Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

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
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
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.

Helpful - 0
711220 tn?1251891127
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
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.






Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Eye Care Community

Top General Health Answerers
177275 tn?1511755244
Kansas City, MO
Avatar universal
Grand Prairie, TX
Avatar universal
San Diego, CA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Discharge often isn't normal, and could mean an infection or an STD.
In this unique and fascinating report from Missouri Medicine, world-renowned expert Dr. Raymond Moody examines what really happens when we almost die.
Think a loved one may be experiencing hearing loss? Here are five warning signs to watch for.
When it comes to your health, timing is everything
We’ve got a crash course on metabolism basics.
Learn what you can do to avoid ski injury and other common winter sports injury.