Dilating drops permit medical professionals a better view into the eye, make it much easier to carry out eye surgery, and eliminate the pain of some eye diseases, like uveitis, an inflammation of the uvea in the eye. Drops used to dilate eyes are called mydriatics. Cycloplegic drops are a kind of mydriatic drop; cycloplegics disable the ciliary muscles to keep the pupil dilated. Some dilating drops combine mydriatics and cycloplegics. Like any medication, dilating drops can cause side effects. Side effects of cycloplegics are longer lasting and potentially more serious.
Mydriatic Effects
Dilating drops can sting and burn when first placed. This impact usually lasts just a minute or more, according to the Mayo Clinic. Eye irritation or reddening might take place. Drops that are strictly mydriatics, with no cycloplegic drug added, like phenylephrine, dilate the eye for several hours. The side effects of pupil dilation are light sensitivity and blurred vision. Headache and pain in the eyebrow can also happen, according to the Mayo Clinic.
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Cycloplegic Effects
Cycloplegic drugs disable the ciliary muscles of the eye and keep the pupil open longer. Atropine, a cycloplegic, is a drug that has long lasting results; if atropine is offered, the pupil may remain dilated for two weeks, inning accordance with the Mayo Clinic. Eyes may water or redden from cycloplegic drops, also inning accordance with Mayo, and eyelids might swell. Cycloplegics can cause a major rise in intra-ocular pressure in people with narrow angle glaucoma, which is fluid buildup behind the colored part of the eye, the iris, according to Aging Eye Times, and must not be given to individuals with this condition. Cycloplegics likewise cause a loss of accommodation in the eye; accommodation is the changing of the curvature of the lens to see things close up.
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Systemic Effects
Any dilating drop can be taken in systemically and cause side effects outside the eye. You might experience and increase in blood pressure, lightheadedness, paleness, headache, a sensation that your heart is pounding, or an irregular heartbeat or quick heart beat, according to the Mayo Clinic. Thirst, dry mouth or skin, or uncommon tiredness may also happen.
