Certified Paraoptometric Practice Test

What is a common side effect of eye drops used for dilation?

1. Redness in the eyes

2. Increased tear production

3. Blurred vision

4. Improved night vision

The correct answer is: Blurred vision

Blurred vision is indeed a common side effect of eye drops used for dilation. These drops contain agents that temporarily paralyze the ciliary muscle, which is responsible for adjusting the lens to focus on objects at different distances. This paralysis leads to an inability to focus, causing blurred vision. The dilation of the pupils also alters the way light enters the eye, which can exacerbate visual distortion and further contribute to blurred vision. In contrast, redness in the eyes can occur due to a variety of reasons, including irritation from the drops themselves but is not a primary side effect linked to dilation. Increased tear production is typically not a direct effect of dilation drops and may vary between individuals. Improved night vision is generally not associated with dilation; in fact, dilation often reduces the ability to see well in low-light conditions due to decreased ability to adjust the pupil size and let in appropriate amounts of light.