Dilation of the pupil is a physiological response that increases the
size of the pupil in the eye by stimulating the iris dilator muscle and/or
paralyzing the iris sphincter muscle.
Dilation of the pupils causes increased light sensitivity and decreased near
vision. For most, distance vision remains unaffected. Sunglasses are recommended
for patient comfort.
Medical eye drops are used to dilate the eye. This may cause a small amount of
short-lived discomfort (burning/stinging).
The length of time you should expect to remain dilated differs for each person. For
most it lasts approximately 4-6 hours, but can vary.
We recommend you have your eyes dilated every 1-2 years to screen and evaluate for
retinal diseases and disorders such as diabetic retinopathy, hypertensive retinopathy,
retinal holes or tears, retinal detachment, retinitis pigmentosa,
cataracts,
glaucoma,
optic neuropathy, and macular degeneration.
If you have recently sustained an injury or have experienced the onset of flashes,
floaters, or a sudden loss of vision, please see an eye care specialist as soon as
possible for a dilated eye examination.