Question 1

how long should your eyes stay dilated after an eye exam?

Accepted Answer

6-48 hrs: Depending on the drops used.  The most common drop tropicamide has a dilating effect of 4-8 hrs.  Next is cyclogyl (cyclopentolate) 24-48 hrs.

Rarely other longer acting drops are used in regular exam.  If you are stays dilated more than 48 hrs contact your eye doctor.

Question 2

14-yr-old son. had eye exam today, drops were given. one eye dilated much more than the other, and is taking longer to contract. is this normal?

Accepted Answer

Common: This depends upon the amount of the drop that was absorbed, and the internal biochemical neutralizing that the eye accomplishes.  Wait 12-24 hours to see the final result which almost certainly will be fine.

Question 3

please explain how long will my eyes stay dilated after an eye exam?

Accepted Answer

Pupil dilating drops: Usually last for 4-6 hours after they are instilled.  Depending on the patient, the drops may last longer, especially with people who are blue-eyed.  In addition, some dilating drops are known to last longer.  We try to avoid them whenever possible so the drops wear off more quickly.

Question 4

is it possible for sunlight to damage your eyes after an eye exam if your eyes were too dilated?

Accepted Answer

No: While more light is let in, the protective reflex to avoid looking directly at the sun is still in place, so you will be ok  if you don't stare at the sun until the drops wear off.

Question 5

why is it that they dilate your eyes during an eye exam?

Accepted Answer

Pupil dilation: Is an important part of a complete eye exam.  This allows the eye doctor to evaluate your retinas more completely than through pupils which tend to constrict with light when they are not dilated.

Question 6

is it necessary to have your eyes dilated when having an eye exam?

Accepted Answer

Depends: It depends what your are looking for, what the problem is that you are being examined for and the doctor and his or her preference.  Often the doctor can see what is needed without dilation.  However, a thorough and comple exam will require dilation and a good look at the back of the eye (retina).  There are many other reasons to give.

Question 7

i got my eyes dilated for eye exam 24 hours later they are still dialated, why?

Accepted Answer

Pupil dilating drops: Usually wear off in 4-6 hours, but can last longer.  This is especially true with blue eyed patients and with the use of certain dilating drops which can last longer than others.

Question 8

got my eyes dilated for an eye exam yesterday, my eyes are still dilated and it's been over 24hrs, is there a chance they're stuck like this?

Accepted Answer

No not stuck, but: lingering, and if your eyes are dilated during the day, you may want to contact your eye doctor. It can be dilated at night normally. So, all eyes dilated at the eye doctor's office do return to normal within 24 hours.

Question 9

my friend's eyes remained dilated long after her eye exam, so her dr put drops in her eyes to reverse it. when should the 2nd drops begin to wear off?

Accepted Answer

Second drops take : 1-2 hours to bring the pupils back to normal. After this time the puplls should react normally. The reversal eye drops just return the pupils to normal.

Question 10

is it a  routine thing to dilate your eyes during a general eye exam?

Accepted Answer

Common: Dilation allows the ophthalmologist to view portions of the back of the eye not possible in the undilated state.  Sometimes there are indications for this such as diabetes and symptoms indicating problems in the back of the eye.  It is not "routine" but should be done once every few years.  The ophthalmologist will usually ask if it is ok in your case since it temporarily disturbs vision.

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Doctor answers about:

How long should eyes stay dilated after an eye exam

A member asked:

How long should your eyes stay dilated after an eye exam?

A member asked:

14-yr-old son. had eye exam today, drops were given. one eye dilated much more than the other, and is taking longer to contract. is this normal?

A member asked:

Please explain how long will my eyes stay dilated after an eye exam?

A member asked:

Is it possible for sunlight to damage your eyes after an eye exam if your eyes were too dilated?

A member asked:

Why is it that they dilate your eyes during an eye exam?

A member asked:

Is it necessary to have your eyes dilated when having an eye exam?

A member asked:

I got my eyes dilated for eye exam 24 hours later they are still dialated, why?

A member asked:

Got my eyes dilated for an eye exam yesterday, my eyes are still dilated and it's been over 24hrs, is there a chance they're stuck like this?

A member asked:

My friend's eyes remained dilated long after her eye exam, so her dr put drops in her eyes to reverse it. when should the 2nd drops begin to wear off?

A member asked:

Is it a routine thing to dilate your eyes during a general eye exam?

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