Maintaining healthy eyes and good vision requires routine eye examinations. Eye care professionals gather each patient's medical information, such as allergies to medications, to monitor eye health, but also to avoid complications from any part of the exam. Knowing the dangers related to eye exams may help patients avoid potential problems.
Dilation
Most eye doctors use drops to dilate both pupils for a full eye examination. Approximately 20 to 30 minutes after instillment of the drops, the pupils will enlarge, and the doctor will examine the back of the eye. Dilation typically lasts a few hours and may cause light sensitivity and blurred vision. Some patients do not have problems driving with dilated pupils, while other patients do not feel comfortable driving due to the side effects of dilation.
Allergy
Doctors may use different types of eye drops during an eye exam. Dilating drops are commonly used, as well as drops that numb the surface of the eye. As with any medication, some people have allergic reactions to the drops. Most reactions only affect the eyes, causing irritation that gradually lessens as the effect of the drops wears off. Other reactions may include changes in heart rate, headache or lightheadedness. Some patients have severe reactions to eye drops and experience hallucinations or seizures. However, these reactions are rare and usually occur only in premature babies, according to the Pediatric Glaucoma & Cataract Family Association.
Skin Reaction
Drops may cause the face to turn red, and mild to profuse sweating may accompany the flushed face. These reactions do not cause permanent damage, and symptoms will slowly improve as the drops move out of the patient's system. If these reactions occur, the doctor or her staff will note this in the chart. Dilating drops may cause some whitening on the skin around the eyes, particularly the eyelids. The drops cause the blood vessels to constrict, but skin will return to normal coloring once the effects have worn off.
Solutions
Many doctors provide dark glasses after an eye exam. These will help with light sensitivity and make driving easier, particularly on sunny days. Some offices provide reversing drops that will reduce the time of dilation, though these drops may cause stinging and allergic reactions. They work well for some patients. Doctors often recommend a patient bring a friend or relative to fdrive or him after the appointment. This remains one of the best solutions for ensuring a safe drive home after eye dilation.
Considerations
Eye care professionals understand the dangers involved in eye examinations. Patients with known allergies to medications or a history of exam-related complications should discuss these issues at the beginning of the examination. The doctor may decide to conduct the exam in a different way to avoid potential problems.
