How long should I take the atropine after a retinal detachment surgery

I had a sclera bucking surgery with air bubble injected 4 weeks ago. I was asked to have 2 drops of Atropine per day to keep the pupil dilated. However, having the pupil dilated cause the vision very blur.
I don't have any pain or uncomfortable since 2 weeks ago. When can I stop the Atropine ?
My surgeon is on vacation till 2 weeks later and I cannot ask him this question until 2 weeks later. Even worse, the effect of the Atropine will not disappear until 14 days I stop using it.

Can anyone tell me how long should the Atropine normall be taken after the surgery if there is no pain ? Can I stop now as even I stop now, the effect will still be there for another 2 weeks (i.e. 6 weeks after the surgery)
Thanks


Taurus

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

I have never routinely used atropine after retinal surgery.  I know some retinal docs use it.  It makes it easy to exam the eyes since it is already dilated and it is supposed to decrease ciliary spasm.   Years ago, I use homatropine which has a much shorter effect and usually stopped it in a week.  

I have not routinely used a post operative dilating drop after retina vitreous surgery for the past 10 years. In some cases I have put in atropine to have the eye dilated the next day for a quicker post operative visit. In the rare patient with discomfort, I have used homatropine for a few days to a week.

Dr. O.

[taurus1203]

Dr  Oyakawa,
Thanks for your reply.
I did some google in the last few days and found quite a lot of people have the Atropine after the sclera surgery but not many mentioned for how long.
I also found an article mentioned the reason of using Atropine
"...
Keeping the pupil big is important after surgery to prevent scar tissue formation (synechia). This is especially true for children with iritis. However, mydriatics are not always used after eye surgery as in some cases pupil dilation is not desired.
....

from
Alex V. Levin, MD, MHSc, FRCSC
Department of Ophthalmology
The Hospital for Sick Children
University of Toronto

"



Taurus.