Can you use a computer or cell phone after eye dilation exam

[Reuel19]

Can I use a computer or cell phone after and eye dilation exam or Can it cause damage to the eyes after dilation because the pupils of the eye are bigger than normal

[JohnHaganMD]

No you will not get solar retinopathy or damage your eyes under the scenario you describe.   Discomfort persisting longer than it takes for the pupils to un-dilate is usually caused by dry spots on the cornea and is helped by artificial tears 4 or more times/day such as Blink, Systane, Soothe, Refresh, genteal, etc. JCH MD

[silentblasphemy]

Doctor John,
I had my eyes dilated for a routine exam and I left the clinic without wearing sunglasses, around noon. I felt really uncomfortable in my eyes. I did not stare at the sun AT ALL, but there was a lot of sunlight reflecting from the cars around me. Is this scenario a qualifier for solar retinopathy? I fear that because my pupils were dilated, more reflected light than usual could have entered my eyes.

This was 4 days ago. Im freaking out. Please help me. Please.

[silentblasphemy]

Im asking here, in this comment thread because even though most posts on this forum say that there is nothing to worry about, flossy93's answer above mentions that it is a risk.

[beayricr]

Should doc make you read a test chart after dilation

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

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[flossy93]

You can use your computer or cell phone safely, but it will be hard at first.  

Until your pupils shrink back it is more difficult for your eyes to focus on near objects clearly.  Don't count on being able to read your cell or computer screen right away.  Within an couple of hours you should be fine.  It won't hurt your eyes to try to read a computer or cell screen, but it won't be easy initially.

Be sure to protect your dilated pupils from sunlight (direct or reflected) with DARK sunglasses available (free) from your eyecare provider.  The biggest risk of damage after your eyes are dilated is from too much light entering the eyes.   Your pupils can't contract like they usually would in bright light, so protect them until they are back to normal.  Regular sunglasses are NOT dark enough.

During an eye exam the surface of your eyes may also be numbed with drops.  If you wear contacts, be sure to listen to your doctor's instructions about how long to wait to put the contacts back in.  It's for your safety.