What Not to Do After Eye Dilation?
Eye dilation is a routine procedure that allows your eye doctor to take a close look at your retina and other parts of your eye. While it’s a vital part of many eye exams, eye dilation can leave your eyes more sensitive to light and your vision blurry. These symptoms can last up to a few hours after your eye exam.
Proper care after dilation is crucial for your comfort and safety. It’s important to follow your optometrist’s instructions about caring for your eyes after you have your eye dilation.
What Happens During Eye Dilation?
Eye dilation involves administering special eye drops to widen (or dilate) your pupils, which gives your doctor a clear view of your retina and optic nerve at the back of your eye. It’s a quick and painless procedure that’s an important diagnostic tool for identifying vision conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration.
However, when your pupils are dilated, they cannot contract properly to control how much light enters your eyes. This causes heightened light sensitivity and temporarily blurred vision, which can last anywhere from 4 to 6 hours after your eye exam, or longer, depending on the type of drops used and your body’s response.
Eye dilations can be used to effectively diagnose:
What Not to Do After Eye Dilation
Now that you know how dilation works, let's talk about what you should avoid doing to ensure a smooth recovery and to keep your eyes safe.
1. Don’t Go Out Without Sunglasses
One of the most common mistakes people make after eye dilation is stepping outside without proper protection. Dilated pupils can’t regulate the amount of light entering your eyes, making them more susceptible to bright sunlight or even indoor lighting. Without sunglasses, UV rays and glare can cause discomfort or even damage.
2. Don’t Drive Immediately After
Driving after eye dilation is risky. Blurry vision and increased sensitivity to light make it difficult to judge distances and respond to visual cues on the road. This is especially concerning if you’re driving in bright sunlight or unfamiliar areas.
Arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home, or use a rideshare service. If that’s not an option, wait until your vision is back to normal before getting behind the wheel.
3. Avoid Prolonged Screen Time
Looking at screens—whether it’s your phone, laptop, or tablet—is not advisable after dilation. Blurred vision can strain your eyes and make focusing on small text or images more difficult. The blue light emitted by screens can also exacerbate light sensitivity, causing discomfort.
4. Don’t Do Strenuous Physical Activities
Strenuous activities, such as jogging, lifting weights, or playing sports, should be avoided for a few hours post-dilation. Increased blood flow and sweating may irritate your already sensitive eyes, and blurred vision can make it challenging to gauge distances or movements, potentially leading to accidents.
5. Don’t Overexpose Your Eyes to Artificial Lighting
Artificial lighting, particularly from fluorescent or LED bulbs, can feel harsh to dilated eyes. Sitting under bright or flickering lights for extended periods may worsen discomfort and strain.
Try to dim the lights in your home or office, and take breaks from well-lit spaces as needed. If you’re unable to control the lighting, wearing polarized sunglasses indoors can help reduce glare and provide relief.
6. Avoid Touching or Rubbing Your Eyes
While your vision may feel strange or blurry, it’s important not to touch or rub your eyes after dilation. Your eyes are particularly sensitive at this time, and rubbing them could lead to irritation or accidentally introduce bacteria.
7. Avoid Precision Tasks
If your day involves activities that require close focus or attention to detail—such as reading fine print, sewing, or working on technical tasks—those may need to be postponed. Blurred vision can hinder your ability to see clearly, increasing the likelihood of mistakes or strain.
Instead, reschedule these tasks for later in the day or the following day, once your vision has fully returned to normal.
8. Don’t Forget to Hydrate
Although it’s not directly linked to dilation, dehydration can exacerbate discomfort in your eyes, especially if they already feel sensitive or dry from the drops.
Other Tips for Post-Dilation Care
Here are some easy tips on additional actions you can take to protect your eyes after an eye dilation.
Use a hat or visor if you’re planning to spend time outdoors.
Have a friend or companion nearby who can help you, especially if your vision is significantly blurred.
Always adhere to any specific guidelines your doctor gives you based on your exam.
When to Call Your Doctor
While mild side effects like light sensitivity and blurry vision are normal, some symptoms may require medical attention. Contact your eye doctor if you experience:
Severe or prolonged discomfort
Intense eye pain
Sudden loss of vision
Unusual reactions, like redness or swelling
These could indicate an adverse reaction to the dilation drops or another underlying issue.
Protect Your Eyes After Eye Dilation
Taking proper care after eye dilation ensures a smooth recovery and keeps your eyes feeling comfortable and healthy. By avoiding the activities mentioned above and following the recommended tips, you can minimize discomfort and get back to your routine in no time.
At ProVision, our professional staff is here to help you meet your needs. Book an eye exam with us today.
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