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How Long Will My Pupils Stay Dilated?

By Troy Bedinghaus, O.D., About.com

Updated: December 17, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Dilating drops

Doctor applying dilating drops

National Eye Institute (National Institutes of Health)
Question: How Long Will My Pupils Stay Dilated?
Answer: In general, your pupils will stay dilated for about three to four hours. This time varies according to the type of drop the doctor uses and the color of your eyes. Children are often dilated with stronger drops in order to improve the accuracy of the examination. It is not uncommon for some children to wake up the next morning with dilated pupils. Also, dark-colored eyes tend to have very short dilation periods, whereas light-colored eyes may stay dilated up to eight hours.
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