#dilatedeyeexam

When it comes to diagnosis for a variety of retinal conditions then pupil dilation is an important aspect performed by an ophthalmologist. Many patients drive after coming back from pupil dilation but there is evidence that it is not a good idea. Here at windy city retina center, Dr. Ankit Desai discusses why someone shouldn’t drive after dilation.

Understand the Importance of Pupil Dilation

Most of the individuals have their pupil dilation on regular basis during eye examinations; many don’t understand the importance of pupil dilation. By dilating the pupil, your eye doctors can more easily visualize and examine nerves and blood vessels on the retina. Pupil dilation plays a crucial role in the diagnosis of conditions such as glaucoma, diabetes, macular degeneration, or eye tumors.

How Is Pupil Dilation Completed? 

To perform pupil dilation, a specific type of eye drop is used by an ophthalmologist into each eye. Dilated drop contain two active ingredients; one ingredient is used to paralyze the muscle that contains the pupil, and one to stimulate the muscle that widens it. Pupils will be fully opened approximately after 20-30 minutes. The time taken by eyes to return to normal is from four to six hours.

How Dilation Affect Our Eyes?

After the dilation of eyes, there is an appearance of blurry vision, and will have a particularly difficult time focusing on up-close objects. Additionally, you will be much more sensitive to bright lights. Whether it is a situation of light or dark outside, driving can be risky, as glaring is also a common side effect of pupil dilation.

Pupil Dilation and Driving

Driving after pupil dilation is a matter of controversy. While plenty of research and studies tells that dilation does lead to vision deterioration, but the effects may not be severe enough to make a marked difference.

However, according to other experts, the effects are simply unpredictable to support driving after pupil dilation. There are multiple factors at play when driving, such as the weather, the traffic, the particular time of the day, and how long the patient must drive following the eye appointment.   

In Conclusion: Better Safe Than Sorry

At windy city retina, we are proponents of the adage better safe than sorry. Whereas many of the patients may be fine driving after dilation, others may not realize there is trouble until it is too late. It is important to be fully alert and ready for anything. Following pupil dilation, the possibility of glary could simply be too obstructive. Therefore we recommend that patients with their pupil dilated bring a trusted friend or any family member to drop him at home after their appointment.

Learn about Pupil Dilation