(Learn More), Everyone reacts differently to the eye drops used to dilate the eyes. Artificial tears are available for purchase without a prescription. Hold the tear ducts closed for a minute or two—or as long as your ophthalmologist recommends—before opening your eyes. As the blood gradually disappears with time, the … Dry eyes are a common condition that results from insufficient tear quantity, or inadequate tear quality. Once your eyes are dilated, it is common for your vision to be blurry. If you try to focus on nearby objects, it can be difficult. Your eyes may become red, itchy, and watery. (June 2019). Red eyes. American Heart Association. But sometimes it can be more serious and you'll need to get medical help. DO NOT USE if you have been diagnosed with narrow angle glaucoma. *$1250 LASIK discount for first responders, up to $1000 discount for all others. Eye redness can occur for a number of reasons. It also relaxes the muscles that allow the pupil to become smaller. Some of these drops also contain lubricants to reduce dryness and irritation that may be causing red eyes. Most bottles of eye drops contain preservatives which limit bacterial growth but not entirely. Some eye drops will make your eyes burn or sting when you first put them in. If you are experiencing any ocular or vision problems, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor for a comprehensive diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan— your eyes will thank you! These drops will also dilate the pupil and cause blurred near vision and sensitivity to bright lights for a few hours. You may think of shingles as a painful red rash on the body that causes weeks (typically 3-5 weeks) of misery before it resolves, but shingles also can strike the eye and cause lasting damage to your vision. The doctor will input eye drops that work to widen your pupils. Eye Dilation: Necessary With Every Eye Exam? The eye drops the doctor uses may sting for a few seconds after they are applied. If you do use redness-reliving eye drops… Rebound redness can get worse over time, and may lead to chronic red eyes. But if the redness is due to conjunctivitis, the red eyes may remain for up to two weeks. Dry eyes can range from a mild inconvenience to a chronic problem. If atropine is used, the following side effects are possible: Compared to other eye dilation eye drops, atropine tends to be longer acting. If you wear contact lenses, your doctor will suggest that you avoid putting them in until the dilation reduces. Blepharitis: Inflamed and red eyelids, caused by bacterial or fungal infection, dry eye, gland dysfunction or parasites, all of which require further treatment than eye drops. The Optometrists Network is the most visited online platform for evidence-based research and the latest on clinical eye care management. It may also be done in an acute setting to evaluate a possible injury to the eye. Dilating Eye Drops. Common symptoms of allergies are watery, red, itchy eyes, and swollen eyelids. Some eye drops are to be cautiously used for limited periods, while others can be used for an unlimited duration of time. Preservative-free drops are recommended because they contain fewer additives which can irritate the eyes. Under your doctor’s care, you can rest assured that the eye drops prescribed are both safe and effective. The average dilation is four to six hours. Eye allergies are a common complaint, but medicated eye drops can provide significant relief. Long-term use can make redness worse (called “rebound redness”). American Academy of Ophthalmology. Smoking: Smoke can release toxins that irritate the eye and cause bloodshot eyes. Commonly used eye drops include: Phenylephrine; … While the drops can make your eyes look and feel better, frequent use over a long period of time may aggravate the problems. Mayo Clinic. (Learn More), For most people, their eyes remain dilated for four to six hours. The Eyes Have It for High Blood Pressure Clues. After the eye drops wear off, your eyes may become more red. (Learn More), Your doctor will provide you with instructions on how to care for your eyes until the effects of the dilation wear off. They are looking for abnormalities that may indicate the following conditions: Eye dilation may be done as part of a comprehensive eye examination or to look for an acute injury, such as a retinal detachment. Avoid driving until all the blurriness resolves. In most cases, it takes seven to 10 days for a subconjunctival hemorrhage to resolve on its own. Glaucoma eye drops function to preserve your vision and reduce vision loss. It takes approximately 30 minutes for the pupils to dilate enough for the doctor to perform the eye examination. Common Causes of Red Eyes. Try storing your eye drops in the refrigerator; the coolness of the drops can make it easier to tell when the drops enter the eye. The Find an Eye Doctor directory lists eye doctors near you that are experienced in using and prescribing eye drops. Eye drops for red-eye are called decongestants, and can help to reduce the swelling of the blood vessels in the eyes. Caution: Decongestants may cause a rebound effect. There are many different types of eye drops for glaucoma treatment. Take the first step toward better vision by booking an appointment and learn if Lasik is right for you. To obtain an accurate measure of a refractive error, your lens must be relaxed. American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. Red eyes is a temporary condition that results when the tiny blood vessels on the surface of your eye expand due to irritation. Apply gentle pressure to your tear ducts, where the eyelid meets the nose. In most cases, lubricating eye drops will provide sufficient relief of symptoms that occur as a result of exhaustion or living in a dry climate. Pupil dilation enables a clear view of the inner eye and all of its structures— more specifically the lens, vitreous, and retina. An eye infection is one of the most common health problems that can affect people of any age.