Use of Eye Drops During Exams

The purpose of this medication is to make it possible for the doctor to get a better look inside the eyes (by enlarging or dilating the pupils) and to determine more accurately their refractive or optical condition (so that glasses can be prescribed, if necessary).

Dilating drops are given after vision and other eye functions have been tested by the doctor.

Usually, this is done by the medical assistant in a special room, but sometimes the doctor gives the drops in the examination room. Younger children receive a small reward after allowing drops to be placed in their eyes.

Most children need to receive two or three different kinds of drops and, after a few minutes, one or more of these may need to be given a second time. The drops cause mild stinging that lasts for a minute or two when they are placed in the eye. This discomfort can be reduced by giving an additional anesthetic (numbing) drop first.

Sometimes drops are given for other reasons, including the need to reduce discomfort following an injury or to help measure the pressure in the eyes. The nature, specific purpose and effect (which usually does not include blurring of vision) of any medication will be explained to you by your doctor.