Allergic Reaction to dialating eye drops

[CC929]

Many years ago (well actually 16) I went in for my first eye exam. After the assistant put in the drops to dilate my eyes I passed out. Once I came to I vomited and continued to do so the rest of the day. I was disoriented, thinking I was walking one way and really going another. The eye doctor assured me that it was impossible to have an allergic reaction to these drops. Is it possible? I cringe even thinking about going back but know I need to.


This discussion is related to Allergic reaction to medically induced eye dilation..

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

I think its very important you get a list of the eyes that were used on your eyes and tell anyone checking your eyes in the future about your problem. The most common drop that might do that is 10% neosynephrine but most office now only use 2.5% neo

Other commonly used eye drops are proparicaine, mydryicil, cyclogel

This is very important. You may need to even see an allergist and have testing on the drops that were used to see if they were the cause. Certainly sounds like it.

JCH MD

[kalouco]

I got my eyes dialated today and ten mins later I had a rash on my chest, I could barley breath and I couldnt stop by body from shaking. My pulse and blood pressure went way up and the fr had to call some code so more .urses and drs could help. I thought I was boing to die. They shot me HP witb an epipen. I  got better after 15mins. My tounge swelled a bit and my throught but my eyes did not. Some drs think it was the drop others dont. My eydr said he was puzzled by my sever reaction. Any ideas anyone?

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

Of course its possible. You should try and get the name of the drops so they can be avoided in the future. There are several drops that can be used to dilate the eye or check the pressure of numb the tissues.

JCH MD