When you visit the optometrist for an eye exam, they’ll dilate your pupils using eye drops. This enables the doctor to get a better look inside your eye to diagnose any signs of disease or damage, such as a torn retina, glaucoma, or macular degeneration. The eye drops are painless but the dilation can last for hours. Here are some post-appointment tips to keep you safe and comfortable.

Do:

Wear sunglasses.

When someone’s eyes are dilated, they’re unable to adjust to sunlight, which will make them sensitive even if the day is overcast. Therefore, bring sunglasses to protect your pupils and avoid a headache.

Bring a friend.

While some patients do drive themselves home after their eye exam, it’s best to avoid it for your safety and others. It can be difficult to read signs or see obstacles when your eyes are dilated, so call in a favor from a friend by asking them to drop you off and pick you up.

Don’t:

Go back to work.

Normal vision will not return for a few hours after the eye exam, so plan to take the rest of the day off. The light from the LED or LCD monitor will seem harsh, and you may be unable to read the computer screen. Even if you don’t work in an office setting, you will not have the visual acuity to operate at peak performance.

Be afraid to call the doctor.

Dilation is safe, and most people experience no adverse symptoms. If, however, the dilation lasts longer than six hours, call the optometrist’s office or your physician. Also do so if you experience a severe headache or nausea.

Dr. L R Gabe in Show Low, AZ, is a trusted eye doctor with more than 40 years of experience providing quality eye care to the community. Dr. Gabe has a “patient first” philosophy, offering convenient Saturday hours, emergency eye care and eyeglass repair, and school vision testing. To schedule your eye exam, call (928) 537-5565 or send the office a message online now with questions.