Glare and Blurry Vision After a LASIK Exam:
Causes and How to Cope

Hello, this is BGN Eye Clinic at Jamsil Lotte Tower.

The weather has been incredibly hot lately. With high humidity in the mornings, even a short walk makes you sweat, and by midday, the scorching sun makes sunglasses an absolute necessity.

I often step out thinking I'll be fine, only to find myself squinting and my eyes stinging before I even reach the clinic. While the intense summer sun can certainly cause glare, we frequently witness a very similar situation right inside our clinic.

This happens immediately after administering pupil-dilating drops. When the drops are applied in preparation for an exam, the pupils dilate, making the world appear overwhelmingly bright and causing text to look blurry in an instant.

Common Discomforts After Pupil Dilation

A crucial step in a comprehensive eye exam is the administration of pupil-dilating drops (mydriatics). As the drops take effect, the pupils gradually enlarge, allowing us to examine the retina and the optic nerve thoroughly. However, everyone experiences similar discomforts during this process.

• Glare (Extreme Light Sensitivity)

When the pupils dilate, the eye's aperture mechanism, which regulates light, temporarily pauses. As a result, standard indoor lighting feels significantly harsher, and keeping your eyes open under sunlight becomes challenging. Some describe it as "sitting by a window without curtains."

• Blurry Vision

You may experience difficulty focusing on near objects, causing text to appear blurry and overlapped. Reading a book becomes a struggle, and smartphone screens blur so severely that reading even a single line of text is exhausting. Therefore, we highly recommend adjusting your schedule on the day of the exam.

• Temporary Anxiety

First-time patients are often startled by this sudden change. Many worry, asking, "Is there something wrong with my eyes?" In reality, most symptoms naturally resolve within 3 to 4 hours. However, as it is an unfamiliar experience, it is completely normal to feel a bit anxious.

A patient I met today was experiencing pupil dilation for the first time and showed these exact typical reactions. Squinting and complaining of the glare, they repeatedly checked their phone, looking quite flustered as they said, "The text is too blurry."

A Real-Life Experience in the Waiting Room

After receiving the dilating drops, the patient sat quietly in the waiting room. A few minutes later, I noticed them covering their eyes with both hands, fidgeting with their head bowed low. At first, I thought they were just dozing off from fatigue, but as I approached, they looked quite distressed. Their brow was deeply furrowed, and their shoulders were tense.

"It's too bright to keep my eyes open. All the text looks blurry, and it’s frustrating that I can’t even see my phone properly..."

When I carefully approached and asked, "Are you feeling very uncomfortable?", the patient slightly lowered their hands, barely opened their eyes, and shared their frustration. Their voice carried a hint of worry, and their words trailed off slightly, seemingly taken aback by this first-time discomfort. Seeing them repeatedly trying to rub their eyes while keeping them shut, I could genuinely feel how unsettling this unfamiliar symptom was for them.

The Difference a Pair of Sunglasses Can Make

Seeing the patient looking down due to the glare, I immediately took out a pair of disposable sunglasses that we always keep prepared in the waiting room drawers. "Would you like to try these on? You’ll feel much more comfortable."

They carefully put them on, and their expression changed instantly. The deep frown gradually faded, and they were able to open their eyes wider. "Ah, this is much better. I thought something was wrong with me." They even smiled, appearing visibly relieved.

While reactions to dilating drops are common, they can be quite unfamiliar and anxiety-inducing for first-timers. So, I followed up with some guidance. I explained that the glare and blurry vision would naturally wear off within 3 to 4 hours, and advised them to avoid driving and use public transportation for their safety in the meantime.

Precautions After a Dilation Exam

For those planning to undergo a pupil dilation exam, here are some important things to keep in mind. This is exactly what I shared with the patient in the waiting room, detailed further below.

• Avoid Driving

Dilating drops enlarge the pupil and temporarily halt its ability to regulate light. As a result, intense lights like sunlight or car headlights enter the eye directly, and near vision becomes blurry. Driving in this condition makes your vision hazy and glared, significantly increasing the risk of an accident.

• Not Just Any Sunglasses: UV Protection is Essential

Rather than standard fashion sunglasses, we highly recommend products with a '99%+ UV Protection' label. Polarized sunglasses are even better, as they reduce light glare and provide greater comfort. Gray or brown lenses are versatile choices suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

• Take a Break from Books and Phones

While your eyes are dilated, focusing on near objects is difficult, causing text in books or on smartphones to appear doubled or blurred. Forcing yourself to read will only cause further eye strain. Instead, we recommend closing your eyes to rest or engaging in activities like listening to music or podcasts.

• Allow Plenty of Time

Most symptoms subside within 3 to 4 hours, but depending on the individual, they can last for 5 to 6 hours or more. It is wise to schedule your appointment on a relaxed day, avoiding important tasks, exams, or necessary driving.

Lifestyle Tips After Dilation

• Bring a Parasol or Hat When Going Out

Sunglasses are a given, but pairing them with a parasol or a wide-brimmed hat significantly blocks out incoming sunlight. This is especially helpful against strong summer rays and plays a major role in protecting your eye health.

• Rest Your Eyes While Waiting

Forcing your eyes open when they feel uncomfortable can worsen the strain. Resting with your eyes closed whether in the clinic’s waiting room, on a bus, or in the subway greatly reduces fatigue and increases comfort.

• Keep Your Eyes Hydrated with Artificial Tears

Dilating drops may cause severe dryness. Applying a drop or two of preservative-free artificial tears will make the surface of your eyes feel much more comfortable. We recommend using hygienic single-use eye drops.

• Don’t Forget to Rest and Hydrate

Your body might feel a bit fatigued until the effects of the drops wear off. Drink water frequently, and take a moment to rest with your eyes closed once you return home. Replenishing fluids improves blood circulation and metabolic activity, effectively helping you recover from fatigue.

Today's patient reminded me of an important truth. While this is a daily routine for us, every single step can feel unfamiliar and uncomfortable for first-time patients. I made a promise to myself to ensure that our patients feel at ease in every little moment, whether in the waiting room or the hallway.

Have more questions about symptoms after a LASIK exam?

BGN Eye Clinic is here to support your safe examination and recovery.