Pupil Dilation and Its Impact on Vision Health

Q: Pupil Dilation and Its Impact on Vision Health

Hello, Peng： 1. The changes in vision may be caused by myopia. If wearing appropriate glasses allows for clear vision, then there is no deterioration in vision; it is just that the prescription may have changed. 2. It should not be that severe. 3.

Pupil dilation parallax

Hello, I visited the ophthalmology department at National Taiwan University over a year ago.
At that time, I had a disparity in vision (I forgot the degree), with normal vision in my left eye and my right eye being myopic.
The doctor prescribed long-acting cycloplegic eye drops for my right eye.
About six months ago, I visited NTU again, and after continuously using the eye drops, my vision improved to 1.0 in both eyes.
However, after that, due to preparing for the academic test and using my eyes more, I stopped using the long-acting cycloplegic drops on my own.
My left eye remains at 1.0, but my right eye's vision has deteriorated to about 0.4.

1.
I would like to ask if the sudden deterioration in my vision is due to stopping the eye drops? (I have heard that the concentration of cycloplegic drops should be gradually reduced and not stopped abruptly.)
2.
Does long-term use of cycloplegic drops lead to a decrease in the accommodative function of the eye muscles?
3.
If I use short-acting cycloplegic drops at a concentration of 0.5% multiple times a day, will the effect be equivalent to that of long-acting cycloplegic drops?
4.
What methods are available to improve the severe disparity in my vision now?
5.
Now that I am 18 years old, is it still appropriate to use long-acting cycloplegic drops?
6.
Will dependence on cycloplegic drops lead to deterioration in vision after stopping their use?
7.
A few weeks ago, I visited an ophthalmology clinic and obtained 0.5% cycloplegic drops.
Are they insufficient for my current condition?

Peng, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/03/28

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello, Peng:
1.
The changes in vision may be caused by myopia.
If wearing appropriate glasses allows for clear vision, then there is no deterioration in vision; it is just that the prescription may have changed.

2.
It should not be that severe.

3.
Short-acting medications are not very effective; if you are going to use them, opt for long-acting ones.

4.
If you prefer not to use eye drops, you might consider wearing orthokeratology lenses.

5.
It is still worth trying.

6.
Vision and prescription are different.
What you are referring to is likely an increase in prescription.
Discontinuing long-acting medications may cause the prescription to change.
Vision may still be normal with the correct glasses.

7.
If it is short-acting, it should not be effective.
Moreover, since you are already 18 years old, your prescription is likely to be relatively stable.
You can observe the situation; not changing the prescription may not lead to an increase.

Reply Date: 2022/03/28

More Info

Hello! Thank you for your detailed questions regarding pupil dilation and its impact on vision health. It’s great that you are actively seeking to understand your eye health better. Let’s address your questions one by one.

1. Rapid Vision Deterioration After Stopping Eye Drops: It’s possible that the sudden cessation of your long-acting dilating drops could contribute to changes in your vision. When you stop using these drops abruptly, your eyes may need time to readjust, especially if they were accustomed to being dilated for an extended period. However, vision changes can also be influenced by other factors such as increased eye strain from studying or underlying conditions that may not have been fully addressed. It’s essential to consult your eye care professional to determine the exact cause of your vision changes.

2. Long-Term Use of Dilation Drops and Eye Muscle Function: Prolonged use of dilating drops can potentially affect the eye's ability to focus, as the ciliary muscle (which controls the lens shape for focusing) may become less responsive. This could lead to difficulties in adjusting focus between near and far objects. Regular monitoring by an eye care professional is crucial to assess any long-term effects on your eye muscle function.

3. Effectiveness of Short-Term Dilation Drops: Using a short-acting dilating drop (like 0.5% concentration) multiple times a day may not replicate the effects of long-acting drops. The duration and intensity of dilation can vary significantly between different types of drops. It’s best to follow your eye care provider’s recommendations regarding the type and frequency of drops to ensure optimal results without over-reliance.

4. Improving Severe Vision Discrepancy: If you are experiencing a significant difference in vision between your eyes (aniseikonia), it’s important to address this with your eye care provider. They may suggest corrective lenses, vision therapy, or other interventions to help balance your vision. Regular follow-ups are essential to monitor any changes.

5. Using Long-Acting Dilation Drops at 18: At 18, your eyes are still developing, but it’s not uncommon for young adults to use long-acting dilation drops if prescribed. Your eye care provider will consider your specific condition and needs before recommending this treatment. Always discuss any concerns with them.

6. Dependence on Dilation Drops and Vision Decline: Relying on dilation drops does not inherently cause vision deterioration once you stop using them. However, if your eyes have adapted to the drops, you may notice changes in your vision when they are discontinued. It’s crucial to maintain regular eye exams to monitor your vision health.

7. Sufficiency of 0.5% Dilation Drops: If you feel that the 0.5% drops are insufficient for your current condition, it’s important to communicate this with your eye care provider. They can assess your needs and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.

In summary, your vision health is multifaceted and can be influenced by various factors, including medication, eye strain, and underlying conditions. Regular check-ups with your eye care professional are vital to ensure that any changes in your vision are appropriately managed. If you have ongoing concerns or experience significant changes in your vision, do not hesitate to seek further evaluation. Your proactive approach to understanding your eye health is commendable, and I encourage you to continue advocating for your vision needs.

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