Detached retina examination at opticians

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Hello,

I have an upcoming appointment to examine whether I have a detached retina. I have been told the eyedrops used will affect my vision and could last up to 8 hours. Has anyone had this before? I’m feeling very nervous, how much did it affect your vision?

It's just a drop that dilates your pupil so the optometrist can get a better look at your peripheral retina... it makes your vision slightly blurred but not hugely and makes you more sensitive to glare/bright lights since your pupils won't be able to constrict like they normally would. Probably a good idea to bring sunglasses! Try not to worry x

It makes your vision blurry so you can't read but can still see enough to move around etc. You're not allowed to drive obviously. Sunglasses can be helpful as it can make your eyes more light sensitive. Lasts about 5 hours for me but then my eyes/head feel a bit weird for a few more hours.

I’ve had it done loads of times. (Retinal issues here). You won’t be able to read / drive etc for a few hours, I find it usually wears off after around 3-4 hours. 8 seems like a stretch! The drops sting a bit when they put them in but it’s not too bad. Your vision is like when someone’s shining very bright sunlight into your eyes and you have to squint. If you have sunglasses these will be useful. Your pupils will stay huge for a few hours.

I don’t remember my vision being affected that much or for that long, although they told me not to drive. You will be very sensitive to daylight so take some sunglasses with you.

Hope it goes well. The eyedrops are nothing to worry about - didn't even sting for me. Like others have said, the impact on vision wears off after a few hours.

Thank you for getting back to me. When you say blurry, are you still able to see outlines etc?

Yes you can see objects just not read close print. So I can see my phone in my hand, for example, and see what colour the screen is but can't make out the words. You can see well enough to walk around without bumping into anything, it's just everything is a bit fuzzy and out of focus.

I've had these a few times, I don't remember any stinging, they send me to wander round the shops for 15 minutes while they take effect, so the appointment will take up more time.
Afterwards I have a 15 minute walk home, including crossing busy roads and it's never a problem, detail might be a bit fuzzy. You'll be fine.

First time I had it done, they didn’t pre warn me at all. After the appointment I drove back to work and carried on my day. Close up was more blurry than distance. Last time I had it done was in hospital and they made me sit in the waiting room for 30 minutes afterwards.

The light sensitivity was the worst thing.