Can eye dilation cause discomfort and pain an hour later?
AUG 15, 2018
Question:
After an hour or so after my eyes are dilated there is pain. It feels like eye strain or pressure, to the point that I have to close my eyes (although it still hurts) and go to bed. Is this just discomfort or is it causing harm to the eyes?
Answer:
This could be a benign (harmless) reaction to drops because it irritates your eyes. However, in a patient with narrow angles (when the colored part of your eye is pushed too far forward, potentially blocking fluid and raising intraocular pressure), dilation can cause a significant pressure rise in your eyes that can cause these symptoms and this can be serious. In view of these symptoms you should be checked for narrow angles, which involves an in-office exam by your ophthalmologist.