allergy to dilation drops?

[bunchel]

The last time that I had my eyes dilated, I experienced something like shock after the doctor put in the drops.  My vision was fuzzy, my head was ringing, I felt nauseated and like I couldn't move.  It went away after about 15 minutes and hasn't happened since (this was several years ago).  Is it possible to have an allergy to these drops that would cause symptoms like that?  (If not, I suppose I must have just been feeling faint for some other reason.)  Thanks for your help.

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

epinephrine is the same thing (for the purposes of dilating the eye) as neosynephrine. Usually 2.5% is well tolerated. Rarely is 10% used anymore.

JCH MD

[Dan7184]

I had a similar reaction, and, in fact, I passed out. Next time I went to a different eye doctor and she suggested I may have an allergy to epinephrine. Actually, I later found out my mother has an allergy to epinephrine. The doctor was able to take pictures of my eyes which are apparently a decent alternative to dilation.

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

Same answer. Next time you have your eyes checked ask for a milder eyedrop.

JCH MD

[RyanFisk]

I also had a reaction to eye dilating drops and wondered what was in them that caused this.  I got very light headed and my hands tensed up and froze up in the open position, also I got very pale in complexion for about 10 minutes.

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

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[bunchel]

Thanks so much; I've never been able to get an answer to this question, despite having asked several doctors!  I appreciate your help.