Normally, a “pupil” in humans has a diameter of about 3-4 mm and will constrict when exposed to bright light. When examining the internal parts of the eye, including the lens, vitreous humor, retina, and optic nerve head, ophthalmologists need to shine light through the pupil to see any lesions inside the eye. However, because the pupil is very small, it is necessary to dilate the pupil by using pupil-dilating eye drops.
5 Reasons for Using Pupil-Dilating Eye Drops
- To widen the pupil for a more detailed examination inside the eye.
- To assist in eye surgeries, including cataract surgery (lens removal), vitreous surgery, retinal surgery, and laser treatment on the retina, making these procedures easier.
- In cases of inflammation inside the eye, the pupil may stick to nearby parts such as the lens, cornea, vitreous humor, or the drainage angle of the eye, causing glaucoma, cataracts, or pupil blockage that obstructs vision. Pupil dilation helps reduce adhesion of the pupil to these parts.
- Pupil-dilating drops often reduce eye focusing ability, making them suitable for treating diseases of the iris and the ciliary body tissue inside the eye. These drops relax the iris and ciliary body, reducing pain and helping inflammation heal faster.
- They help measure vision more accurately (due to reduced focusing ability), especially in children or when measuring for the first pair of glasses, as children tend to constantly focus, causing inaccurate vision measurements.
Side Effects of Using Pupil-Dilating Eye Drops
- Light sensitivity because the pupil does not constrict in response to light, causing eye stinging and discomfort in bright environments. These symptoms gradually improve as the medication wears off.
- Blurred near vision due to the inability of the focusing muscles to work.
- In some patients with narrow anterior chamber angles, it may cause acute glaucoma.
Recommendations After Using Pupil-Dilating Eye Drops
- After using pupil-dilating drops, vision will be blurry for about 6-8 hours, making it impossible to drive or read.
- Patients must be accompanied by a relative every time and/or should not drive after pupil dilation. If the patient comes alone and wishes to have their pupils dilated, it is recommended to take a taxi home or wait for a relative to pick them up.
- If the patient needs to be sent to another department after pupil dilation, they must use a wheelchair for transportation every time, as walking may cause falls or injuries from bumping into objects or other people.
- Use sunglasses to help reduce glare.
