The optometrist put eye drops to dilate my pupils & now I can hardly see cuz its so bright, how long will last

Question

I've just been to the optometrist. She did a cataract and retinal exam and put special eye drops to dilate my pupils. After I went out of the dark office, I can hardly see because it's so bright outside (it's a sunny afternoon here). How long will the medicine last?

I looked in the mirror and my pupils are still dilated. I especially can't bear to look at bright whites and yellows right now cause it hurts.

Answer 1

It can vary from a couple of hours to several. You can go on with your normal activities, just avoid bright lights for now. TV and computer won't be a problem, although you may find it difficult to focus until they wear off.

Answer 2

It takes six hours for my pupil to return to normal size when my eye is dilated. The time varies from person to person. (When I look at my dilated eye in the mirror, my pupil is really big!)  

When you go outside where it is so bright,  you must wear clip-on  *sunglasses* to protect you eyes.  If you don’t wear the sunglasses, the bright light will hurt your dilated eyes.

When you reach home just lie down and rest your eyes.  Don’t  watch television (bright lights).

Answer 3

My friend just had this done, the doctor told her two hours.

Answer 4

The last time I had that done, it lasted for a few hours.

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Answer 5

3 hours

Answer 6

Generally 'Tropicamide ' is used which lasts 4 to 8 hours but if it is a 'Cyclopentolate', it takes 24 hours to wear off.

Answer 7

You shouldn't be on the computer.  It should last a few hours, depending on how fast your metabolism is.  Go lie down and rest or something, you shouldn't watch TV or stare at lights/screens - it can damage your eyes.  Wear sunglasses when going outside but try to avoid going outside at all.