On average, it takes four to six hours for eye dilation to wear off. Alternatively, it only takes about 30 minutes for your eyes to dilate fully. So, the exact time it takes for your dilation to wear off can be lesser or greater. In some cases, dilating eye drops are necessary to treat eye problems, such as amblyopia, inflammation, and progressive nearsightedness progressive high myopia. Dilating eye drops used for examination of the eyes usually last anywhere from 4 to 24 hours.

This depends on the strength and type of the drop, and on the individual patient. Dilation can last longer in people with lighter colored eyes, and in some cases, may last longer than 24 hours. Children need stronger drops than adults to accurately measure their need for glasses refractive errors in children.

Weaker drops are used for premature babies or patients with a seizure history. Dilating eye drops used to treat certain eye diseases usually last longer than those used for the eye exam, often lasting up to 2 weeks. Even though they last longer, your doctor may still ask you to use the drop daily or twice a week for effective treatment. Light sensitivity and blurry vision at near are common side effects.

Both these gradually go away within 4 to 6 hours. Sunglasses can help decrease sensitivity to light after a dilated eye exam. Children can go back to school, but teachers should expect them to have blurry vision while reading.

Allergic reactions are rare but can include eyelid swelling and red eyes. What are the side effects of eye dilation drops? Why is eye dilation important? Tips for managing eye dilation side effects. Eye health tips. The takeaway. Read this next.

Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. Medically reviewed by Timothy J. Legg, Ph. Standard Ophthalmic Exam. Electroretinography An electroretinography ERG test, also known as an electroretinogram, measures the electrical response of the light-sensitive cells in your eyes.