Mydriatic Agents: Effects on Eye Health and Vision

Regarding mydriatics?

Hello Doctor: I am currently 34 years old.
My left and right eyes have myopia of -250 and -275, respectively, with astigmatism of -1.25 and -1.00.
Recently, I visited a clinic due to eye fatigue, and the doctor prescribed a short-acting dilating agent, which I used for about 10 days.
One night, I felt some pain near my temples and experienced nausea, but I did not see any rainbow patterns when looking at lights.
My eyes were not red or swollen.
I would like to ask if this is a symptom of glaucoma or if it could be caused by the dilating agent.
During my follow-up visit, the doctor examined my eyes and did not mention any such condition, but I am still concerned and would like to consult you further.
Additionally, the doctor prescribed a long-acting dilating agent.
I would like to know if using a long-acting dilating agent could cause glaucoma.
If I use the long-acting dilating agent and my myopia decreases, should I consider the reduced prescription as the correct lens power for my glasses? Also, will I need to use it long-term to maintain the reduced prescription? Thank you for your response.

Xiao Zhan, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/11/29

Dr. Feng Jiefan reply Ophthalmology

1.
The symptoms of glaucoma are quite diverse, and it is necessary to have data from intraocular pressure measurements, fundus examinations, and visual field tests to make a diagnosis.
If there are any doubts, one should consult a physician for an examination.

2.
Mydriatic agents can induce glaucoma in individuals with certain predispositions.
Typically, dilation causes paralysis of the ciliary muscle, allowing for more accurate measurements of refractive error.
If the prescription significantly decreases after instillation of the drops, it indicates that the muscle has been in a prolonged state of tension.
It is advisable to remind oneself to look at distant objects to reduce muscle tension.

Wishing you health and safety,
Ophthalmologist - Feng Chieh-Fan

Reply Date: 2010/11/29

More Info

Mydriatic agents, commonly known as dilating drops, are used in ophthalmology to widen the pupil for better examination of the eye's interior. They can be classified into short-acting and long-acting agents, each with specific applications and effects. Understanding their impact on eye health and vision is crucial, especially for individuals with pre-existing conditions like glaucoma or those experiencing symptoms such as headaches and nausea after administration.

In your case, you mentioned experiencing discomfort near your temples and nausea after using a short-acting mydriatic agent for about ten days. While these symptoms can be concerning, they are not typical indicators of glaucoma. Glaucoma symptoms often include blurred vision, severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, and seeing halos around lights. The absence of redness or swelling in your eyes is also a positive sign, as these symptoms are often associated with more acute eye conditions.

However, it is essential to consider that mydriatic agents can temporarily increase intraocular pressure (IOP) in susceptible individuals, particularly those with narrow angles or pre-existing glaucoma. If you have a family history of glaucoma or have been diagnosed with any form of it, it is prudent to discuss your symptoms with your ophthalmologist. They can perform a thorough examination, including measuring your IOP, to rule out any potential issues.

Regarding the long-acting mydriatic agent prescribed to you, it is important to follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Long-acting agents can have a more prolonged effect on pupil dilation, which may lead to a longer duration of increased IOP. If you experience any adverse effects, such as persistent headaches or visual disturbances, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately.

As for your concern about whether the use of long-acting mydriatic agents could lead to a reduction in your myopia (nearsightedness) and whether this would necessitate a change in your prescription glasses, the answer is nuanced. Mydriatic agents temporarily paralyze the ciliary muscle, which can affect accommodation (the eye's ability to focus on near objects). This might give the impression of a change in your refractive error, but it is not a permanent solution. If your vision appears clearer after using these drops, it does not mean your myopia has been corrected; rather, it is a temporary effect.
To maintain any changes in vision, you would need to address the underlying refractive error through appropriate corrective lenses or surgical options, if suitable. Regular eye exams are essential to monitor your vision and eye health, especially if you are using mydriatic agents frequently.

In summary, while mydriatic agents are valuable tools in eye examinations, they can have side effects and implications for individuals with specific eye conditions. If you have concerns about your symptoms or the effects of these medications, it is crucial to maintain open communication with your ophthalmologist. They can provide personalized advice based on your medical history and current eye health status. Always prioritize your eye health by adhering to prescribed treatments and attending regular check-ups.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Pupil Dilation: Concerns About Vision Clarity in Teens

Hello, doctor. My daughter is currently 13 years old and has a significant difference in vision between her eyes, with the right eye at 0.3 and the left eye at 1.0. However, she can still see clearly. Recently, we visited an ophthalmologist who prescribed a dilating agent. After ...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello Ms. Chen: Here are the side effects of mydriatic agents. The side effects produced by mydriatics include photophobia and blurred near vision. Short-acting mydriatics do not cause photophobia, but they are less effective in controlling myopia. On the other hand, long-acting ...

Is Long-Term Use of Mydriatics Safe for Open-Angle Glaucoma Patients?

Hello, I am a 54-year-old patient with open-angle glaucoma, cataracts, and myopia. 1. What are the indications for using mydriatic agents in ophthalmology? From the information I have gathered, mydriatic agents are typically used in the following three situations: (1) To dilate...

Dr. He Jianxian reply Ophthalmology
Dear Ms. Li, 1. Mydriatic agents are not intended for routine use to alleviate eye fatigue, and this applies to both glaucoma and non-glaucoma patients. 2. Clinically, the routine use of mydriatic agents as a choice for relieving eye fatigue is not recommended; please discuss th...

Understanding the Duration of Pupil Dilation Effects from Eye Drops

Due to experiencing floaters, I went to the hospital for an examination and received a dilating agent. By evening, my vision still feels blurry. I would like to know how long the effects of the dilating agent last.

Dr. Cai Wenyuan reply Ophthalmology
Hello, the mydriatic agent commonly used for retinal examinations is of the short-acting type, with a duration of approximately 4 to 6 hours. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cai Wenyuan, Director of the Ophthalmology Department, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health ...

Understanding the Impact of Mydriatic Agents and Laser Treatment on Retina Health

Dear Dr. Wang, I have three questions regarding retinal examination and treatment: 1) A few days ago, I went to the clinic for retinal laser treatment and was scheduled for a follow-up in one month. However, when I left the clinic, I didn't realize it was noon and walked u...

Dr. Wang Zhangji reply Ophthalmology
You are already wearing a hat and keeping your head down, so short-term exposure to bright light is unlikely to cause significant harm. There's no need to worry too much; just make sure to follow up with regular check-ups.