dilation drops have permanent effect?

Hello, 5 weeks ago I had my eyes dilated for the first time. I have some floaters and I wanted to make sure everything was ok with my retina. They applied several drops in my eyes and everything came out ok in the test. However; it took me a full 3 days for my pupils to go back to normal size and I was left with some light sensitivity (the sun seems too bright)  and halos/starburst around streetlamps and headlights that has not gone away!

I called the doctors and they said that it was highly unlikely that the drops caused permanent damage and they suggested getting an anti-glare coating for my glassess. I simply don't understand how I didn't have this problem before the drops and now I do, yet they didn't cause it?

Did they cause permanent damage? what should I do?
Thank you!

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Some drops take several days to wear off in some people. Example cyclogel. For that reason we don't use them except in children with eye muscle problems. Other people are very very sensitive (usually blue gray or green eyes) in that case we note it in the chart and use half strength eye drops.

The answer you were given is inappropriate and how anti glare glasses would help you is indeed strange.

What our practice does in a situation like this is have the person come in immediately so we can check the eyes to see if there is a side effect or problem with the eyedrops. We do this the same day they call and we do not charge for the exam.

If you are seeing an optometrist consider seeing an ophthalmologiest. Find onenear you at www.aao.org

If you are seeing an ophthalmologist try a different one.

In the future when you have your eyes examined always mention that drops kept your eyes dilated a long time and irritated them

JCH MD

[LaneyC]

Thank you doctor, weird thing is that I'm 23 and have brown eyes. Right now, I'm just using fake tears to eliminate any residual dilation drops. But I doubt that I have anything left since it has been over a month.
Thank You for you answer.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

try and find out what the drops were. Next time ask for something milder
JCHDM