Pupillary dilation: The patient's perspective

Background: Mydriatic agents are used in optometric practice to dilate the pupil and facilitate the use of techniques, such as binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy to visualise the fundus. While the effects such pharmacological agents have on the size of the pupil are obvious, information regarding the patient's perception of the effects of mydriasis is less well established. Methods: A survey of patients presenting consecutively to a suburban optometric practice was performed to document the patient's perceptions of pupillary dilation. Results: Most patients reported that mydriasis resulted in blurry vision and increased sensitivity to glare, which interfered with some aspects of their everyday life, notably driving a motor vehicle. However, the majority of patients were prepared to undergo mydriasis at future eye examinations, if required. Conclusions: Practitioners should not refrain from performing mydriatic fundus examinations simply because of a perceived inconvenience to their patients. Nevertheless, care should be exercised and patients should be informed of the potential for visual disturbances with mydriasis, especially those patients driving a motor vehicle directly after the examination.