Excessive exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun, cigarette smoking, and certain medications are also considered risk factors that may lead to the development of cataracts. Cataracts can be hereditary in some family situations. Generally, dilation of the pupil will last for three to six hours and will primarily affect your near or close up vision. However, it is not uncommon for dilation to last up to 24 hours for some patients depending on the eye drops used to achieve dilation. Different eye drops are used for various ages of patients.
Most patients can drive home after their eye exam, and sunglasses are encouraged to be worn.
Disposable sunglasses are provided for those patients who do not have sunglasses. If a patient feels uncomfortable driving home with his or her eyes dilated, it would be advisable to bring someone with you to drive. A prescription for glasses is good for two years from the date of the last eye exam. Prescriptions for new glasses can still be filled after that period of time but may not be accurate due to changes in the eye. We recommend having a thorough eye exam every two to three years.