Allergic reaction to medically induced eye dilation.

[kussese]

Today I had an eye examination and my eyes were dilated for the first time. Apparently, I had an allergic reaction to one of the drops that was put into my eye. The assistant put three different types of drops into my eyes, and about ten seconds later, I passed out, my eyes rolled back, and I started having spasms (or so I've been told). I woke up shortly with my dad holding his arms around me to keep me still while the other assistants came rush in. Although my entire body was numb afterwards, most of the numbness was in my hands and feet, which lasted for about ten minutes. It also felt like my hands and feet were shaking rapidly, although they weren't moving at all. I'm assuming that my temperature was relatively high, as the assistants kept putting ice pacts on me. Afterwards, I was told that this rarely happens, and that it has only happened twice in the past fifteen years at that particular office. Because all there drops weren't administered separately, they weren't really sure what was the cause of my reaction. I've been trying to find information on this, but I haven't uncovered anything from other web sites as of this point. My question is what could have caused this? Is there a common chemical used for dilation that could have been used? Is there a substitute for this chemical, should I need to have my eyes dilated again? Is this a well known side effect?

Thanks in advance.

[CC929]

A related discussion, Allergic Reaction to dialating eye drops was started.

[kalin20]

A related discussion, getting your eyes dilated was started.

[AnnaE]

Hi,

I am not a doctor, but an eye patient.. The doctor will answer you, but please know that what you experienced is not common at all.

[kussese]

Thanks for your response, and I'll be sure to take the advice, but I'd still like to know if this is a well known problem during the eye dilation process. Has anything similar ever happened to any of your patients?

[Sandy Feldman, MD, MS]

Dear kussese,

I would ask for the names of all of the drops that were put in your eye.  Then, I would proceed to your internal medicine doctor to have him/her assist you in the process.  

Dr. Feldman

Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California