Whether you are having a routine eye exam or starting a new treatment for dry eye or myopia, it is natural to wonder what the side effects might be. The good news is that the vast majority of treatments prescribed by optometrists carry only mild, temporary side effects. Understanding what is normal and what requires a call to your doctor helps you feel prepared and confident.
Side effects from routine eye exams
A comprehensive eye exam is the foundation of your eye health, and the side effects are typically related to the diagnostic tools used.
Eye dilation drops
Dilation is essential for examining the retina and optic nerve. The most common side effects include:
- Blurry near vision - Drops temporarily relax the focusing muscle, making reading difficult for 3 to 6 hours.
- Light sensitivity - The pupil remains wide, letting in more light. Bright sunlight may feel uncomfortable.
- Mild stinging upon drop instillation - This lasts only a few seconds.
These effects are normal and resolve as the drops wear off. Wearing sunglasses and avoiding driving until vision clears is recommended.
Air puff or contact tonometry
Measuring eye pressure (to screen for glaucoma) may cause brief, mild discomfort. Some patients experience a small amount of tearing or a faint sensation of a foreign body for a few minutes afterward. This is not harmful and does not affect vision.
Side effects from contact lenses
Contact lenses are a safe and effective option for millions of people. However, even with proper care, some temporary side effects can occur, especially during the initial adjustment period.
- Dryness or scratchiness - Especially at the end of the day or in air-conditioned or heated environments. Using rewetting drops approved for contact lenses can help.
- Mild redness - Slight redness upon waking or after extended wear may occur if the lenses are not fitting perfectly or if the eyes are tired.
- Blurry vision when first inserting - It can take a few minutes for the lens to settle and for your tear film to distribute evenly.
- Slight discomfort with toric lenses - Lenses for astigmatism may rotate slightly during blinking, causing brief blur. This usually resolves quickly.
If you experience persistent pain, light sensitivity, or sudden vision changes, remove the lenses immediately and contact your optometrist.
Side effects from dry eye treatments
Dry eye is a chronic condition, and treatments are designed to improve comfort over time. Some initial side effects are expected.
Artificial tears and lubricating drops
- Temporary blurring - Some thicker drops or gels can blur vision for 1 to 3 minutes. Using them at bedtime helps avoid daytime blur.
- Stinging - Preservative-free single-dose drops tend to have less sting, while some preservative agents can cause transient irritation.
Prescription drops (e.g., cyclosporine, lifitegrast)
- Burning or stinging - A common and expected side effect that often lasts 30 to 60 seconds after each dose. It typically decreases with continued use.
- Unusual taste - Some drops can cause a metallic or bitter taste as the medication drains into the nasal passages.
In-office treatments (e.g., IPL, blepharoexfoliation)
- Temporary redness or warmth - The treated eyelid area may appear slightly pink or feel warm for a few hours.
- Mild discomfort during the procedure - Most patients describe it as a brief, tolerable sensation.
Side effects from myopia control treatments (children)
For children using atropine drops or specialized contact lenses to slow nearsightedness, side effects are usually mild.
- Atropine drops (low dose) - May cause slight pupil dilation and light sensitivity. Children might need sunglasses outdoors on very bright days.
- Orthokeratology (ortho-k) lenses - Some children experience mild temporary blur or halos around lights at night during the first few weeks of wear.
When side effects require further care
While most side effects are normal, you should contact your optometrist if you experience:
- Pain that is more than mild or that worsens over time
- Vision changes that do not resolve within a few hours or days
- Redness that spreads or is accompanied by discharge
- Sensitivity to light that persists after dilation drops have worn off
- Swelling or itching of the eyelids or the skin around the eyes
Your optometrist is your partner in clear, comfortable vision. Do not hesitate to call if you have any concerns. They can adjust your treatment plan or recommend alternatives to minimize side effects while still achieving the best visual outcome for you.